Universal Desk Audit Due

Just a quick update on the Universal Desk Audit which is due December 15.  There are a couple of resources that will help with this work that you will find linked below.  If you need any additional assistance, please just let us know.  We're here to help!


Universal Desk Audit Components

1.Board policies (Public districts only) (500 series)

a.Discipline policies (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, suspension, expulsion, etc.)

b.upload or provide a link to board policies

2.Annual and continuous nondiscrimination notice (Public districts only)

a.website, parent and student handbooks

3.Elementary Program, grades 1-6

a.upload master schedule and Health content matrix

4.JH Program, grades 7 and 8

a.upload master schedule and  Health content matrix if needed

5.High School Program, grades 9-12

a.upload master schedule; upload or link to course descriptions

6.Attendance center and course enrollment data review

a.upload minutes from review of course enrollment information in your district/school

              Areas to be reviewed with no additional uploads required of district/school:

                                                 Calendar & Appropriate staff licensure

Additional Guidance

Public Schools

The upload for this year is very similar to last year (6 items) but also includes the 500 series policies for student discipline and the Annual and Continual notice. This is included this year since there have been changes to the CTE service areas and they need to be sure to update those on the Annual notice. The other item for all public schools is evidence of discussion/review of course enrollment data.  Evidence in trends in course enrollment that reflect not only gender, but race, SES, special education and language barriers should be uploaded.

Nonpublic Schools
The non-pub audit is going to be a quick up-load. You are correct about the program of study at each grade band level. The calendar and staff information review will come from other reports in SRI and Fall BEDS Staff reports. They don't have to upload the 500 series policies related to student discipline. The trick is remembering to upload the class schedules for elementary so I can check art, music and PE. The other thing to watch is to be sure that all elements of the health matrix are taught at some point in time during, same for MS. The middle school only need to do the health and career info. matrices.

Resources for the Work:
Universal Desk Audit webinar 
Universal Desk Audit powerpoint

Glad to help - let me know if you need anything.

ESSA Section 1003 (Previous SINA Funds)

At last week's statewide curriculum directors meeting, information was shared on ESSA Section 1003.  These funds are the previous SINA/School Improvement funds under NCLB.  Below are a few important things to know:

• This year's funds will be based on prior SINA identifications
• DUE November 15...Schools receiving funds this year will be expected to provide a description for how your building will use the Title I funds to improve Reading and/or Math achievement.
• Budgets will be approved if they align with a plan that establishes goal based on need, employs strategies for improvement connected to the school's improvement plan and/or uses funding in a way that is allowable and reasonable.  IT IS DISCOURAGED to use these funds for the purchases of supplies and materials.  (See "Appropriate & Inappropriate Uses of Funds" charts below.  
• Payments will go out quarterly and must be used by June 30.  Carry-overs will not be allowed.  
• How at Access / "Apply" for these Funds
• Use the Education Portal under your A&A Account
• Complete the Title I Application
• If you have difficulty meeting the deadline or if you have a problem accessing the application, please contact Geri McMahon at the Iowa Department of Education
• Beginning 2018-2019, these ESSA funds will be distributed to support Targeted or Comprehensive schools.
• Click here to access the entire ESSA Section 1003 ppt