This interactive session will provide an in-depth look at the best practices for effective grant management. We’ll explore the foundation of federal grant requirements, examine each phase of the grant life cycle, and map out the application process. You’ll learn the requirements for expenditure reporting, strong documentation and recordkeeping, and how to close-out your grants successfully. The session also will highlight the tools, training, and support resources available from TEA to help you keep every project structurally sound and built to last.

Join us for a hands-on exploration of the comprehensive needs assessment process—your essential first step in constructing effective improvement plans across federal programs.  The session will also emphasize the “scaffolding” of meaningful stakeholder consultation, offering insights and methods to ensure communication is timely, collaborative, and aligned with federal statutory requirements. Participants will walk away with tools and techniques to support the needs assessment and consultation processes for ensuring well-built, sustainable improvement plans.

Join us for a hands-on exploration of the comprehensive needs assessment process—your essential first step in constructing effective improvement plans across federal programs.  The session will also emphasize the “scaffolding” of meaningful stakeholder consultation, offering insights and methods to ensure communication is timely, collaborative, and aligned with federal statutory requirements. Participants will walk away with tools and techniques to support the needs assessment and consultation processes for ensuring well-built, sustainable improvement plans.

This session offers a fresh perspective on supporting youth mental health by shifting the focus from deficits to strengths. Drawing on current research, participants will explore the difference between empowering youth and unintentionally enabling patterns that reinforce distress. Attendees will examine what mental health truly looks like, where adult and system-level attention is often misplaced, and how schools, families, and professionals can move toward practices that support resilience, capability, and growth. Participants will leave with practical insights for applying a strengths-based approach at both the individual and systems levels.

When it comes to improving student outcomes, is all “family engagement” created equal? What does national data reveal about how family dynamics shape the health and learning trajectories of students?

Dr. Wesley Furlong will explore key findings from the 2023 NSDUH data (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) and what they might mean for schools.

He will share more about "The Science of Family Engagement" so that all attendees will leave with quantitative data about the impact of specific family engagement strategies.  

Regions 2, 8, 10, 17, 20

Region 3, 7, 9, 13, 16

Learn a clear, easy-to-follow process for evaluating ESSA programs beyond compliance. This session walks participants through a clear, step-by-step process for evaluating ESSA programs (Title I–V). Participants will explore required program evaluation components, key compliance considerations, and leave equipped with tools to begin the process.

This session will provide general best practices to assist in managing your TEA grants effectively and an overview of the Expenditure Reporting (ER) system

The TEA Special Population Policy & Compliance Division continues to support school systems with technical assistance in how to appropriately expend Title III funds. Don't miss this opportunity to hear how to maximize your dollars while prioritizing your comprehensive needs assessment. 

 This session will provide key updates and guidance for navigating the application process.

ESSA program requirements are the framework—but how sturdy is our structure? In this session, we’ll walk through the latest trends identified through the program monitoring validation process conducted by the Federal Program Compliance Division. Discover which compliance areas are rock‑solid across the state and which ones may need reinforcement. Attendees will learn practical takeaways to fortify regional processes and keep their ESSA projects built to code.

The 2026–2027 GCA Proposed Risk Assessment Indicators offer a roadmap for growth and a blueprint for building stronger organizational practices. This session explores how these indicators shape compliance expectations and support more effective internal controls. Participants will dig into the proposed updates, examine how each indicator contributes to a healthier risk‑assessment “ecosystem,” and learn strategies for strengthening their own structures. You’ll also have the opportunity to provide input and feedback on the proposed indicators as we grow understanding and build stronger systems together.

Learn a clear, easy-to-follow process for evaluating ESSA programs beyond compliance. This session walks participants through a clear, step-by-step process for evaluating ESSA programs (Title I–V). Participants will explore required program evaluation components, key compliance considerations, and leave equipped with tools to begin the process.

This session will break down federal time and effort requirements in a clear and practical way. Participants will learn the differences between single-cost and multiple-cost objective employees, key documentation requirements, and important deadlines to track. Join us as we plant the seeds for strong systems that help school systems confidently monitor and manage time and effort compliance.

Full fiscal reviews require more than a surface‑level inspection—they demand a clear blueprint, disciplined sequencing, and a field‑ready understanding of every structural element in the monitoring process. In this session, we’ll take participants from the drafting table to job‑site execution, walking through FFM’s comprehensive monitoring protocols designed for full fiscal reviews.

Just like a successful build depends on a solid inspection process, effective Title I, Part A implementation requires a clear understanding of monitoring expectations and compliance checkpoints. This session walks participants through the draft Title I, Part A Monitoring Protocol with a practical, step-by-step look at key self-check items. Attendees will learn how to identify required documentation, strengthen internal processes, and proactively address common compliance gaps.

Flash Reviews are the “quick‑turn” jobsite inspections of the monitoring world—targeted, fast‑moving, and designed to verify compliance without the full scope of a comprehensive fiscal review. This session breaks down FFM’s streamlined monitoring protocols for flash reviews, highlighting how reviewers determine the focus area, what documentation is required, and how evidence is assessed to ensure standards are up-to-code.

