Need-to-Knows about State and Federal Report Cards

Schools are all about grading, but sometimes the schools are graded themselves. This is the case with the Federal Report Cards. Please be aware that the Texas Education Agency produces TWO types of report cards annually – the School (State) Report Card (SRC) and the Federal Report Card (FRC). Usually, CSS distributes this tip with … Read More

Title I School Improvement Grant and Comprehensive Ratings

Update: The Title I School Improvement grant is now open in eGrants. For campuses with Comprehensive Progress or Comprehensive Reidentified ratings, you should see the grant in eGrants if eligible. Please read below for CSS’ previous tip from November. The Legislature can’t seem to get enough of Austin, and the A-F ratings are tied up … Read More

Random Validations for Federal Program Compliance – Phase 2

Phase I of random validations for federal program compliance monitoring ended on Oct 23rd. If you dodged that bullet (yee haw!), take heed — there is another round that begins Nov 28! For charters, this mainly concerns two areas of compliance: the Unsafe School Choice Option (USCO) and the Title I Ed Flex waiver. CSS … Read More

Random Validations Begin – Title I, II, IV, and SNS

You could be the lucky winner in the random validation drawing this month! Unfortunately, the prize is sending TEA a bunch of paperwork! TEA will select districts for phase 1 of random validations for Title I, II, and IV. You can rest easy that if you are selected for validation, you do have time and … Read More

ESSA Basic Program Requirements: Fiscal and Program 

Federal funds don’t just provide money to your schools. They create programs. By focusing on solid programs, you can add to your school’s repertoire and improve your ability to serve students. But programs funded by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) are regulated by many rules that can seem confusing at times. As a savvy … Read More

Implementing the New EDGAR: Travel Costs

For any program to be successful, having well-trained teachers to implement it is a must. For this reason, travel is often necessary in federal programs. However, there are many rules and regulations about paying travel expenses using grant funds. The LEA must have written travel procedures and detailed documentation of travel expenses. Travel can be … Read More

Safety and Facilities Enhancement (SAFE) Grant

Are you in need of more funding to meet the school safety standards? A new grant opportunity was released last week that is the third in a series of recent state grants aimed at enhancing school facilities to protect students from violence. You may have previously received the SPAT (Silent Panic Alert Technology), and the … Read More

Special Education Timeline Rule Change for Transfer Students

Have you enrolled any new special education transfer students this year? If so, this information is for you! TEA recently implemented a rule change that addresses a district’s obligations when enrolling a student receiving special education services who has transferred to your district from another Texas district, from out of state, or over the summer … Read More

The Student Attendance Accounting Handbook

As a Charter School District, our number one goal is to offer students a safe, happy and healthy place to learn and grow as individuals. All students are different, and it is important that each district meets their individual needs, often by offering different special programs and learning opportunities. Each special program offered by your … Read More