WCRIS Instrumental in Form's Creation

We are nearing the end of the 2016-17 school year. Under the most recent reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), called the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), this year was a transitional period for the new rules regulating these federal Title programs.

Changes to the ESSA require public school districts to engage in “timely and meaningful consultation” with the private schools to which they are obligated to serve using an equitable distribution of federal Title funds and services.

As such, ESSA consultations between public school districts and private schools, using the new regulations, have started for the 2017-18 school year. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has released the final ESSA private school consultation form. Your school should receive this four page document from your local education agency (LEA), also known as your public school district.

This form was developed in collaboration with the DPI and WCRIS. The end result is a direct result of advocacy by WCRIS over the last few months. It was created using input from WCRIS staff, private school superintendents, principals and stakeholders.

It is essential that this form be completed during consultation meetings with your LEA. There are sections that need to be completed by the LEA and sections that need to be completed by your school’s principal or party responsible for your Title programs. It will be used to affirm that you received “timely and meaningful consultation” from your public school district and a copy will be given to the private school ombudsman.

“Timely consultation” means that your LEA gave you advance notice of planned consultation meetings for private school stakeholders. “Meaningful consultation” means that all required consultation topics were covered and you were given an opportunity for input. The required consultation topics are listed on Page 1 of the form.

In order to take full advantage of consultations with your LEA, WCRIS recommends contacting them in advance of your scheduled meetings to ask for information on the amount of funds that will be available for Title services. With this information you can adequately plan for the services your private school is requesting. Additionally, make sure you have read the form in its entirety and that you understand your rights under the ESSA. Go into meetings with an action plan.

The form lists four Title programs including: Title 1, Part A; Title II, Part A; Title III, Part A; and Title IV, Part A.

Title I, Part A covers “improving academic achievement of the disadvantaged” for eligible students. There are several factors that determine a private school student’s eligibility, including their residency within the attendance area of a public school district.

Title II, Part A covers “preparing, training and recruiting high-quality teachers, principals and other school leaders.” Title II, Part A is designed to provide funds for professional development to improve school faculty knowledge in several areas.

Title III, Part A covers “language instruction for English learners and immigrant students.” Title III, Part A is used to support ESL students and EL students in achieving English language proficiency.

Title IV, Part A covers “21st Century Schools.” At this time no federal money has been appropriated for this program and thus the area is “grayed out” on the form.

You do not have to sign the consultation form if you are unhappy with the consultation you receive. If you refuse to sign, the form will be sent to the DPI for review.

It is important for you to understand that under the new ESSA your school should see an increase in equitable services for the 2017-18 school year based on the new funding calculations for Title programs.

WCRIS has several resources available for your school as you prepare for your consultations. These can be used to create your action plan and as talking points during meetings.

WCRIS Resources: 

WCRIS recommends you purchase a $30 copy of the ESSA Toolkit: Your guide to getting the most out of the Every Student Succeeds Act by Michelle Doyle Consulting. Michelle is a former staffer at the USDOE. This guide is a comprehensive toolkit that includes checklists, sample letters, and parent surveys to use as you prepare for consultation meetings. You can purchase a copy by emailing michelle.doyle.essa@gmail.com.

Please contact WCRIS  at (608) 287-1224 or by email at wcris.staff@wcris.org should you need assistance or have questions.