Contact: FPO.Monitoring@tn.gov

Get a head start on this year's Federal Programs Institute (FPI) by joining the Federal Programs Institute Pre-Sessions, held virtually Aug. 4–6, 2026. These focused learning sessions will provide valuable guidance and practical strategies to support program implementation, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Session Topics Include:

• Aug. 4 – Risk Analysis: Learn key approaches for identifying, assessing, and mitigating program risks. To join this event, please register here.
• Aug. 5 – IEP Monitoring: Explore monitoring requirements, best practices, and common areas of focus for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). To join this event, please register here.
• Aug. 6 – RBM Preparation & Trends: Prepare for Results-Based Monitoring (RBM) and gain insight into current trends and expectations. To join this event, please register here.

We look forward to seeing you online! Aug. 4 and Aug. 6 are appropriate for ESSA, IDEA, CTE, and fiscal directors, and other federal programs staff, so please forward registration information to your colleagues that may be interested in these sessions. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, stay informed on current requirements, and prepare for a successful year ahead.

The department is pleased to announce a dedicated McKinney-Vento Homeless Programming Mini-Conference taking place on Monday, Aug. 24, before the 2026 FPI (Aug. 25–27). This full-day session (8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET) will feature keynote speakers offering valuable insights into the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program. Attendees will also participate in roundtable discussions designed to share ideas, strategies, and resources from the field. All LEA homeless liaisons should plan to attend this insightful day of professional development.  

To register for this focused professional development opportunity, please complete the conference registration form by Aug. 7.

The department is pleased to announce the Extended Learning Project Director Institute for all 21st CCLC and LEAPs grantees, taking place Aug. 24-25, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. This required training will provide Project Directors with important program updates, guidance, and resources to support successful implementation of FY27 grant activities. The training will begin with a full-day session on Monday, Aug. 24, followed by a half-day session on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Attendance is mandatory for all Project Directors, and participants are expected to attend both days.

There is no registration fee associated with this training. Additionally, all travel expenses incurred to attend are eligible for reimbursement through FY27 grant funds (line -524).

To register for this required training opportunity, please complete the Project Director Training registration form by Aug. 7.

Contact: Suzanne.Lewis@tn.gov

Join colleagues from across the state Aug. 25-27, at the Chattanooga Convention Center as we rise together and explore updated federal program guidance, emerging trends, and innovative strategies for guiding every student higher. This year's institute offers valuable opportunities to learn, collaborate, and share best practices that support student success. There are no registration or conference fees associated with this year's institute.

Lunch will be on your own. 

To register for the 2026 FPI, please complete the registration form by Aug. 14. 

Due to space constraints, there will be a limit of three registrants for the Top 20 Largest Districts and two registrants for all other LEAs. 

The division of Federal Programs and Oversight is pleased to announce a new professional development opportunity for local education agency (LEA) personnel who oversee ESSA programs.  

Beginning in July, FPO will host The ESSA Collective, a monthly series for LEAs covering various ESSA topics to provide an additional layer of technical assistance and support for continuous improvement toward compliant and effective programs. The topics for each session will align as closely as possible with upcoming due dates across the various ESSA programs.  

The series will begin on Tuesday, July 28, from 10:00 - 12:00 CT | 11:00 - 1:00 ET, with a back-to-school focus. Federal Programs and Oversight speakers will discuss six topics, covering actions to take before or early in the school year to meet ESSA requirements.  

The topics include: 

• Family Engagement 

• ESL Rule 

• McKinney Vento 

• Equitable Services 

• Barriers to Enrollment 

• Required ESSA Notifications 

The division will release a detailed schedule for FY27 (2026-27) soon. Regular monthly sessions will last 90 minutes, and there will be no sessions scheduled in December or June.  

Contact: Divisional Coordinators

The CFA Board Approval for FY27 will be embedded in ePlan under Data and Information. This process ensures that local boards of education are aware of the facts, figures, and representations made in the CFA, including that the exhibits, attachments, and assurances are true and correct to the best of their knowledge. Submissions in ePlan is required by the director of schools. The application opens on May 1. The deadline to submit the FY27 CFA Board Approval in ePlan will be Aug.1.  

Instructions to complete can be found here.