Commissioner's Special Tuesday Message

July 5, 2022

Flexibility for Data Used to Rank and Serve Schools Under Title I, Part A Offered

Section 1113(a)(3) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires a district to rank all its schools according to their percentage of public school students from low-income families. ESSA provides districts with several options in determining this number of children, including students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). To the extent that NSLP data from school year 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 are not available, districts may benefit from flexibility offered to determine within district allocations for Title I, Part A.

This updated U.S. Department of Education fact sheet explains the flexibility for using data from the 2019-2020, 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 school years for the purposes of ranking and serving schools, and discusses how to use the data for determining equitable services. Please contact Erin Sudduth with further questions.

For the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, funding will be provided for career and technical education programs within districts. This will be based on district programs that were in place during fall 2021 and attend hours that have been audited within the Technical Education Data System. Pursuant to House Bill 1 (2022), these funds will be distributed via the local area vocational education center funding formula established within KRS 157.069 and 705 KAR 2:140.The 2022-2023 tentative allocations are viewable on Kentucky Department of Education’s State Grants webpage under “FY2022-2023 DISTRICT STATE GRANT ALLOCATION LAVEC update.”

Financial contracts for signature and a funding matrix will be sent to recipients by Aug. 1, 2022.

FY2023 Federal Cash Request Statement of Assurance

The FY2023 Federal Cash Request Statement of Assurance is available in the Grants Management Application and Planning System (GMAP) in the District Document Library. Instructions for uploading the Federal Cash Request Statement of Assurance in GMAP is available on the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Federal Grants webpage. The deadline to submit the assurance is Sept. 30, 2022.

Ken Greene emailed the FY2023 Federal Cash Request (FCR) form to the district finance officer contact by July 1. KDE is requesting local education agencies to begin using the new FCR spreadsheet as of July 1, 2022. Requests made with the old form after this date will be rejected.

The instructions for the Federal Cash Request process are located on the form. Please be aware that the release of FY2023 federal funds is contingent upon the following:

• District Funding Assurances completed and statement uploaded in GMAP
• Federal Cash Request Statement of Assurance uploaded in GMAP
• KDE-approved GMAP application:
  • Consolidated Application (310J, 314J, 345J, 345JI, 350J, 401J and 552J)
  • IDEA B Application (337J and 343J)
  • Perkins Application (348J)

If you have any questions about an application, please contact the following:

• Consolidated Application:
  • Title I, Part A: Title I, Part A Consultants
  • Title I, Part D Neglected and Delinquent: Monica Higgins or Wes Blake 
  • Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction: Title II, Part A Consultants
  • Title III – English Language Learners: Neil Watts
  • Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment: Lalah Brewer or Lee Bowling
  • Title V, Rural and Low Income Schools: Shashawna Williams
• District Funding Assurances: Nicole Crosthwaite
• Federal Cash Statement of Assurance: Ken Greene
• IDEA B Application: Gary Martin
• Perkins Application: Karla Tipton

All FCRs must be submitted to the FCR inbox at fcr.requests@education.ky.gov.

KDE Launches Toolkit to Help Educators Support LGBTQI+ Youth

As part of its commitment to support the health and safety of all students, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has created a new webpage to house resources for educators seeking to support students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, intersex, nonbinary and individuals who identify their sexual orientation or gender identity in other ways (LGBTQI+).

Research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 34% of LGBTQI+ students experience bullying at school and that they are at greater risk of experiencing personal violence. Similar research from GLSEN, a national organization that works to ensure safe schools for students of every gender identity and expression, reports that nearly 60% of LGBTQI+ feel unsafe at school and are three times as likely to experience absenteeism as a result.

The new webpage will provide educators with access to research and data related to the needs of LGBTQI+ youth, relevant pieces of nonregulatory guidance produced by the U.S. Department of Education and links to national organizations that provide further resources to educators.

The webpage does not include curriculum or classroom-level activities for teachers to implement. Rather, it is designed as a source of information for educators seeking to understand complex issues.

