Work continued on identifying and scheduling the MDE-requested series of OFPtrainings/professional development (PD) on federal program rules and regulations. The first PDsession will focus on ESSA’s Title IV, Part B 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Thesession will be conducted by SECC’s 21st Century leading expert on December 6 in Jackson,MS. Additionally MDE and SECC staff co-facilitated the Federal Programs Steering CommitteeMeeting #9 on November 16. The meeting had a two-fold purpose, namely to discuss ED’snew supplement-not-supplement regulations and to increase the steering committee’sknowledge of ESSA. To accomplish this, MDE staff led the supplement-not-supplementdiscussion, and SECC staff presented An Overview of the Every Student Succeed Act:November 2012 to steering committee members. MDE will conduct a Doodle Pol withcommittee members to determine the eeting date for the next string committee meeting.

As previously noted, in response to an MDE-generated request, SECC developed and submitted a proposed plan of action to the interim executive director of Office of Federal Programs (OFP) for a series of OFP trainings on federal program rules and regulations. In October, a revised schedule of trainings, which incorporated MDE feedback, was submitted and approved by OFP’s interim executive director. Potential dates for the November-January sessions also were identified by the interim executive director. Upon confirmation of the revised schedule and potential dates, SECC initiated identifying presenters and dates for the upcoming Title programs’ professional development sessions. A summary of the session presenters and proposed timeframes identified to date was submitted to the interim executive director for review and feedback.

SECC conducted an Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) professional development session for the new acting director of the Office of Federal Programs (OFP) and OFP’s acting director of finance. An overview of ESSA was provided, with key ESSA topics reviewed and discussed. A crosswalk between ESSA and NCLB also was reviewed. Next steps include SECC possibly providing this ESSA PD session for members of the Office of Federal Programs Steering Committee during their next to-be-scheduled work session. As per their requests, the ESSA handouts also were shared with the deputy superintendent of Educational Accountability, the executive director of Elementary Education and Reading, and two OFP Title I consultants.In response to an MDE-generated request, SECC developed and submitted a proposed plan of action in response to the chief academic officer’s request for the training of OFP staff on federal program rules and regulations. MDE will review and provide feedback on SECC’s proposed plan of action. On September 21, MDE and SECC staff participated in a conference call to discuss SECC’s proposed plan of action for the OFP training. OFP’s acting director provided recommendations for reordering the time frame for the various PD opportunities. Subsequent to the call, SECC staff summarized the director’s recommendations and emailed a revised PD schedule to the acting director. Upon hearing from MDE that the revised schedule is confirmed, SECC will move forward with identifying a presenter for the December 2016 training for 21st century schools. At that time ,SECC also will work with MDE to identify a training date for that PD session.During the conference call, the Federal Programs Steering Committee also was discussed. The OFP acting director requested assistance with obtaining a list of the steering committee members, providing an ESSA overview, and facilitating a supplement not supplant discussion with the members. SECC agreed to assist with these PD and TA requests and provided availability for such a session. MDE will conduct a Doodle poll of potential dates with the steering committee members and will notify SECC of the preferred date. Following the call, SECC staff emailed the acting director the requested list of steering committee members.

SECC staff participated in the Office of Federal Programs (OFP) August 10 webinar, Schoolwide Plans: The Big Picture for Principals, School, and District Staff. On September 23, SECC staff participated in a conference call with the newly appointed acting director of the Office of Federal Programs. Topics discussed included the Federal Programs Steering Committee, monitoring, the MDE/SECC Year 5 Work Plan, and ESSA. The canceled August 23–24 Steering Committee Work Session #9 will be rescheduled at a later date to be determined by MDE. An ESSA professional development session with the Office of Federal Programs’ acting directors of federal programs and finance was scheduled for September 1. Additionally, the Education Commission of the States’ ESSA resource, ESSA: Quick Guides on Top Issues, was shared with OFP staff and with the Federal Programs Steering Committee members.

SECC conducted an Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) professional development session for MDE staff in the Office of Federal Programs and the Office of School Improvement. Originally, two 90-minute sessions were requested, but OFP determined that it would be better to combine the two sessions into one joint three-hour PD session. An overview of ESSA was provided, with key ESSA topics reviewed and discussed via a jigsaw activity. Topics reviewed during the PD session included the following: state plan, statewide accountability system, academic assessments, standards, school improvement, data reporting, English learners, teachers and leaders, high quality/well-rounded education, Title II, and Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants. The facilitator also reviewed a crosswalk between ESSA and NCLB. Next steps include SECC providing this ESSA PD session for members of the Office of Federal Programs Steering Committee during the August 23–24 work session.

