Two Opportunities to Comment on Proposed DPI Rule Changes

There are two opportunities to comment on rule changes being proposed to DPI that impact ESSA grant funds and virtual summer school funding. 

DPI Request for Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant Program Flexibility 

DPI has drafted a waiver request application that they plan to submit to the federal government seeking flexibility related to the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant Program (ESSA Title IV Part A of ESSA) due to COVID-19 disruptions. Written comments on the proposed waiver can be submitted until December 11, 2020 at 12 p.m. using the following link: https://forms.gle/hECwSotMAmh4GgA6A.

The waiver would grant the following flexibilities:

• Local Education Agencies (LEAs) receiving more than $30,000 under Title IV, Part A would not be required to demonstrate that a needs assessment was completed for the 2020-21 school year.  Districts are currently required to do the assessments to identify areas of improvement related to well-rounded education; conditions to create a safe and healthy environment; and access to personalized learning experiences supported by technology and professional development for the effective use of data and technology.
  

• LEAs receiving more than $30,000 under Title IV, Part A would not be required to allocate specific amounts of their 2020-21 Title IV, Part A grant funds toward well-rounded education, supporting safe and healthy students and effective use of technology.
  

• LEAs receiving more than $30,000 under Title IV, Part A would have the ability to allocate more than 15% of the available Title IV, Part A funds in the 2020-21 application (2020-21 allocation and 2019-20 carryover) for technology infrastructure.
  

Expanding Virtual Summer and Interim Classes 

DPI is holding a public hearing on December 11 at 10 a.m. on their proposed administrative rule update expanding the options for school districts to receive state aid for providing virtual instruction. Specifically, the proposed rule will amend ch. PI 17 to include online virtual instruction taught to any grade level during summer classes or laboratory periods that are necessary for academic purposes.

Date and Time: Friday, December 11, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Location: Phone Number +1 608-620-9781 Conference ID: 123 710 357#