OSEEL Wins National Recognition for its State Systemic Improvement Plan

The Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) partners with the State Implementation and Scaling-up of Evidence-based Practices (SISEP) Center for support with Kentucky’s State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). As part of the partnership with the SISEP Center, representatives from across the nation attend an annual Active States Forum to share their stories and engage in shared learning.

During the June 2022 SISEP Active States Forum, Kentucky was honored for showing how implementation science can be used to make a difference for students. Kentucky has been a national model for how a linked teaming structure between the state, region, district, schools and teachers is critical to building systemic change.

The SSIP is a comprehensive multi-year plan developed by Kentucky that focuses on improving results for students with disabilities. For more information about how Kentucky’s SSIP is focusing on improving math outcomes for students with disabilities, read “Improved Mathematics Outcomes using Active Implementation: Kentucky’s Effective and Durable Change.”

OSEEL is currently engaged in seven regions, 11 districts and 31 schools to support improved mathematics outcomes for students with disabilities. To learn more about Kentucky’s SSIP structure, visit the State Systemic Improvement Plan website.

For questions, email Veronica Sullivan, director of the Division of IDEA Implementation and Preschool, Office of Special Education and Early Learning.

Kentucky Meets Requirements for Annual Determinations on Implementation of Part B of the IDEA

The U.S. Department of Education’s (USED’s) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) issued its 2022 Determination Letters on State Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Kentucky was found to Meet Requirements and Purposes of Part B of the IDEA. This marks the 13th consecutive year of Kentucky receiving the U.S. Department of Education’s highest level of determination states can receive for implementation of the IDEA.

Part B of the IDEA governs how special education and related services are provided to school-aged children (ages 3-21) with disabilities. Kentucky’s Part B program is administered by the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL).

This year, 22 states or territories met requirements, three states needed assistance (one year), 35 states or territories needed assistance (two or more consecutive years), and no state or territory received a determination of needs substantial intervention.

More information about the 2020 annual determinations and a full list of each state’s performance and their implementation of the IDEA may be found on USED’s website.

For additional information about how OSERS makes its Annual State Determinations under Part B of the IDEA, email Hylton.

KDE’s Transformational Change Series for School Leaders

The KDE Transformational Change Leadership Series, led by Mike Rutherford, consists of three one-day conference experiences offered in both Lexington, at the Central Bank Center, and in Bowling Green, at Hyatt Place. The conferences will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. local time.

Participants interested in attending the sessions in Lexington should mark their calendars to attend on Sept. 21, Oct. 26 and Nov. 31. The Bowling Green sessions will be held on Sept. 22, Oct. 27 and Dec. 1. Each conference includes a 60-minute virtual pre- and post-conference support session.

Each conference experience is designed for optimal engagement, relevance and applicability. The conference series and support sessions are free.

Conference 1 will engage participants in an in-depth study of the nature and logic behind transformational school leadership, and how transformational change leadership differs from leadership for continuous, incremental improvement. Topics will include the leadership concepts of self-awareness, characteristics of high-trust organizations, servant leadership values, developing a personal leadership platform, collecting and interpreting date to support school transformation and the role of instructional leadership for transformational change.

Conference 2 will focus on designing and leading change, improvement science, leadership transitions, futuring and paradigm studies, creating meaningful work and principles of sustainability.

Conference 3 will center on the study of how organizational culture can be assessed and shaped to catalyze transformational change, creating community, developing constituent voice, attracting and retaining talent, leading great groups, and how to effectively market/brand a school’s improvement vision.

Those interested in participating in the training series must complete the registration form no later than Aug. 31. For more information, email Tim Godbey.

