Tools for Educators - School Operational KPIs | TransACT Blog

Using Remaining Funds Prior to the New Budget Year to Start School Year 2018-19 Off Strong

By Tina Nguyen | May 29, 2017

In just one month the 2017-18 school year will end, and districts will begin to grapple with implementing changes required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). As the end of the budget year approaches, now is the time to leverage remaining unallocated funds to address ESSA requirements in order to stay in compliance for the upcoming 2018-19 school year.
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The Issue of N-Size in EL Accountability under ESSA

By Dr. David Holbrook | May 25, 2017

The National Council of State Title III Directors (NCSTIIID) hosted national meetings in Los Angeles, CA, jointly with the Council of the Great City Schools Bilingual Directors on May 16th and 17th. While many topics were discussed, one of the top concerns brought up by Title III Directors relates to the potentially significant reduction in the number of ELs that will be included in accountability determinations for making progress toward English proficiency under ESSA (the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act 2015).

Anti-Lunch Shaming Bill Introduced by the U.S. House of Representatives

By Dr. David Holbrook | May 25, 2017

The “Anti-Lunch Shaming Act of 2017” was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The purpose of the bill is to prohibit school practices that single out students with unpaid meal debts. To become law, the bill would have to pass both the House and the Senate and be signed by the President.

ESSA & the presidential transition: A Q&A with Dr. David Holbrook about what to watch

By Alyssa Thornley | December 12, 2016

The election of Donald Trump and the presidential transition presents a number of unknown scenarios for school districts and educators across the country, with many questions surrounding education legislation, federal education funding, and immigration enforcement.

ESSA: Oct. 1 deadline for McKinney-Vento related parent notices. TransACT adds new documents and adopts “plain language” notices to enhance parent engagement.

By Dr. David Holbrook | October 18, 2016

The 2016-2017 school year is a transition year between the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which goes into full effect in 2017-2018. The first implementation deadline was October 1, 2016, and it related to communication regarding students and families experiencing homelessness. To prepare districts for the new laws, TransACT has created new documents, and made a significant change to their existing collection.

Come see us at WIDA 2016 “Drawing on Life’s Experiences: Designing Bright Futures”

By Dr. David Holbrook | September 16, 2016

Dr. David Holbrook, Executive Director of Federal Programs is presenting alongside Gary Cook from WIDA and Delia Pompa from the Migrant Policy Institute at WIDA 2016. The theme this year, Drawing on Life’s Experiences: Designing Bright Futures, brings together educators from a variety of backgrounds to give professional development on academic language development and academic achievement for children and youth who are culturally and linguistically diverse. This year’s conference will be held October 12-15, 2016 in Philadelphia, PA.

Join Dr. Holbrook, Gary Cook, Delia Pompa for an engaging question and answer time. The panel is set to meet on Thursday, October 13^th from 10:45am to 11:45am.

Additionally, TransACT is proud to be a sponsor of WIDA’s 2016 conference. Stop by and see us at booth #412!

Vulnerable students receive increased attention in recent ESSA guidance

By Dr. David Holbrook | September 1, 2016

The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) made some significant changes and additions to requirements related to children in foster care. On June 23rd, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) issued the document “Non-Regulatory Guidance: Ensuring Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care”, which provides clarification for the new or changed requirements.

Homeless student guidance - changes required for October 1st

By Dr. David Holbrook | September 1, 2016

On July 27th 2016, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) issued updated guidance for the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This guidance also covers the ESSA Title I requirements for students experiencing homelessness, with implementation requirements as soon as October 1, 2016.

TransACT responds to January 7, 2015 joint guidance from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division by editing two (2)

By Alyssa Thornley | June 8, 2015

Here’s what you need to know:

Education Rights of Recently Arrived Unaccompanied Immigrant Children and Youth

By Dr. David Holbrook | October 17, 2014

There is growing concern surrounding a recent influx of children from Central America who have illegally crossed the U.S. – Mexico border. Over a period of about 10 months, ending mid-August 2014, more than 55,000 unaccompanied children had crossed the border and were referred to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). That’s more than double the number of such children that were apprehended for all of 2013. Under U.S. law, the HHS is required to care for unaccompanied children that cross the border into the U.S.. These children are typically placed in an HHS shelter, where they are not enrolled in public schools, but are provided educational services by the HHS shelter providers. Later, they may be released to an appropriate sponsor, usually a parent, relative, or family friend. While residing with their sponsor, these children are eligible to enroll and receive educational services though the public school system.