Great buildings start with great blueprints, and so do compliant School Systems’ Private Nonprofit (PNP) equitable services. In this session, we’ll walk through the “structural plans” behind TEA’s Program Monitoring Validations (PMV) protocol, and the self-check items School Systems can use to stress test their work before audit day. Using a construction lens, foundation, framing, and the final walk-through, we’ll map ESSA Section 1117 and 8501 requirements, “timely and meaningful” consultation, equitable services calculations, inventory control, affirmations of consultation, and documentation that proves equitable services. Attendees leave with blueprints they can apply immediately so their PNP equitable services program is code-ready for TEA review and aligned with U.S. Department of Education guidance and TEA resources.

Strong internal controls and a healthy internal risk assessment process are the roots and framework of your compliance ecosystem—you simply can’t build or grow one without the other. This session explores how these two systems work together to support long‑term compliance and organizational resilience. You’ll dig into the essential components needed to maintain compliance, strengthen your internal control “roots,” and uncover how they fuel a more effective internal risk assessment process. Along the way, you’ll learn how to reinforce both systems as they grow. Expect practical tools, collaborative insights, and a focus on cultivating and constructing a framework where internal controls and internal risk assessment grow stronger together.

The TEA Special Population Policy & Compliance Division continues to support school systems with technical assistance in how to appropriately expend Title III funds. Don't miss this opportunity to hear how to maximize your dollars while prioritizing your comprehensive needs assessment. 

Every funding decision helps shape the programs we build. In this scenario-based session, participants will examine how Title III’s purpose and intent translate into compliant implementation. Through real-life examples and guided discussion, attendees will evaluate spending decisions, clarify gray areas, and strengthen their confidence in using Title III funds to support sustainable program growth.

This session will focus on program implementation that begins with a solid blueprint. Using current federal requirements, data, best practices, compliance indicators, and implementation trends, we’ll explore how Title I, Part D programs can reinforce instructional quality, improve transition outcomes, and ensure compliance. Participants will explore how to use all of these factors as measuring tools and a construction guide to build more effective, compliant, and impactful systems to serve students.

This session will focus on program implementation that begins with a solid blueprint. Using current federal requirements, data, best practices, compliance indicators, and implementation trends, we’ll explore how Title I, Part D programs can reinforce instructional quality, improve transition outcomes, and ensure compliance. Participants will explore how to use all of these factors as measuring tools and a construction guide to build more effective, compliant, and impactful systems to serve students.

Stemming from the Title III Supports Grant, this hands-on training provides educators with practical strategies for effective instructional coaching. Participants will explore diverse coaching types and learn to tailor their approach to meet specific teacher needs, with a dedicated focus on supporting teachers of Emergent Bilinguals (EBs).

Through the analysis of real-life scenarios and insights from current cohort members on their district implementation, attendees will gain actionable tools to drive instructional improvement. This session bridges the gap between coaching theory and classroom reality to ensure specialized support for every educator.

Every funding decision helps shape the programs we build. In this scenario-based session, participants will examine how Title III’s purpose and intent translate into compliant implementation. Through real-life examples and guided discussion, attendees will evaluate spending decisions, clarify gray areas, and strengthen their confidence in using Title III funds to support sustainable program growth.

Every day, students experiencing homelessness navigate challenges that can disrupt their education. The McKinney‑Vento Act exists to remove those barriers—but many educators are unsure where to start. This session provides a clear, accessible overview of the law’s key requirements and the foundational concepts every campus and district should understand. Participants will gain practical insights, explore common scenarios, and walk away with a solid grounding in how McKinney‑Vento works in real school settings.

Students in foster care often experience changes in placement, school transitions, and shifts in support that can impact their day‑to‑day learning. This session offers a straightforward overview of how the foster care system interacts with school processes in Texas. Participants will learn key terms, essential education requirements, and the role of the Foster Care Liaison, along with typical scenarios educators encounter during enrollment, records transfer, and transitions. The goal is to provide a solid, practical foundation that helps educators navigate responsibilities and support students with clarity.

This session will equip school personnel with a clear understanding of McKinney-Vento disciplinary requirements and best practices related to unaccompanied youth and students experiencing homelessness. Participants will learn how to apply discipline policies equitably while ensuring legal compliance, educational access, and student stability.

The 2026–2027 GCA Proposed Risk Assessment Indicators offer a roadmap for growth and a blueprint for building stronger organizational practices. This session explores how these indicators shape compliance expectations and support more effective internal controls. Participants will dig into the proposed updates, examine how each indicator contributes to a healthier risk‑assessment “ecosystem,” and learn strategies for strengthening their own structures. You’ll also have the opportunity to provide input and feedback on the proposed indicators as we grow understanding and build stronger systems together.

This session will break down federal time and effort requirements in a clear and practical way. Participants will learn the differences between single-cost and multiple-cost objective employees, key documentation requirements, and important deadlines to track. Join us as we plant the seeds for strong systems that help school systems confidently monitor and manage time and effort compliance.

Full fiscal reviews require more than a surface‑level inspection—they demand a clear blueprint, disciplined sequencing, and a field‑ready understanding of every structural element in the monitoring process. In this session, we’ll take participants from the drafting table to job‑site execution, walking through FFM’s comprehensive monitoring protocols designed for full fiscal reviews.

Flash Reviews are the “quick‑turn” jobsite inspections of the monitoring world—targeted, fast‑moving, and designed to verify compliance without the full scope of a comprehensive fiscal review. This session breaks down FFM’s streamlined monitoring protocols for flash reviews, highlighting how reviewers determine the focus area, what documentation is required, and how evidence is assessed to ensure standards are up-to-code.