On June 9, the Office of Federal Programs’ (OFP) leadership team and SECC staff participated in a follow-up meeting to the May 10–11, Strategic Planning Retreat. Documents OFP developed as a result of the previous meeting were reviewed and revised as needed: Standard Routine (Daily); Step by Step Application Intake, Review and Approval Process; and OFP Monthly Plan of Work Item Requirements. OFP’s Consolidated Federal Programs Application (CFPA) submission windows also were discussed. OFP’s executive director will determine if additional follow-up meetings will be needed in the future.

SECC staff facilitated the Office of Federal Programs 2016 Strategic Planning Retreat on May 10–11. Topics covered during the retreat included OFP’s regional one-on-one Consolidated Federal Programs Application work sessions with districts, OFP’s Leadership Blueprint work, development of an OFP working calendar, the Mississippi Comprehensive Automated Performance-Based System (MCAPS) application process, and OFP action items (tasks, completion dates, and responsible persons). Following the meeting, SECC staff compiled the meeting notes for MDE’s review and feedback. A follow-up Strategic Planning Retreat meeting #2 is scheduled for June 9. With input from MDE, SECC developed two draft agenda options for the June 9 follow-up retreat and submitted them to OFP’s executive director for review and feedback. Dates for the Steering Committee Work Session #9 will be determined at a later date by MDE.

On April 13, SECC participated in an OFP FY 17 Consolidated Federal Programs Application regional training. The goal of the training was to provide instructional support to guide program development focused on a direct alignment of student needs, intervention, and expected outcomes.  MDE provided an in-depth review of the CFPA, including Title I, Part A, parental involvement, private school services, priority/focus schools, neglected/ delinquent services, Title II, and budgetary practices. MDE and SECC also participated in an April 26 conference call to plan the OFP Strategic Planning Retreat, to be conducted May 10–11. During the call, the Strategic Planning Retreat agenda was developed. Also, the May 2–3 Steering Committee Work Session #9 was discussed. Additionally at OFP’s request, SECC, as a Federal Programs Steering Committee member, participated in an April 26 SIG webinar to discuss the details and new requirements outlined in the new SIG application. 

The Office of Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #9, scheduled for March 22–23 was canceled by MDE due to a scheduling conflict with the OFP executive director’s role on the ESSA Negotiated Rule Making Committee. The executive director will represent the National Association of State Title I Directors (NASTID) on this committee. Prior to this decision, SECC staff met with MDE on March 17 to discuss the pros and cons of canceling the meeting and to confirm the May OFP retreat dates. When identified, MDE will notify the OFP Steering Committee members of the rescheduled date. In support of the steering committee’s ongoing work, SECC staff shared the following Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) resources: a presentation from an internal AIR webinar, Overview of Title II in ESSA-Professional Development Post-NCLB; an ED-released issue paper on supplement not supplant; a Center on Standards and Assessment Implementation (CSAI) newsletter containing a collection of ED ESSA information; and a Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) document entitled, Major Provisions of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Related to the Education of English Learners.

SECC staff provided follow up to the OFP’s January Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #8 by providing information as requested to targeted steering committee members, including committee work assignments, Google Docs access information to the FY17 CFPA monitoring instrument, and supplemental Every Student Succeeds Act information. Additionally, SECC forwarded to the steering committee information regarding a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the U.S. Department of Education’s ESSA webpage. The department prepared these FAQs to support states and districts in understanding expectations during the transition to ESSA. OFP Steering Committee Work Session #9 will be March 22–23. Additionally, as identified in the MDE/SECC Year 4 Plan of Work, MDE and SECC staff met to discuss OFP’s request for SECC facilitation of a strategic planning session for OFP’s leadership team. Meeting dates and location were confirmed, with May 10–11 identified as the timeframe for the strategic planning session. 

