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

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

Indirect Cost Rate Utilization Survey Due Sept. 15, 2023

This must be the year for unexpected surveys from TEA! In July, CSS told you about the Survey on Reporting Real Property, and on Aug 22, TEA Grant Compliance announced another new survey requirement called the “Indirect Cost Utilization Survey.” All LEAs that were issued indirect cost rates (IDCR) in the last 3 years (2020, … Read More

New Home Language Survey Effective August 9, 2023

Does the back-to-school rush have you running behind? Well, you are not alone! Just last week TEA released a new Home Language Survey (HLS) to use when enrolling new students starting August 9, 2023 ! Unfortunately, the enrollment packets you have so nicely prepared will need an adjustment. The Home Language Survey is an important document … Read More

Real Property Survey Due July 21, 2023

Surprises can be nice, but not when they come in the form of an unexpected report! TEA Grant Compliance announced a new survey requirement that is due July 21, 2023. The last time this survey was done was Oct 2019! It’s been a while, so you will have to do some digging to complete this … Read More