Kentucky’s ESSA Waiver Request Approved

The U.S. Department of Education has approved the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) request to waive the following program requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA):

• Carryover limitation in section 1127(b) of the ESEA for school year 2021-2022 Title I, Part A funds that will become carryover funds on Oct. 1, 2022. This waives the requirement that limits KDE’s ability to grant to its local education agencies (LEAs) a waiver of the 15% Title I, Part A carryover limitation in section 1127(a) to once every three years.
• Period of availability of funds in section 421(b) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA). This will allow KDE to extend the period of availability of school year 2020-2021 (Project G) funds for programs in which Kentucky participates under its approved consolidated ESEA state plan until June 30, 2023. School and district staff who work with these programs must continue to provide assistance to the same populations served by the respective programs. The programs are:
• Title I, Part A of the ESEA (Improving Basic Programs Operated by LEAs), including the portions of the state’s Title I, Part A award used to carry out section 1003 school improvement, and Title I, Part D, Subpart 2
• Title I, Part C of the ESEA (Education of Migratory Children)
• Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 of the ESEA (Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent or At Risk)
• Title II, Part A of the ESEA (Supporting Effective Instruction)
• Title III, Part A of the ESEA (English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement and Academic Achievement)
• Title IV, Part A of the ESEA (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants)
• Title IV, Part B of the ESEA (21st Century Community Learning Centers)
• Title V, Part B, Subpart 2 of the ESEA (Rural and Low-Income School Program)
• McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program

Please contact the following KDE staff with program-specific questions:

• Carryover limitation under section 1127(b): David Millanti
• Title I, Part A and Title V, Part B, Subpart 2: Erin Sudduth
• Section 1003 school improvement and 1003A direct student services: Ruth Swanson
• Title I, Part C; Title I, Part D, Subpart 1; Title I, Part D, Subpart 2; and Title III, Part A: Neil Watts
• Title II, Part A: Kris Jarboe
• Title IV, Part A: Lalah Brewer or Lee Bowling
• Title IV, Part B and McKinney-Vento: Brigette Stacy

KDE Seeking Feedback on Draft Assessment Blueprint for Science

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is seeking feedback on the assessment blueprint for science.

KRS 158.6453 calls for KDE to implement a process for reviewing all academic standards and aligned assessments beginning in the 2017-2018 school year. The schedule calls for one or two content areas to be reviewed each year, and every six years after that on a rotating basis. For the next year, the assessment blueprint for science will be reviewed and the process of standards adoption will take place.

Through July 31, people may review the assessment blueprint for science and share feedback and suggestions for use in the review process for the new science standards and alignment of corresponding assessments. To provide feedback on the science assessment blueprint document, please use the public feedback comment form. Feedback and comments will be thoughtfully considered and any needed revisions will be made to align the blueprint to the newly revised standards.

Due to the amount of text within the survey, it is recommended that surveys be completed on a full-size computer or laptop screen. Feedback will be collected by the American Institutes for Research.

Questions about this process can be directed to dacinfo@education.ky.gov.

Registration Open for 2022 Continuous Improvement Summit

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia™ invite you to the annual Continuous Improvement Summit Sept. 26^-27 at the Central Bank Center, formerly the Lexington Convention Center. Keynote speaker Bradley J. Geise will discuss “Data Analysis in Continuous Improvement.”

This summit will provide attendees with an opportunity to invest in their own growth as a leader and a teacher. Learn from experts and come away with strategies that can make a difference in your own work and the experiences of your students.

Participants will make new connections and build upon existing relationships with peers across Kentucky, hear up-to-date information from KDE leaders and learn how Cognia can help you address your unique challenges in your journey of continuous improvement.

To register for this event, visit the Cognia registration website. #KYCIS2022

Waiver Granted for Carryover Limitation of 2021-2022 School Year Title I, Part A (Project 310I) Funds

Section 1127(a) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) places a carryover limitation on Title I, Part A funds. Not more than 15% of the funds allocated to a district for any fiscal year may remain available for obligation for one additional fiscal year. Districts must ensure that at least 85% of school year 2021-2022 Title I, Part A funds are obligated for activities that occur no later than Sept. 30, 2022. As stated in Section 1127(c) of ESSA, this carryover limitation does not apply to districts that receive less than $50,000 in Title I, Part A for the fiscal year.