SECC and MDE staff co-facilitated the Office of Federal Programs’ Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #8 on January 19–20. Topics covered during the work session were (a) MDE updates, (b) Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and potential impact on federal programs, (c) OFP’s proposed Principals’ Institute, (d) 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Elements of Program Effectiveness, (e) fiscal year (FY) 16 monitoring through the Mississippi Comprehensive Automated Performance-Based System (MCAPS), and (f) OFP’s current monitoring structure and potential new monitoring procedures for the Title programs housed in OFP. The OFP Steering Committee Work Session #9 will be March 22–23. Projected topics for the next work session include MCAPS revisions for FY 17, Super Circular changes that may impact MCAPS monitoring, and revisions to the current monitoring protocol and instrument. As follow-up to the work session, SECC staff e-mailed to the steering committee members supplemental ESSA information.

In preparation for the Office of Federal Programs' (OFP) Steering Committee Work Session #8, SECC staff reviewed correspondence from the U.S. Department of Education and OFP regarding the newly authorized Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Staff also participated in two ESSA webinars. The OFP Steering Committee Work Session #8 will be January 19-20, 2016.

MDE and SECC staff co-facilitated the Office of Federal Programs' (OFP) Steering Committee Work Session #7 on November 17–18, 2015. The purpose of the work session was to build on the work of the previous work session by continuing discussions regarding revisions to the Mississippi Comprehensive Automated Performance-Based System (MCAPS). Recommendations for modifications to the MCAPS’ School Plan section were reviewed and finalized. The LEA Plan components also were reviewed: Needs Assessment, Overview, Related Documents, Assurances, and Checklist. Review and feedback on the LEA Plan Needs Assessment section were based on the following areas: Summary of Accomplishments and What’s Working, Demographics, Accountability Data, College and Career Readiness, School Climate and Culture, Student Achievement, Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development, Family and Community Involvement, School Context and Organization, Additional Areas, and Prioritized List of Needs. A special focus was given to aligning the School Plan and LEA Plan documents when appropriate. The next OFP Steering Committee Work Session will be January 19–20, 2016.

On October 1–2, MDE and SECC staff co-facilitated the Office of Federal Programs' (OFP) Steering Committee Work Session #6. The purpose of the work session was to continue discussions regarding revisions to the Mississippi Comprehensive Automated Performance-based System (MCAPS) and the implementation of the Schoolwide Plan in MCAPS. The steering committee members reviewed the current Schoolwide plan template. After comprehensive discussions and in-depth analysis of the various data tables and open-ended questions, revisions to the template were recommended. The next OFP Steering Committee Work Session will be November 17–18.

On September 15–16, SECC and MDE staff co-facilitated the Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #5 in Ridgeland, Mississippi. As per the request of the director of the Office of Federal Programs, the Steering Committee completed the following: (1) Development of a timeline for use by schools and districts when developing a schoolwide plan; (2) Development of a list of potential trainings, divided into regional PD and on-site TA, for the Office of Federal Programs to conduct when working with schools not meeting annual measurable objectives; (3) Revision of the Mississippi Comprehensive Automated Performance-Based System (MCAPS) User Survey questions; and (4) Provision of feedback on the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Proposed Program Effectiveness Evaluation Procedures document. The dates for the Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #6 were identified as October 1–2, 2015.

On April 4, SECC staff met with the director of MDE’s Office of Federal Programs (OFP) to initiate development of an OFP three-year systemic plan of work. During the meeting, a first draft of the three-year plan was developed, including identification of the purpose and major initiatives of the plan as well as development of a template for internal use by OFP’s leadership team. The SECC staff also participated in an August 12 meeting with staff and external TA providers from OFP to discuss the August 17 statewide federal programs monitoring training. Logistics, assignments, and handouts were finalized. The training presentation and agenda were updated to meet current regulations and guidance. The dates for the Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #5 were confirmed as September 15–16.

SECC staff finalized information for the MDE/SECC Year 4 Plan of Work’s Federal Programs Support project. In continuation of the Year 3 work, MDE and SECC scheduled a meeting for August 4 to initiate technical assistance with the development of a three-year systemic plan of work for the Office of Federal Programs. Additionally, resource information was shared regarding a Reform Support Network webinar on Sustaining State and District Reforms-Tools, Resources, and Lessons Learned.

On June 22, SECC and MDE staff cofacilitated the Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #4 in Ridgeland. The steering committee completed its review and revisions to the monitoring instrument, aligning indicators, evidence of compliance, and references with the March 2015 Mississippi ESEA Flexibility Renewal Request. A list of indicators was compiled for those items requiring additional MDE feedback. After the work session was adjourned, MDE and SECC staff compiled the work session notes, which will be disseminated to steering committees members by the MDE. The dates for the Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #5 were identified as September 15–16.

The Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #3 was conducted on May 18–19, in Ridgeland, Mississippi. MDE opened the work session with participant networking and federal programs updates. The remainder of the 2016–2017 Consolidated Federal Programs Monitoring Instrument was reviewed and revised to align with the new EDGAR revisions and to clarify monitoring instrument language as needed. Additional ESEA Flexibility Waiver and program-specific MDE feedback is needed to finalize the instrument. MDE staff will follow up on those areas with key internal staff members. The resulting information will be incorporated into the next work session. At the end of the day, MDE and SECC staff met to compile the work session notes and to develop the agenda for the Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #4, to be held June 22.

On April 9–10, the Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #2 was held in Ridgeland, Mississippi. At this work session, five new district staff members were added to the Steering Committee. The work session started with feedback provided to the Office of School Recovery on their new School Improvement Grant (SIG) application. Following this, work was initiated on revising the 2016–2017 Consolidated Federal Programs Monitoring Instrument to align it with the new EDGAR revisions and to clarify monitoring instrument language as needed. “Hot topics” for future regional monitoring trainings also were discussed. The Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #3 is scheduled for May 18–19. During that session, steering committee members will continue their work on revising the monitoring instrument.

The Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #1 was held March 2. Steering committee members provided feedback regarding the potential impact of the 21st Century Administrative Cap. Subsequent to that discussion, the majority of the work session was devoted to the Mississippi Comprehensive Automated Performance-based System (MCAPS). MDE staff provided an overview of MCAPS components. MCAPS implementation, training, and monitoring also were discussed. Steering committee members identified potential strengths and areas of concern with MCAPS implementation. The SY 2016–2017 monitoring instrument and a review of the schoolwide plan template were identified as topics for future work sessions. SECC staff worked with MDE staff to codevelop the agenda for the Steering Committee Work Session #2, which is scheduled for April 9–10. SECC also facilitated the Office of Federal Programs Annual Strategic Planning session on March 26. 

SECC staff met with the Office of Federal Programs Director Marcus Cheeks on January 19 to discuss revisions to the Federal Programs Support project in the MDE/SECC Year 3 Plan of Work. Consensus was reached regarding the proposed revisions, and SECC staff incorporated the recommended project revisions into Mississippi's overall plan of work for submission to Dr. Beth Howard-Brown, SECC director, and subsequent submission to Dr. Kim Benton at MDE. During the meeting, a draft agenda for the upcoming Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #1 was developed. As a follow-up to the meeting and at the request of Cheeks, SECC staff contacted additional Office of Federal Programs staff to review the draft agenda for feedback. The additional recommendations were incorporated into the draft agenda, which SECC staff emailed to the Federal Programs director for his review and final approval. A date for the Office of Federal Programs strategic planning session was scheduled for March 26. Potential April dates also were identified for a Federal Programs Committee of Practitioners meeting. At MDE’s request, on February 26 SECC staff emailed the agenda and work session logistical information to Steering Committee members.

The Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #15 was held January 8–9. Topics discussed included the following: (a) Name change from “Federal Programs Advisory Council” to “Federal Programs Steering Committee;” (b) Steering Committee membership, roles, and responsibilities; (c) potential restructuring of the state Committee of Practitioners to include five steering committees, including the Federal Programs Steering Committee; (d) strategies to facilitate communication between OFP and local school districts; (e) Incorporation of the Steering Committee’s comprehensive needs assessment work into the Mississippi Comprehensive Automated Performance-based System (MCAPS); (f) alignment of schoolwide plans, MS SOARS, and MCAPS; and (g) revisions to the Cycle II Technical Assistance monitoring of school districts. Draft #3 of the comprehensive needs assessment was reviewed, revised to reflect additional feedback, and finalized. Two strengths/weaknesses analyses were completed: (a) MS SOARS and schoolwide plan components and (b) MCAPS and schoolwide plan components. Next steps were identified for the newly named Federal Programs Steering Committee, including identifying March 2 as the date for the Federal Programs Steering Committee Work Session #1. MDE’s Office of Federal Programs will identify new dates for the Federal Programs Committee of Practitioners to meet. Additionally, SECC is scheduled to meet in February with the OFP director regarding the need from SECC for parental engagement technical assistance.

