ESEA Federal Programs Update - February 28, 2024

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February 28, 2024

ESEA Federal Title Programs Update

Prior editions of the ESEA Update can be found on the MDE ESEA Federal Title Programs webpage. "ICYMI" means "in case you missed it" and highlights when a topic is a repeat from a prior ESEA Update. 


Timeline Reminders

Review the SY24 Timeline for ESEA Applications in MEGS and SERVS.

Review the SY24 Timeline for ESSER III Applications in MEGS and SERVS

Upcoming Dates:

  • March 15, 2024: ESEA Title Application Spring Amendment Window Opens. Reference the ESEA Consolidated Application in MEGS Submission Checklist to learn what may be edited during this window. Note: All object codes must be entered into MEGS by April 30 in order to be reimbursed. The object class (100, 200, 300, etc.) under each finance code needs to be within 10% of spending. It is recommended LEAs review their applications an ensure their plans and spending are in alignment.

Image of the chart on the Allocations Transfers Tab in MEGS

Final FFY23/SFY24 Allocations Loaded in MEGS

The final federal fiscal year (FFY) 2023/state fiscal year (SFY) 2024 award adjustments have been posted on the MDE ESEA Title Programs webpage and loaded into the Minnesota Education Grants System (MEGS). Local educational agencies (LEA) will see either an increase (+) or decrease (-) in funds on the "Allocations/Transfers" tab in the "Award Adjustment" row for each program, depending on the final calculations, as compared to the preliminary awards loaded in May 2023 ("Initial Award" in MEGS).

Some users will need to follow the on-screen directions in MEGS to view the newly loaded funds if the application is in a locked status (Locked, Consistency Check Passed, Submitted for Local Review, Submitted, or Final Approved). Unlocking the application or creating an amendment will update the "Allocations/Transfers" tab. 

Districts should plan to make adjustments to their budgets during the spring amendment window (March 15 to April 30 at 3 p.m.). 

Contact mde.esea@state.mn.us with questions about the final FFY23/SFY24 allocations. 

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Requirement Reminder: ESEA Definition of Professional Development

Section 8101(42) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) applies to all programs under the ESEA and defines professional development as “sustained, intensive, collaborative, job-embedded, data-driven, and classroom-focused.” Sustained is further defined as “not stand-alone, 1-day, or short-term workshops.”

In response to a recent U.S. Department of Education survey, many LEAs in Minnesota reported using Title II, Part A funds for short-term professional development. Such activities do not comply with the statutory definition of professional development if they are not part of a planned series of related and reinforcing activities that have an “expected substantial, measurable, and positive impact” on student performance [section 2001(1)].

The definition applies to all ESEA Title programs. Guidance about Title II, Part A Professional Development is available on the MDE Title II, Part A webpage. Training about High-Quality Professional Development will be held on March 4, from 8 to 9 a.m. and March 6, from 1 to 2 p.m.

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Upcoming Training Opportunities 

Join the MDE Student Access and Opportunity staff for upcoming trainings. All links to join can be found on the MDE Calendar. There is no need to register unless otherwise noted.

Class Size Reduction: Applying Federal Requirements when Using Title II, Part A Funds

Participants will learn the four requirements and the information needed to use Title II, Part A funds to reduce the size of a class. This session will be offered on Feb. 28. 

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Title II, Part A High-Quality Professional Development

Participants will learn the purpose of Title II, Part A funds for Professional Development, the federal requirements for Professional Development, steps to plan for High-Quality Professional Development, and the federal definition of High-Quality Professional Development. This session will be offered twice.

New to ESEA Title Programs Networking Session – March

Each meeting will cover all things related to the implementation of activities funded by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Each session will include new learning and ample time for questions, answers, and networking. 

Virtual Making Connections Workshop

This workshop will give you a brief overview of the Migrant Education Program. During this interactive workshop, participants will learn about resources, collaboration efforts, and ways to help remove barriers for highly mobile families working in agriculture. We will discuss the expectations of the migrant liaison, tools, reporting requirements and learn how to advocate for migratory students.

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