Is your Title IV-A plan "The One"? In the spirit of "Together We Grow, Together We Build," we’re bringing 1970s flair to federal compliance! This session takes a lighthearted look at the "dating" process of federal programs. From the initial introduction of stakeholder consultation to the long-term commitment of documenting campus needs, you’ll learn the "rules of attraction” to determine if a proposed activity is a true soulmate for your federal funding.

Just as Hiccup learned that dragons are partners rather than tools, this session explores how to cultivate a collaborative relationship with AI. We will move beyond basic "chatting" to "training" your AI assistant into a specialized strategy coach. Attendees will explore the art of the Persona Prompt and apply a three-step refinement framework to transform vague goals into sharp, data-driven objectives and measurable outcomes (OMOs).

Is your Title IV-A plan "The One"? In the spirit of "Together We Grow, Together We Build," we’re bringing 1970s flair to federal compliance! This session takes a lighthearted look at the "dating" process of federal programs. From the initial introduction of stakeholder consultation to the long-term commitment of documenting campus needs, you’ll learn the "rules of attraction” to determine if a proposed activity is a true soulmate for your federal funding.

This session guides district and campus teams through the planning, development, and implementation of a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) in a streamlined and practical way. Participants will explore how to move beyond checking boxes to create a CNA process that is intentional, inclusive, and aligned to real needs. Emphasis is placed on ensuring compliance, fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement, and translating data into actionable priorities that drive impact and support continuous improvement.

Transform your ESSA application from a compliance burden into a strategic roadmap for student success. Growing Together provides district and campus leaders with the practical tools and resources needed to navigate the upcoming application season with a focus on shared ownership among stakeholders. Participants will learn how to effectively align their Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA), federal program goals, and budget to ensure the ESSA application supports both student outcomes and district initiatives. You will leave this session with the clarity and resources necessary to move beyond ""checking the box"" and build sustainable, compliant systems of support.

The TEA Special Population Policy & Compliance Division continues to support school systems with technical assistance in how to appropriately expend Title III funds. Don't miss this opportunity to hear how to maximize your dollars while prioritizing your comprehensive needs assessment. 

Successful school improvement depends on the relational foundations established between leaders, staff, and families. Drawing on George Otero and the Center for Relational Learning, alongside Anne Henderson and the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement, this session explores how shifting to a relational state of being transforms school culture. Participants move beyond management to explore leadership as a collective process of "building together" through trust. We will examine unique strategies for cultivating a "community of learners" where the focus is on how we are relationally with others. Attendees will leave with tools to shift their leadership state of mind, ensuring compensatory programs are supported by a resilient human infrastructure. This workshop provides the framework to grow capacity by prioritizing the quality of connections.

When it comes to improving student outcomes, is all “family engagement” created equal? What does national data reveal about how family dynamics shape the health and learning trajectories of students?

Dr. Wesley Furlong will explore key findings from the 2023 NSDUH data (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) and what they might mean for schools.

He will share more about "The Science of Family Engagement" so that all attendees will leave with quantitative data about the impact of specific family engagement strategies.  

This interactive session explores strategies to create authentic, welcoming experiences in support of Family-School partnerships. Grounded in Dr. Karen Mapp’s Dual Capacity-Building Framework, this workshop will explore how social-emotional learning and effective communication can lead to improved academic outcomes. Attendees will leave with practical evidence-based strategies and energizing activities to create sustainable family partnerships that drive student success and community transformation.

Successful school improvement depends on the relational foundations established between leaders, staff, and families. Drawing on George Otero and the Center for Relational Learning, alongside Anne Henderson and the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement, this session explores how shifting to a relational state of being transforms school culture. Participants move beyond management to explore leadership as a collective process of "building together" through trust. We will examine unique strategies for cultivating a "community of learners" where the focus is on how we are relationally with others. Attendees will leave with tools to shift their leadership state of mind, ensuring compensatory programs are supported by a resilient human infrastructure. This workshop provides the framework to grow capacity by prioritizing the quality of connections.

Compensatory Education (CE) is often reduced to coding, documentation, and reporting, yet it's true purpose is to remove barriers and accelerate learning for students most at risk of academic failure. This session reframes CE as a system design challenge rather than a people problem. Participants will explore how breakdowns in identification, service delivery, progress monitoring, and decision-making limit effectiveness—and how intentional system design can turn required CE processes into student-centered practice. 

In this session, we’ll walk participants through the Perkins program and fiscal monitoring protocols using a construction‑site lens, highlighting the “load‑bearing” requirements that FFM inspects for Perkins grants. Attendees will leave equipped with a clear blueprint for navigating Perkins protocols and ensuring their programs stand on a solid foundation—hard hats definitely required.

This session offers a fresh perspective on supporting youth mental health by shifting the focus from deficits to strengths. Drawing on current research, participants will explore the difference between empowering youth and unintentionally enabling patterns that reinforce distress. Attendees will examine what mental health truly looks like, where adult and system-level attention is often misplaced, and how schools, families, and professionals can move toward practices that support resilience, capability, and growth. Participants will leave with practical insights for applying a strengths-based approach at both the individual and systems levels.