SECC staff met with the director of MDE’s Office of Federal Programs (OFP) on December 2, 2014. Projects within the Office of Federal Programs were discussed, including the Federal Programs Committee of Practitioners (COP), the Federal Programs Advisory Council, parental engagement, and English learners work. A projected December 2014–February 2015 timeline for Federal Programs Committee of Practitioners and Federal Programs Advisory Council work was developed. The agenda for the January 8–9, 2015, Federal Programs Advisory Council Work Session #15 agenda was revised to reflect the current direction of OFP. The OFP director will check with his staff regarding the need for SECC parental engagement technical assistance and will follow up regarding continuing the November 2014 English Learners work. Staff also provided the OFP director with feedback on OFP priorities and projects.

The Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #14 was held November 13–14. The work session opened with Advisory Council networking and updates, followed by an in-depth conversation with the Office of Federal Programs’ bureau director. Topics discussed included the council’s work on comprehensive needs assessment, revisions to the Cycle II monitoring process, School Effectiveness Review Process, schoolwide plans, federal programs consolidated monitoring instrument, Distinguished Schools process, and an update of Advisory Council tasks. Following this conversation, the remainder of the work session was devoted to finalizing revisions to the second draft of the comprehensive needs assessment template. The resulting third draft will be formatted and emailed to Advisory Council members prior to the next work session #15, to be held January 8–9, 2015.

In preparation for the November 13-14 Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #14, MDE and SECC staff reviewed the agenda, projected work session content, and relevant documents. The finalized agenda was emailed to Advisory Board members for their review and feedback. The Mississippi Comprehensive Automated Performance-Based System (MCAPS) and the Title I Distinguished School designations will be addressed during the November work session.

Staff from MDE and SECC discussed logistics and finalized documents for the November 13–14 Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #14. SECC staff facilitated correspondence to the advisory board members regarding this work session. The advisory board’s provision of feedback to MDE on Title I Distinguished School designations was delayed until a later date, to be determined by MDE.

On August 8, SECC staff met with a MDE planning team to discuss the “Federal Programs Support” section of the Mississippi Year 3 Plan of Work. SECC staff copresented with MDE staff and external consultants on August 12 and 14 at MDE’s regional professional development sessions, District Preparations for Federal Programs Monitoring Visits: SY 2015–16 Monitoring Instrument and Required Documentation. During these sessions, the team reviewed with local school districts indicators and evidence of compliance for the 2015–16 Consolidated Federal Programs Monitoring Instrument. The SECC also worked with staff to finalize planning for the Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #13, which was held August 21–22. During this work session, participants reviewed revised indicators for the FY 2015–16 Monitoring Instrument, finalized the draft of a sample comprehensive needs assessment template, and revised the plan/timelines for additional Advisory Council tasks. The next Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #14 will be held November 13–14. Other upcoming Advisory Council activities include providing feedback in September to MDE on Title I Distinguished School designations and participating in an October webinar with MDE staff on the Mississippi Comprehensive Automated Performance-Based System (MCAPS).

In July, MDE and SECC staff met to initiate planning for the August Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #13. The group developed an agenda and communication documents. They also discussed potential technical assistance (TA) requests for inclusion in the MDE/SECC Year 3 Plan of Work. A draft template of the TA requests was codeveloped and submitted to MDE staff for review and feedback.

The Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #12 was held June 3–4, 2014. During the work session, participants identified components of an effective Federal Programs comprehensive needs assessment (CNA), reviewed and provided feedback on sample CNA documents, and initiated development of a sample CNA template. SECC staff also provided feedback on key monitoring instrument indicators. Additionally, SECC acted as a thought partner to MDE staff in the development of the agenda for the upcoming August 2014 regional monitoring professional development sessions, District Preparations for Federal Programs Monitoring Visits: SY 2015-16 Monitoring Instrument and Required Documentation.

On May 14, MDE and SECC staff met to discuss the content for the Federal Programs Advisory Council Work Session #12, to be held June 3-4. Dates for the annual regional monitoring training session were identified as August 12 (Oxford, Mississippi) and August 14 (Hattiesburg, Mississippi). MDE and SECC staff collaboratively worked to develop the agenda for the work session. The agenda and logistical information were disseminated to Advisory Council members.

The Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #11 was held February 1–2. Day 1 of the work session focused on development of the School Effectiveness Review Process (SERP), formerly known as the Peer Review Process. A revised SERP revised questionnaire was developed. On Day 2, there were three items covered (a) development of proposed SERP outcomes, (b) revision of SY2015–16 monitoring instrument, and (c) discussion of methods to support Focus Schools. The next Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #12 will be held June 3–4.

On March 3 and March 26, MDE and SECC staff collaboratively worked to develop the agenda for the Federal Programs Advisory Council Work Session #11, to be held April 1–2. During the March 26 MDE/SECC meeting, the Year 2 Plan of Work projects were reviewed, with a special emphasis on those projects affiliated with the Office of Federal Programs. Also discussed was the May 21–22, Alabama/Mississippi State Community of Practice (AMSCoP) work session. Next steps were identified, with discussions to be continued at the upcoming Advisory Council Work Session #11.

The Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #10 was held February 6–7. During the work session, the Advisory Council reviewed MDE’s response to the document, Federal Programs Advisory Board Recommendations for FY15 Peer Review Process. Using the feedback provided, the council revised the FY15 CFPA Peer Review Process Questionnaire and developed the accompanying FY 15 Peer Review Process Guidance Document. Additional topics of work included (a) identification of recommended topics for the Office of Federal Programs’ concurrent sessions at the upcoming Mississippi Association of School Administrators’ conference; (b) feedback on developing a new format for the Spring FY15 Consolidated Federal Programs Application (CFPA) training; and (c) update of the alignment of the MDE’s Schoolwide Plan and the Mississippi Principal Evaluation System (MPES). The Advisory Council also identified a timeline for completion of tasks assigned by MDE: (a) update of the SY2014–2015 and SY 2015–2016 monitoring instruments (to be completed by July 2014); (b) review and feedback on the SY2015–2016 comprehensive needs assessment (to be completed by December 2014); and (c) review and feedback of the SY2–2016 Schoolwide Plan (to be completed by February 2015). Additional topics, such as methodology to support Focus Schools and effective program evaluation, also will be added to the list of Advisory Council tasks to be accomplished. The next Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #11 will be held April 1–2.

On January 3, MDE and SECC staff met to initiate work on a summary of the Office of Federal Programs’ work accomplished in 2013. The Federal Programs Advisory Council Work Session #9 met January 9–10. The following agenda topics were discussed during the work session: (a) development of a rubric for evaluating local education agency (LEA)/principal peer review interview responses; (b) definition of “high risk” and “low risk” LEAs; (c) composition of the LEA peer review interview team; (d) potential documentation/data for peer review interview; (e) peer review guidance document; (f) possibility of regional peer review interviews; (g) relationship of Schoolwide Plan/Mississippi Principal Evaluation System; and (h) Office of Federal Programs’ State Board of Education report. The next work session, Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #10, will be held February 6-7. Additionally, SECC staff co-presented with the MDE and MDE consultants a session entitled, Federal Programs Updates, at the 2014 MASS/Alliance Winter Conference inNatchez, Mississippi.

In December, MDE and SECC staff finalized the content and codeveloped the agenda for the Federal Programs Advisory Council Work Session #9, to be held January 9–10, in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Anticipated outcomes for the work session are as follows: a) continue development of a template/guidance to assist districts in their preparations for the 2014 CFPA peer review process, and b) continue discussion of development of a one-page template, to be completed by principals, on how the Schoolwide Plan and the Mississippi Principal Evaluation System (MPES) support evaluation goals, including monitoring instrument documentation.

Staff from MDE and SECC collaborated to co-develop the agenda and content for the Federal Programs Advisory Council Work Session #8. Outcomes for the work session, conducted November 21–22, were as follows: (a) initiate development of a template/guidance to assist districts in their preparations for the 2014 CFPA peer review process; (b) provide feedback on potential topics/content for MS SOARS Spring 2014 webinars; (c) provide feedback on potential additional amendments to the ESEA Flexibility Renewal document; and (d) initiate development of a one-page template, to be completed by principals, on how the Schoolwide Plan and the Mississippi Principal Evaluation System (MPES) support evaluation goals, including monitoring instrument documentation. The next work session, Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #9, will be held January 9–10, 2014.