Typically, Section 1127(b) of ESSA allows the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to waive this carryover limitation for districts once every three years if:

• It determines that a district’s request is reasonable and necessary; or
• Supplemental appropriations for this subpart become available.

Due to impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Education has granted KDE a waiver of the 15% carryover limitation requirement in section 1127(b) of ESSA for the 2021-2022 school year Title I, Part A funds (Project 310I).

This approval allows KDE to grant a district’s carryover request more than once every three years. Districts that took the waiver within the previous three years could take it again this year if needed. Districts should be advised that if they take the waiver this year, they might not be able to take it again within the next few years.

Any district wishing to request a carryover waiver for 2021-2022 funds may do so no later than Sept. 30, 2022, by emailing David Millanti. The email must:

• State that the district requests a waiver of the 15% carryover limitation for school year 2021-2022 funds;
• Contain the reason for the excess carryover; and
• Describe a plan for effectively using carryover funds.

Questions may be directed to David Millanti or your district’s Title I, Part A consultant.

Opportunity to Pilot Attendance Messaging Program

The National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN) at Harvard University is seeking rural districts in Kentucky interested in trying out a promising strategy designed to increase student attendance rates.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, NCRERN will support a national pilot of LIFT Up Attendance, a low-burden family engagement messaging program proven to reduce absenteeism rates in rural districts. Districts that participate in the pilot will receive LIFT Up Attendance at no cost, as well as ongoing training, support and resources from the NCRERN team.

The LIFT Up Attendance personalized message program informs caregivers about their student’s total number of absences each month. Caregivers are provided with information on how to contact the school if they need support to address barriers to their student’s attendance. LIFT Up Attendance aims to engage and empower families and caregivers as partners in their students’ education by providing transparent, real-time information about attendance patterns.

NCRERN also will be collaborating with Infinite Campus, with express written permission from districts, to implement this promising messaging program. This means that LIFT Up Attendance can integrate directly with your Infinite Campus message center and is designed to be extremely easy to use with minimal time required – just a few clicks per month.

Interested or just want to learn more? Visit the LIFT Up Attendance project website, or email Hayley Didriksen for more information.

McKinney-Vento/Homeless Training and Awareness for School and District Staff

Under 704 KAR 7:090, one of the duties of district homeless coordinators is to ensure school personnel providing McKinney-Vento services receive professional development and other support related to addressing the challenges of homelessness and supporting homeless children and unaccompanied youth, including runaway youth (Section 2 (3)). This duty is required of all district homeless coordinators, whether or not the district receives McKinney-Vento funds.

To support districts in meeting this requirement, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is offering online professional development at no cost to schools or districts. KDE also will provide up to one hour of Effective Instructional Leadership Act (EILA) credit for administrators who complete courses.

Courses are available for specific staff roles, such as administrators, staff who work with food service, enrollment and transportation, and teachers. Staff can self-register using the instructions for Essential Staff Courses. District homeless liaisons can register using the instructions for the Liaison Courses. Courses include:

• Administration;
• Media and librarians;
• Teachers;
• Special education;
• Counselors;
• Title I;
• Early childhood;
• Transportation;
• Food service;
• Extracurriculars; and
• Enrollment.

After registration, all staff should have immediate access to the courses. It only takes 15 minutes to complete an Essential Staff course. Staff can take as many courses as they wish. Depending on demand, these courses might only be available through KDE for a limited time, so be sure to take advantage of this offer soon.

Email Zach Stumbo for more information or to obtain a copy of the EILA certificate.

Those receiving this at KSB and KSD, please make sure all employees receive it. Also, ATC principals are asked to forward it to their staffs.

Please send your questions, comments and suggestions on the Monday Message to Jennifer Ginn by 10 a.m. Friday to be published in the upcoming week.