No ESSA Designation? Celebrate, but......

Last week I sent out the email below to the schools I serve as a reminder of what work they should be continuing to engage in around ESSA & Differentiated Accountability even though they had NO ESSA designation.  So...... fast forward a day when the following response came back to me from a good friend who serves as a building Principal in one of the districts.  Not only did this response make me smile and laugh, but reality also poked me in the stomach!  I can't even fathom what our students, staff, teachers, and administrators are going through right now! 
So today, like so many other days....I celebrate the Superheros in my life!  You're doing a darn good job!

And don’t forget…..

ISASP

DDSDP

Fast Math

PBIS

25 evaluations, 13 are new teachers

7 pregnant teachers

EMS

Kindergarten round up

the wonderful Iowa weather

And having to keep my superhero identity a secret!

Oh yes....here's the email the prompted the above response......

First, CELEBRATE!  Having no ESSA designation is truly something to reflect on and continue the great work you've started.  This is just a reminder of some of the things that your building should consider engaging in to help keep an ESSA designation at bay.  

1. Resource Review.  The Resource Review are  completed so districts can examine resource allocation that support MTSS implementation. The review should be completed by the Superintendent, the School Business Official and Building Principal and kept on file locally.

2.  Completion the Data Review. The Data Review module guides teams to best understand data collection, analysis and interpretation of The Iowa School Performance Profile.This online module can be accessed by teams and completed in 1-4 hours.  This data can be shared will all stakeholders and kept on file.  It is imperative that you log on and use the online module.  

3.  Engage in the Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation (SAMI) The SAMI is a needs assessment tool that helps building leadership teams understand the status of MTSS implementation at the school level. The tool supports teams to engage in active discussions to identify strengths and challenges in current MTSS implementation. It is designed to help the local system identify current practices, areas of strength, and areas for growth and refinement, and enable faculty and staff to prioritize and focus resources on those areas in need of the most attention or support.

4. Revisit Action Planning documents or conversations that your team have begun regarding strengthening Universal Screening, Classwide Intervention, Universal Instruction, Intervention System and Progress Monitoring structures you have in place or need to consider. Consider using the statewide ESSA sight to guide your work.

5. Don't forget about the great online modules you could use (Introduction to MTSS, Assessment Basics, Introduction to Universal Instruction) in professional learning opportunities for teachers

6. Continue to engage in the work of ESSA/Differentiated Accountability on an ongoing basis.

7. Need ESSA Communication tools to share with all stakeholders? Check out some great resources on the Communications tab.

8. As always, we're here to help. Don't hesitate to let us know how we can assist you with this work.