The MDE and SECC discussed the time frame for upcoming Federal Programs Advisory Council work sessions to revise the 2015–2016 monitoring instrument and the associated regional trainings. The dates of November 21–22, 2014, were identified for the Federal Programs Advisory Council Work Session #8. Potential agenda topics for work session #8 were identified, with the agenda to be codeveloped by MDE and SECC in early November.

The MDE and SECC staff reviewed the feedback surveys from the two August regional training sessions to provide insight into planning and developing the 2014 regional monitoring sessions. Potential Year 2 topics of work for the Federal Program Advisory Council also were discussed.

SECC staff collaborated with the MDE to finalize materials and copresented with MDE and MDE consultants at the District Preparations for Federal Programs Monitoring Visits: Revised SY 2014–15 Monitoring Instrument and Required Documentation regional monitoring training sessions on August 20 in Oxford, Mississippi, and August 23 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The sessions focused on an in-depth review of the FY2015 Monitoring Instrument relative to the documentation for FY2013–2014.

On July 2, the Federal Programs Advisory Council Work Session #7 was conducted. Council members completed their review of the 2014–2015 Monitoring Instrument and identified those indicatorsfor additional feedback from other MDE offices. The council’s MDE representative followed up on these indicators and subsequently shared the feedback results with the Advisory Council. No additional Advisory Council work sessions. During July, SECC also collaborated with MDE to develop the 2014–2015 regional monitoring trainings to be conducted in August 2013.

The Federal Programs Advisory Council Work Session #6 was held June 19. Council members continued their review of the 2014–2015 Monitoring Instrument and provided feedback regarding necessary revisions as per the Mississippi ESEA Flexibility Request. The Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #7 will be held June 2. SECC staff collaborated with MDE to finalize materials and copresented with MDE and MDEconsultants at the District Preparations for Federal Programs Monitoring Visits: Revised SY 2013-14 Monitoring Instrument and Required Documentation regional monitoring training sessions June 20 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and June 28 in Oxford, Mississippi.

The Federal Programs Advisory Council Work Session #5 was held May 28. Council members provided feedback regarding June 25 revisions to the 2014–2015 Monitoring Instrument as per the Mississippi ESEA Flexibility Request. Members also participated in discussions regarding the Mississippi Principal Evaluation System (MPES) and the new interviews to be conducted in conjunction with the FY14 CFPA Approval Process. The Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #6 will be held June 19. SECC staff also collaborated with MDE on developing the regional monitoring training work sessions, to be held June 20 and June 28.

MDE and SECC staff collaborated in preparation for the Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #5, to be conducted May 28. The agenda was codeveloped and shared with Advisory Council members. MDE staff requested that the family involvement work be moved to SECC’s Year 2 work plan. Plans for initiating the work will be made during Year 2 MDE/SECC meetings, which will be held in late summer.

In preparation for the next Federal Programs Advisory Council meeting, SECC and MDE staff initiated discussions regarding potential agenda topics and other logistical issues. SECC also continued its discussions regarding the best way to meet Mississippi’s family engagement needs.

Federal Programs Advisory CouncilSECC staff facilitated the Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #4. During the work session, key issues impacting the implementation of the 2012–2013 onsite monitoring instrument were reviewed. MDE staff also presented council members with information regarding the calculation of student/teacher ratios. The next Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #5 will be held May 22, 2013.Family InvolvementThe SECC director, Beth Howard-Brown, met with the MDE interim deputy superintendent of Instructional Enhancement and Internal Operations who requested that SECC focus its energies on assisting MDE with the development of a comprehensive plan for supporting family engagement at the state, district, and school levels. SECC staff met to initiate planning to meet the MDE technical assistance request for support with family engagement.

Federal Programs Advisory Council The Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #3 was held October 31, 2012. Council members provided feedback regarding revisions to the Consolidated Federal Programs Application (CFPA) and the 2013–2014 Monitoring Instrument as per the Mississippi ESEA Flexibility Waiver Request. District impact and implementation strengths and challenges were discussed. The next Federal Programs Advisory Council work session #4 will be held February 6, 2013, in conjunction with MDE's February 7–8 Brustein & Manasevit Workshop.Family InvolvementA request was made by MDE for support in strengthening family engagement within the state. MDE and SECC initiated a conversation about how to build the state's capacity for family engagement. SECC conducted a conference call with the MDE family engagement liaison on January 16, 2013.