Whether you are new to federal programs or you have many years under your belt, trying to understand all of the activities associated with the ESSA Consolidated Grant can be overwhelming!

We will discuss the timeline and general overview of these ESSA Grant activities: applying for the grant, submitting reports, understanding initial/revised/final planning amounts, NOGAs, etc.

Plus I will show you where to find all the information and resources you need to ensure you meet all of those deadlines!

Just as a garden requires careful planning and the right nutrients, Title IV, Part A programs flourish when built on a foundation of strong documentation. This interactive session provides a seasonal "planting guide" for federal and state compliance. We will examine the seeds of success (best practices) and the weeds to pull (common pitfalls), using real-world examples and non-examples to ensure your program is audit-ready and flourishing.

When new leaders step into district roles mid-year, gaining a clear understanding of federal programs implementation, grant management processes, funding allocations, private nonprofit school consultation requirements, and the alignment of the CIP/DIP can be complex and challenging. In this session, attendees will examine how a newly appointed Chief Financial Officer and Federal Programs Coordinator are navigating this transition in real time.

The session will highlight practical approaches to document management, expenditure review, cross-departmental collaboration, staff training requirements, and transition planning. Presenters will share candid insights, including lessons learned to date and areas still under development, providing participants with actionable strategies and realistic perspectives to support effective leadership during periods of transition.

 Have you heard about the new TEA Diagnostic Program Review launching SY 2026-27? If you haven’t, then this is a session you don’t want to miss. TEA is strengthening their technical assistance supports to ensure school systems are implementing program services with fidelity for special population students who are identified emergent bilingual and/or homeless. Beginning SY 2026-27, all 1,200+ school systems will participate in the new Diagnostic Program Review managed by the Division of Special Populations Compliance.

This session will cover the Supplement, Not Supplant documentation requirements for Title I, Part A (Methodology for allocating state/local funds to campuses) and for programs that follow the traditional presumptions of supplanting. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in small groups to discuss a variety of scenarios.

Managing federal funds requires strong internal controls, proactive oversight, and compliance with evolving regulations. Learn strategies to identify key requirements, address findings, and implement safeguards to protect funding and ensure accurate reporting through practical examples and actionable guidance.

Many students overlook great careers simply because they don’t see them as options. This session helps CTE educators guide students toward high-skill, high-wage fields where their gender is underrepresented.

You’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies, such as real-world examples, classroom activities, and mentoring approaches, that spark interest and build student confidence. Discover how clubs, peer groups, and mentorship programs can reinforce motivation while highlighting the stability and opportunities in these careers. With data-informed insights and practical steps, this session will prepare you to lead impactful efforts that help students explore and pursue career paths aligned with their interests and strengths.

Districts don’t need more data. They need better ways to use it. This session demonstrates how AI can streamline analysis, serve as a thinking partner to uncover root causes, strengthen strategies, and engage stakeholders.  Discover how to build sustainable systems that support smarter decisions and focus on bringing purpose to the plan.