Luncheon with Cohort 1 for ACET mentors and mentees

Cost reporting is a major part of the Texas' School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program. Get it wrong and you risk missing out on valuable reimbursement dollars for your district. This session will cover SHARS cost reporting best practices, address common errors, and provide an update on SHARS' transition to the new State of Texas Electronic Provider System (STEPS). 

Discover the transformative impact of family engagement in this interactive session. Gain essential insights into embedding family engagement principles within your organization's framework, ensuring alignment with your strategic vision. We'll explore practical approaches to sustain these initiatives, assess their effectiveness, and cultivate a collaborative environment that deepens family-organization connections. Empower yourself with actionable techniques to drive impactful and quantifiable outcomes in your family engagement efforts.

Just as Hiccup learned that dragons are partners rather than tools, this session explores how to cultivate a collaborative relationship with AI. We will move beyond basic "chatting" to "training" your AI assistant into a specialized strategy coach. Attendees will explore the art of the Persona Prompt and apply a three-step refinement framework to transform vague goals into sharp, data-driven objectives and measurable outcomes (OMOs).

This interactive session explores strategies to create authentic, welcoming experiences in support of Family-School partnerships. Grounded in Dr. Karen Mapp’s Dual Capacity-Building Framework, this workshop will explore how social-emotional learning and effective communication can lead to improved academic outcomes. Attendees will leave with practical evidence-based strategies and energizing activities to create sustainable family partnerships that drive student success and community transformation.

This session will equip school personnel with a clear understanding of McKinney-Vento disciplinary requirements and best practices related to unaccompanied youth and students experiencing homelessness. Participants will learn how to apply discipline policies equitably while ensuring legal compliance, educational access, and student stability.

Just as Hiccup learned that dragons are partners rather than tools, this session explores how to cultivate a collaborative relationship with AI. We will move beyond basic "chatting" to "training" your AI assistant into a specialized strategy coach. Attendees will explore the art of the Persona Prompt and apply a three-step refinement framework to transform vague goals into sharp, data-driven objectives and measurable outcomes (OMOs).

TEA’s Division of Compliance and Inquiries will introduce participants to the efforts made by the Jurisdiction Review Unit and General Inquiries Unit. The units work together to address concerns and complaints regarding educational practices promptly and equitably.  

We recognize that occasionally families have had negative experiences with schools and educators and may feel unheard and that drives them to contact our offices to file a complaint or inquiry. Oftentimes, the school district and or charter is in the best position to help these families and by doing so have the opportunity to change those perspectives. This session will focus on those efforts by the agency, explain our alternative dispute resolution process, and provide practical examples of how to rebuild relationships with families. This will be a workshop with hands on learning activities, including opportunities to practice conflict resolution skills.

This session helps School Systems construct a durable Title IV, Part A, compliance framework—from slab to finish out. We’ll frame the statutory pillars (well-rounded education, safe & healthy students, effective use of technology) and the funding “load bearing” requirements into a field-tested monitoring & self-check punch list aligned to TEA’s Title IV, Part A, Program Monitoring Validations (PMV) and the Special Data Collection (SDC) for Public Reporting. Participants leave with a ready-to-use walkthrough tool, red flag indicators, and examples that convert guidance into day-to-day evidence schools can document for reviews. Expect quick case builds, a mini “permit review” exercise, and a closing inspection that certifies your next steps are code compliant—before auditors ever knock. Bring your questions; leave with a blueprint.

This session guides federal program staff in interpreting program compliance “blueprints” by building strong program monitoring protocols and conducting internal “self-assessments” using the Title I, Part C Monitoring Protocol, and how to effectively report on the Title I, Part C Self-Check.  Attendees will review examples of solid documentation and learn how to reinforce gaps to stay monitoring-ready year-round.

This session helps compensatory education professionals lay a solid foundation for District Improvement Plans by understanding the 13 federally required Title I, Part A descriptors. Participants will collaborate to identify descriptors in their own plans or a sample plan, use AI-supported tools to locate requirements, and draft an addendum to ensure full alignment with federal expectations. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, ready-to-use resources, and a framework to strengthen their District Improvement Plans, build compliance, and support student achievement from the ground up. 

Build on a firm foundation with compliance documentation using the Program Compliance Self-Check Guide for the 2025-2026 ESSA Consolidated Compliance Report. Make sure you have checked all the boxes for Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, and Private Non-Profit.

Step onto the jobsite of educational excellence, where compliance isn’t just a requirement—it’s the foundation we build on. In this session, Gerardo Ramirez serves as the project foreman, guiding participants through the structural framework of the draft Title II, Part A Monitoring Protocol. Together, we’ll inspect the blueprint, reinforce key compliance beams, and ensure every component of the self-check process is solid, level, and up to code.  From laying the groundwork to tightening the final bolts, this presentation equips you with the tools, materials, and construction know-how needed to build a strong, compliant Title II, Part A program that stands the test of time.

This session will break down federal time and effort requirements in a clear and practical way. Participants will learn the differences between single-cost and multiple-cost objective employees, key documentation requirements, and important deadlines to track. Join us as we plant the seeds for strong systems that help school systems confidently monitor and manage time and effort compliance.

The session will lay out the blueprint for each requirement, show how school systems can build and document compliance, highlight areas where they have flexibility in their construction plans, explain what happens when key structural standards aren’t met, and point to the technical support tools available on the TEA website to help school systems keep their projects sturdy and up to code.

