Here’s a thought experiment: imagine you’re sitting in your school’s site-based committee meeting. Someone has printed an agenda. There are bottled waters. The same five people are talking. The same three people are checking their phones. Sound familiar? Most schools have some version of this — a site-based committee or school site council, staffed by […]
Beyond the Committee: Multi-Generational Micro Communities Read More »
Have you ever visited a country where they spoke a language you did not understand? It feels frightening and vulnerable. Sure, you may have memorized the most important words and phrases. You can get by and survive a quick trip. You know how to find the restroom, how to order a beverage, you have a
IEP Translations: A Tool for Parent and Student Success Read More »
An August–September reset for leaders entering, inheriting, or improving a district federal programs process. Congratulations! You’ve been promoted to the title of Federal Programs Director (FPD), and you are ready to begin your first full school year in the new position. This is an exciting time of the year! The smell of freshly waxed floors
Syllabus for Success: The Federal Programs Director’s Guide to the First Quarter Read More »
Have you ever looked at your ESSA allocations and thought to yourself, “If only I could have a little more money here and a little less money there, I could accomplish the goals and objectives of the improvement plan with meaningful and impactful strategies”? If this is you, there is good news to share. You
Transferability: The Ins and Outs Read More »
If your district or school uses federal funds to pay staff—even partially—time and effort documentation is not optional. Time and Effort is one of the most frequently reviewed (and most misunderstood) compliance requirements in federally funded programs. While it can seem like just another piece of paperwork, these records are essential for protecting your district,
It’s About the Time: A Simple Guide to Federal Time and Effort Reporting Read More »
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
Mid-Year Monitoring Check-In: Are You on Track with ESSA Requirements? Read More »
School funding is never just about the money—it’s about how you use it to amplify outcomes for students. Whether you’re navigating federal programs or juggling state and local grants, the goal remains the same: maximize efficiency and impact. In this post, we will walk through practical strategies district leaders can use to optimize their funding
Optimizing Funding: Maximizing Efficiency and Impact Read More »
“Title I can pay for that.” These words sound like nails on a chalkboard to every Federal Programs Director across the nation. Teaching colleagues and administrators that Title I funds have specific allowable uses can be challenging. It is especially difficult to make our non-federal friends understand the Supplement, Not Supplant methodology we follow. How
“Title I Can Pay for That!” Read More »
The role of a Federal Programs Director can be challenging—but it is instrumental in helping schools and students achieve greater success. Here are the top 5 challenges Federal Programs Directors face, with tips for how to navigate each one. CHALLENGE #1: Getting Schools to Turn in Required Documents On Time It’s tough enough to meet
Top 5 Challenges Federal Programs Directors Face (and How to Navigate Them) Read More »
To be a leader in education, you need a strong network. But how do you go about building your network as a Federal Programs Director? As a Federal Programs Director, your network extends far beyond your district. You regularly interact with education leaders at the local, statewide, and national levels, so it makes sense
Building Your Network as a Federal Programs Director Read More »