Mid-year is more than a milestone for instruction—it’s a critical checkpoint for federal program compliance. A quick mid-year review can help you catch gaps early, refresh documentation, and confirm that implementation is happening as planned. A mid-year compliance check not only prevents last-minute scrambling but also strengthens the quality and integrity of your programs and processes.
This blog will walk you through a practical mid-year ESSA check to ensure you’re on track with your federal program requirements. You’ve got this!
Why Mid-Year Check-Ins Matter
There is no set it and forget it in Federal Programs.
A thoughtful mid-year review helps you:
- Avoid end-of-year rushes before state or federal monitoring
- Correct issues in documentation or implementation while there’s still time
- Improve the accuracy and completeness of year-end reporting
- Demonstrate proactive leadership and strong internal controls
In short—it’s easier to fix small issues now, rather than big issues in May!
Which Key ESSA Compliance Areas to Review
Use this time to take a closer look at the core components of each Title program.
Title I: Improving Basic Programs
- Ensure Schoolwide or Targeted Assistance plans are updated and implemented
- Confirm Parent and Family Engagement activities and policies are in place
- Verify School–Parent Compacts have been distributed and discussed
- Check documentation of services for students identified as homeless, in foster care, or other special student groups
Title II: Supporting Effective Instruction
- Confirm professional development aligns with your needs assessment
- Review time and effort documentation for federally funded staff
- Monitor equitable access to high-quality teachers
Title III: English Learner Support
- Review Language Instruction Education Programs (LIEPs) to ensure they are implemented with fidelity
- Monitor the implementation and execution of Title III, Part A supplemental language acquisition activities for LEA schools
- Monitor expenditures intended for EL/EB and/or immigrant students from other fund sources to prevent supplanting with Title III, Part A funds
- Ensure parent communication is provided in the home language- remember 806 can translate these documents to save you time and money.
Title IV, Part A: Student Support & Academic Enrichment
- Verify funded activities align with a documented needs assessment
- Track expenditures by category: well-rounded education, safe and healthy students, and effective use of technology
How to Keep Documentation & Evidence Ready for State Reviews
Mid-year is the perfect time to ensure your documentation is organized, complete, and easy to access so you are prepared for any type of monitoring event.
Consider checking:
- Needs assessments
- Budget reports and expenses alignment to improvement plans
- Meeting agendas and minutes
- Inventory logs for federally funded equipment
- Staff schedules
- Time and effort certifications
- Equitable services
- Formative reviews/Interim program evaluations
Think of your files as “monitoring-ready”—clear, complete, and accessible without hunting through files/folders.
Engaging Stakeholders
ESSA emphasizes meaningful engagement.
Mid-year is a great opportunity to:
- Conduct an internal monitoring review (mini mock review)
- Update your compliance documentation (update Plan4Learning and/or Title1Crate)
- Meet with program coordinators to review progress and evidence
- Schedule training refreshers for staff supporting ESSA requirements/funding
- Survey families, staff, and community partners
Engagement is more than a one-time event—it’s an ongoing part of compliance.
What Types of Tools and Resources Can Support Your Check-In
You don’t have to start from scratch.
Use or create:
- Self-assessment templates
- Monitoring guides from your State Education Agency (SEA)
- Internal Title program checklists
- Electronic tools for time and effort tracking
A few simple tools can dramatically reduce your stress when monitoring season arrives.
What To Do If You’re Off Track
If your mid-year review reveals gaps, don’t panic.
Instead:
- Prioritize compliance-sensitive gaps (e.g., missing documentation)
- Tackle easy wins first such as updating meeting logs or schedules
- Create an internal corrective action plan
- Contact your state program coordinator if you need clarification
- Provide refresher training for staff who manage compliance tasks
Small, focused steps now can prevent findings later.
Why It’s Important to Finish Strong
ESSA compliance isn’t just about avoiding findings—it’s about ensuring programs are high-quality, equitable, and aligned to student needs. A mid-year check-in helps you finish the year with confidence and clarity.
Need a Starting Point?
Download our free Mid Year ESSA Monitoring Checklist 806 Technologies and take one day this month to review your compliance status. You will be glad you did!
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