Effective financial management of federal grants is essential for compliance, sustainability, and accountability. This interactive workshop will equip educators and administrative leaders with practical strategies for avoiding audit findings, strengthening internal procedures, securing documentation, managing drawdowns, and implementing checks and balances. Participants will leave with tools, frameworks, and confidence to build stronger internal financial systems that support both compliance and program impact.

Did you know that the number of Title I, Part A self-check questions in the 2025–2026 ESSA Compliance Report has significantly increased? This session provides an in-depth exploration of the Title I, Part A section of the Program Compliance Self-Check Guide, with a focus on the newly added self-check questions that will be included in the compliance report. Participants will engage in a step-by-step review of each compliance indicator, gaining clarity on the requirements and the documentation needed to demonstrate compliance.

This session helps School Systems construct a durable Title IV, Part A, compliance framework—from slab to finish out. We’ll frame the statutory pillars (well-rounded education, safe & healthy students, effective use of technology) and the funding “load bearing” requirements into a field-tested monitoring & self-check punch list aligned to TEA’s Title IV, Part A, Program Monitoring Validations (PMV) and the Special Data Collection (SDC) for Public Reporting. Participants leave with a ready-to-use walkthrough tool, red flag indicators, and examples that convert guidance into day-to-day evidence schools can document for reviews. Expect quick case builds, a mini “permit review” exercise, and a closing inspection that certifies your next steps are code compliant—before auditors ever knock. Bring your questions; leave with a blueprint.

Learn how Title IV, Part A funds can enhance well-rounded educational opportunities with a specific focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE). This training provides an overview of potential allowable uses, key compliance considerations, and practical elementary and secondary activity ideas that support student engagement and career readiness.

Learn how Title IV, Part A funds can enhance well-rounded educational opportunities with a specific focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE). This training provides an overview of potential allowable uses, key compliance considerations, and practical elementary and secondary activity ideas that support student engagement and career readiness.

This session showcases Region 6 ESC’s innovative Mini-SSA model through a statewide lens, emphasizing scalability, compliance, and district impact. Presented collaboratively with a participating member district, the workshop will highlight both the ESC perspective and the district experience, including tangible benefits such as targeted services to CTE programs of study, supplementing the enhancement of program quality, and targeted use of Perkins funds to impact rural districts. Designed for SSA member districts across Texas, participants will learn how data-driven decision-making, unification of shared service arrangement members, CLNA alignment, and authentic district partnerships can transform traditional SSA structures into flexible, equitable, and sustainable service models.

Discover practical strategies to help LEAs meet Perkins V requirements through a streamlined, data‑driven continuous improvement approach. This session highlights how to use CLNA insights, performance data, and required uses of funds to strengthen program quality, improve student access, and support sustainable CTE success. Attendees will gain clear, actionable practices for turning Perkins V compliance into meaningful, ongoing improvement for students and educators.

This presentation equips school district leaders to transition from passive funding recipients to proactive architects of their regional CTE ecosystems. By leveraging the six statutory pillars of Perkins V, participants will learn how to strategically activate partnerships with Education Service Centers, Workforce Boards, and industry leaders to drive high-wage, high-demand student outcomes. Attendees will leave with a practical roadmap for utilizing fiscal flexibilities to build sustainable and seamless career pathways.

Discover practical strategies to help LEAs meet Perkins V requirements through a streamlined, data‑driven continuous improvement approach. This session highlights how to use CLNA insights, performance data, and required uses of funds to strengthen program quality, improve student access, and support sustainable CTE success. Attendees will gain clear, actionable practices for turning Perkins V compliance into meaningful, ongoing improvement for students and educators.

Aligned with ACET’s mission to support at-risk students, this interactive session equips educators with practical strategies to guide students toward high-wage, high-skill non-traditional careers, where one gender makes up less than 25% of the workforce, such as women in engineering or men in nursing. Participants will explore tools to challenge stereotypes, foster student confidence, and build inclusive advising practices. Attendees will leave with actionable approaches to expand opportunity, promote equity, and help students break barriers to pursue careers aligned with their skills and passions.

Learn how Title IV, Part A funds can enhance well-rounded educational opportunities with a specific focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE). This training provides an overview of potential allowable uses, key compliance considerations, and practical elementary and secondary activity ideas that support student engagement and career readiness.

This session aims to expand attendees’ understanding of how TEA builds out federal grant entitlements (allocations), including Title I, Part A, Title II, Part A, and IDEA‑B. We’ll walk through how statutes and regulations set the project’s “scope of work,” how US Census Bureau and PEIMS data function as the core building materials, what safety checks are in place to ensure every calculation is structurally sound, and the scaffolding and support resources available on the TEA website to help ESCs and school systems keep their worksite running smoothly and avoid costly construction mishaps.

Many districts do not have a dedicated discretionary grant writer, yet federal programs leaders are responsible for developing competitive proposals such as TEHCY and other at-risk funding opportunities. This interactive session demonstrates how AI can responsibly streamline the grant-writing process while maintaining compliance, alignment, and data protection. Participants will learn how to use structured AI prompts to develop stronger problem statements, measurable objectives, aligned budgets, and cohesive narratives. Attendees will leave with reusable prompt templates and practical strategies to increase proposal quality, efficiency, and internal capacity.

Do you ever have trouble finding what you need while administering your ESSA Grant? Is it located on the TEA website, and where? Is it in eGrants? What about the USDE website? Let me help you find everything you need to ensure you and your school system is successful in administering your ESSA Grant!

This session guides federal program staff in interpreting program compliance “blueprints” by building strong program monitoring protocols and conducting internal “self-assessments” using the Title I, Part C Monitoring Protocol, and how to effectively report on the Title I, Part C Self-Check.  Attendees will review examples of solid documentation and learn how to reinforce gaps to stay monitoring-ready year-round.

This session helps compensatory education professionals lay a solid foundation for District Improvement Plans by understanding the 13 federally required Title I, Part A descriptors. Participants will collaborate to identify descriptors in their own plans or a sample plan, use AI-supported tools to locate requirements, and draft an addendum to ensure full alignment with federal expectations. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, ready-to-use resources, and a framework to strengthen their District Improvement Plans, build compliance, and support student achievement from the ground up. 

From Preparation to Partnership supports district and campus leaders in preparing for the upcoming school year by intentionally planning a Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) program that meets compliance requirements while building meaningful partnerships with families. The session blends guided walkthroughs, collaborative reflection, and practical application to demonstrate how PFE work can be shared across teams for greater efficiency, ownership, and sustainability. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools and clear next steps to confidently launch or refine a compliant, impactful PFE program from the start.

In the wake of historic declines in reading and math scores and the growing achievement gap, district and school leaders are under increasing pressure to deliver targeted, effective academic supports. This session offers a practical, research-based overview of how to evaluate and implement High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) at the district and school levels. Participants will explore what makes HIT effective, how to align tutoring programs to student needs and priorities, and how to select a partner who can deliver meaningful, measurable results. Attendees will leave with clear decision-making criteria and tools to ensure tutoring investments truly move the needle for students.

Moving beyond simple data collection, participants will deconstruct CNA components (Demographics, Student Success, Teacher Retention, etc) to apply root cause analysis techniques, such as the "5 Whys." The training focuses on distinguishing symptoms from priority needs, creating a data-driven action plan that establishes how the Title I, Part A expenditures connect to the needs, and ensuring strategies are documented and evaluated for continuous, measurable student improvement.

Did you know that the number of Title I, Part A self-check questions in the 2025–2026 ESSA Compliance Report has significantly increased? This session provides an in-depth exploration of the Title I, Part A section of the Program Compliance Self-Check Guide, with a focus on the newly added self-check questions that will be included in the compliance report. Participants will engage in a step-by-step review of each compliance indicator, gaining clarity on the requirements and the documentation needed to demonstrate compliance.

Step onto the jobsite of educational excellence, where compliance isn’t just a requirement—it’s the foundation we build on. In this session, Gerardo Ramirez serves as the project foreman, guiding participants through the structural framework of the draft Title II, Part A Monitoring Protocol. Together, we’ll inspect the blueprint, reinforce key compliance beams, and ensure every component of the self-check process is solid, level, and up to code.  From laying the groundwork to tightening the final bolts, this presentation equips you with the tools, materials, and construction know-how needed to build a strong, compliant Title II, Part A program that stands the test of time.

Newcomer families arrive in survival mode, yet students are expected to learn immediately. This session reframes emergent bilingual needs as more than language and outlines practical, no-cost strategies to remove barriers. Participants will learn how to anticipate needs, coordinate school and community supports, and build responsive, collaborative systems that improve newcomer stability, access, and success.

This session aims to expand attendees’ understanding of how TEA builds out federal grant entitlements (allocations), including Title I, Part A, Title II, Part A, and IDEA‑B. We’ll walk through how statutes and regulations set the project’s “scope of work,” how US Census Bureau and PEIMS data function as the core building materials, what safety checks are in place to ensure every calculation is structurally sound, and the scaffolding and support resources available on the TEA website to help ESCs and school systems keep their worksite running smoothly and avoid costly construction mishaps.

Time to Sharpen Your Saw Using Funding Transferability and REAP Tools- This session will demonstrate the different uses of Funding Transferability and REAP to confidently create a sound funding process that leads to effective use of funds.

This session will break down federal time and effort requirements in a clear and practical way. Participants will learn the differences between single-cost and multiple-cost objective employees, key documentation requirements, and important deadlines to track. Join us as we plant the seeds for strong systems that help school systems confidently monitor and manage time and effort compliance.

Effective financial management of federal grants is essential for compliance, sustainability, and accountability. This interactive workshop will equip educators and administrative leaders with practical strategies for avoiding audit findings, strengthening internal procedures, securing documentation, managing drawdowns, and implementing checks and balances. Participants will leave with tools, frameworks, and confidence to build stronger internal financial systems that support both compliance and program impact.

5 Things I Know Now as a Therapist That I Wish I Had Known as an Educator

In this session, former Federal and State Programs Director and current therapist Chris Shade bridges the gap between the principal’s office and the counseling room. Educators often feel the pressure to control environments, yet true transformation occurs when we prioritize connection over compliance. By examining the neurobiology of behavior and the power of restorative language, participants will learn how to shift from managing "misconduct" to meeting students in their moments of greatest need. Shade  will then tie these concepts into a school culture and family engagement framework and plan.

LEAs selected to participate in this workgroup should make plans to attend this session.

Time to Sharpen Your Saw Using Funding Transferability and REAP Tools- This session will demonstrate the different uses of Funding Transferability and REAP to confidently create a sound funding process that leads to effective use of funds.

This session introduces the Texas Education and Training Voucher (ETV) and explains what educators need to know to help students from foster care access college support. We’ll review the key requirements of House Bill 2537 and outline the common challenges youth face when aging out of care.

 By working together—teachers, counselors, and campus liaisons—we can help former foster youth successfully transition to and succeed in postsecondary education.

Ready to move beyond theory and into proven practice? When we align our efforts, we move from isolated checkboxes to a unified powerhouse of academic readiness and non-academic success. Join your fellow practitioners for an overview of the Student Support Framework, where we explore how to build a system that works for every student. This session is designed for those ready to cultivate a sustainable culture of support on their campus. Together we grow our expertise, and together we build the sustainable practices, expert tips, and TCSS-aligned resources needed to ensure no student falls through the cracks. Leave this session with the structural blueprint to transform your campus support into a cohesive, thriving reality.

In the wake of historic declines in reading and math scores and the growing achievement gap, district and school leaders are under increasing pressure to deliver targeted, effective academic supports. This session offers a practical, research-based overview of how to evaluate and implement High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) at the district and school levels. Participants will explore what makes HIT effective, how to align tutoring programs to student needs and priorities, and how to select a partner who can deliver meaningful, measurable results. Attendees will leave with clear decision-making criteria and tools to ensure tutoring investments truly move the needle for students.

This session offers a fresh perspective on supporting youth mental health by shifting the focus from deficits to strengths. Drawing on current research, participants will explore the difference between empowering youth and unintentionally enabling patterns that reinforce distress. Attendees will examine what mental health truly looks like, where adult and system-level attention is often misplaced, and how schools, families, and professionals can move toward practices that support resilience, capability, and growth. Participants will leave with practical insights for applying a strengths-based approach at both the individual and systems levels.

The session will lay out the blueprint for each requirement, show how school systems can build and document compliance, highlight areas where they have flexibility in their construction plans, explain what happens when key structural standards aren’t met, and point to the technical support tools available on the TEA website to help school systems keep their projects sturdy and up to code.

Join a panel of experienced school district leaders for a deep dive into the practical implementation of compensatory education. 

Human trafficking and child abuse are an unfortunate evil in modern society but educators can play a vital role in interrupting the cycles of exploitation and harm. This session will discuss the myths and realities of human trafficking, describe common indicators of youth exploitation, give real world examples of in-family exploitation, and end with a discussion on the ways that educators and administrators can effectively report suspicious circumstances. Topics will include the effect of trauma on youth, sextortion, and legislative trends.

Don't let the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) process overwhelm your team. In small districts where staff members wear multiple hats, efficiency is key to maintaining federal program compliance. This session introduces two manageable, step-by-step methods designed specifically for limited-staff environments. Participants will leave with a clear roadmap to navigate data collection and prioritization without exhausting their resources.

This session showcases Region 6 ESC’s innovative Mini-SSA model through a statewide lens, emphasizing scalability, compliance, and district impact. Presented collaboratively with a participating member district, the workshop will highlight both the ESC perspective and the district experience, including tangible benefits such as targeted services to CTE programs of study, supplementing the enhancement of program quality, and targeted use of Perkins funds to impact rural districts. Designed for SSA member districts across Texas, participants will learn how data-driven decision-making, unification of shared service arrangement members, CLNA alignment, and authentic district partnerships can transform traditional SSA structures into flexible, equitable, and sustainable service models.

Effective school improvement does not happen in silos. Federal programs and Campus Improvement Plans (CIP) require intentional leadership to ensure alignment, stakeholder buy-in, and sustained implementation. This session highlights key leadership competencies that strengthen collaboration, cross-department coordination, and stakeholder integration. Attendees will explore practical frameworks for building shared ownership, clarifying roles, aligning resources, and establishing accountability systems that ensure follow-through.

Site-based committees were originally designed with structures that reflected the preferences of the Baby Boomer generation- formal face-to-face meetings and static membership. While site-based decision-making remains essential, today’s multigenerational, tech-savvy, and time-constrained school communities require a new approach with AI as a helper.

This session introduces a reimagined model of purpose-driven “micro-communities” that align with Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z prefer to collaborate, communicate, and lead. By leveraging these diverse engagement styles, and using AI as a thinking partner, school leaders can foster authentic collaboration, expand shared ownership, and accelerate sustainable school improvement.

This paradigm shift introduces strategies for embedding continuous improvement into the daily rhythm of school life. It is a forward thinking, AI enhanced approach to build a culture of progress that is inclusive and deeply rooted in community voice.

Moving beyond simple data collection, participants will deconstruct CNA components (Demographics, Student Success, Teacher Retention, etc) to apply root cause analysis techniques, such as the "5 Whys." The training focuses on distinguishing symptoms from priority needs, creating a data-driven action plan that establishes how the Title I, Part A expenditures connect to the needs, and ensuring strategies are documented and evaluated for continuous, measurable student improvement.

Site-based committees were originally designed with structures that reflected the preferences of the Baby Boomer generation- formal face-to-face meetings and static membership. While site-based decision-making remains essential, today’s multigenerational, tech-savvy, and time-constrained school communities require a new approach with AI as a helper.

This session introduces a reimagined model of purpose-driven “micro-communities” that align with Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z prefer to collaborate, communicate, and lead. By leveraging these diverse engagement styles, and using AI as a thinking partner, school leaders can foster authentic collaboration, expand shared ownership, and accelerate sustainable school improvement.

This paradigm shift introduces strategies for embedding continuous improvement into the daily rhythm of school life. It is a forward thinking, AI enhanced approach to build a culture of progress that is inclusive and deeply rooted in community voice.

Many districts do not have a dedicated discretionary grant writer, yet federal programs leaders are responsible for developing competitive proposals such as TEHCY and other at-risk funding opportunities. This interactive session demonstrates how AI can responsibly streamline the grant-writing process while maintaining compliance, alignment, and data protection. Participants will learn how to use structured AI prompts to develop stronger problem statements, measurable objectives, aligned budgets, and cohesive narratives. Attendees will leave with reusable prompt templates and practical strategies to increase proposal quality, efficiency, and internal capacity.

Site-based committees were originally designed with structures that reflected the preferences of the Baby Boomer generation- formal face-to-face meetings and static membership. While site-based decision-making remains essential, today’s multigenerational, tech-savvy, and time-constrained school communities require a new approach with AI as a helper.

This session introduces a reimagined model of purpose-driven “micro-communities” that align with Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z prefer to collaborate, communicate, and lead. By leveraging these diverse engagement styles, and using AI as a thinking partner, school leaders can foster authentic collaboration, expand shared ownership, and accelerate sustainable school improvement.

This paradigm shift introduces strategies for embedding continuous improvement into the daily rhythm of school life. It is a forward thinking, AI enhanced approach to build a culture of progress that is inclusive and deeply rooted in community voice.

This session introduces the Texas Education and Training Voucher (ETV) and explains what educators need to know to help students from foster care access college support. We’ll review the key requirements of House Bill 2537 and outline the common challenges youth face when aging out of care.

 By working together—teachers, counselors, and campus liaisons—we can help former foster youth successfully transition to and succeed in postsecondary education.

5 Things I Know Now as a Therapist That I Wish I Had Known as an Educator

In this session, former Federal and State Programs Director and current therapist Chris Shade bridges the gap between the principal’s office and the counseling room. Educators often feel the pressure to control environments, yet true transformation occurs when we prioritize connection over compliance. By examining the neurobiology of behavior and the power of restorative language, participants will learn how to shift from managing "misconduct" to meeting students in their moments of greatest need. Shade  will then tie these concepts into a school culture and family engagement framework and plan.

If you change your morning routine, you can change your whole life. Intentional early-morning routines set the tone for a productive, focused, and well-balanced day. In this session, we’ll explore how sleep detoxifies the brain, supports overall health, and helps us perform at our best each day. Join us for this dynamic experience to discover practical strategies for boosting productivity, investing in yourself, enjoying daily activities, and most importantly, avoiding burnout.

This session offers a fresh perspective on supporting youth mental health by shifting the focus from deficits to strengths. Drawing on current research, participants will explore the difference between empowering youth and unintentionally enabling patterns that reinforce distress. Attendees will examine what mental health truly looks like, where adult and system-level attention is often misplaced, and how schools, families, and professionals can move toward practices that support resilience, capability, and growth. Participants will leave with practical insights for applying a strengths-based approach at both the individual and systems levels.

In the wake of historic declines in reading and math scores and the growing achievement gap, district and school leaders are under increasing pressure to deliver targeted, effective academic supports. This session offers a practical, research-based overview of how to evaluate and implement High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) at the district and school levels. Participants will explore what makes HIT effective, how to align tutoring programs to student needs and priorities, and how to select a partner who can deliver meaningful, measurable results. Attendees will leave with clear decision-making criteria and tools to ensure tutoring investments truly move the needle for students.

Effective school improvement does not happen in silos. Federal programs and Campus Improvement Plans (CIP) require intentional leadership to ensure alignment, stakeholder buy-in, and sustained implementation. This session highlights key leadership competencies that strengthen collaboration, cross-department coordination, and stakeholder integration. Attendees will explore practical frameworks for building shared ownership, clarifying roles, aligning resources, and establishing accountability systems that ensure follow-through.

From Preparation to Partnership supports district and campus leaders in preparing for the upcoming school year by intentionally planning a Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) program that meets compliance requirements while building meaningful partnerships with families. The session blends guided walkthroughs, collaborative reflection, and practical application to demonstrate how PFE work can be shared across teams for greater efficiency, ownership, and sustainability. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools and clear next steps to confidently launch or refine a compliant, impactful PFE program from the start.

Regions 4, 5, 11, 14, 18

Region 1, 6, 12, 15, 19

Constitution Results

NAFEPA Updates

Nationaly Distinguished Schools vidoes 

 Each year the Texas Education Agency recognizes two Texas Title I schools as National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I Distinguished Schools.  They are selected based on their success for the Distinguished Performance Award and the Distinguished Progress Award. The 2025 honorees are IDEA Carver College Preparatory in San Antonio (Region 20) and School of Science and Technology Discovery (SST) Advancement in Houston (Region 4).