Monthly Communication

for Continuous Improvement and State & Federal Programs

MonthlyCommunicationfor Continuous Improvement and State & FederalPrograms

October 2021

Welcome to the monthly Continuous Improvement and State & Federal Programs communication. The purpose is to contextualize Continuous Improvement into our daily work, to efficiently complete all State and Federal Program tasks, and to promote moving these tasks past simple compliance.


This communication is sent to administrators in Congressional District 2, but is applicable statewide. If this was forwarded to you, you are welcome to subscribe.

In This Issue

  • Upcoming Important Dates
  • Consolidated App - Alternate Process
  • Consolidated App - More Info
  • NEW Continuous Improvement Checklist
  • 98b/104a Updates
  • MASFPS Professional Learning in 21/22
  • Regional S&F Program Meeting Calendar

Upcoming Dates

  • October 6 - Count Day
  • October 19 - MDE Continuous Improvement Conference
  • October 27 - Regional Quarterly Title I Meeting
  • October? - Watch for 104a benchmark assessment and RBG3 timelines (see below)

Consolidated App - Alternate Process

UPDATE: 10/1/2021
This memo was released by MDE OES. Looks like we'll be using MEGS+ for the consolidated app after all?


Original Message:

Here is what is known as of the morning of September 30th:
  • NexSys development through a third party contractor is still incomplete, but the consolidated app process must be initiated in order to meet federal funding timelines.
  • MDE is working on a temporary fix by creating an internally-developed budgeting process that will closely mirror the familiarity of MEGS+.
  • A memo is anticipated to be coming out from MDE this week with more details.
  • Please note: the memo will likely be delivered to superintendents. Make sure the memo is communicated locally to the appropriate stakeholders (program directors, business officials).

Consolidated App - Additional Info and Resources

NEW Continuous Improvement Timeline

Members of Starfish, who also maintain the SITimeline, have completed a draft Continuous Improvement Timeline to assist districts with creating and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement. The timeline is currently undergoing final review and checks for ADA compliance, but there have been many requests for an updated timeline and we wanted to get this draft out as soon as possible.

Kudos to Starfish members Frank Holes, Kaytie Palmiter, and Mike Fine for their work on this extensive resource.

Sec 98b and 104a

  • 104a legislation requires that districts complete their first benchmark in Reading and Math for all students K - 8 in the first 9 weeks, which will likely fall in October for most districts.
  • These results must be reported to parents (104a(1)(d)) and the department (104a(1)(f)) within 30 days of administering.
  • MDE is currently working with the vendors of the "Approved Benchmark Providers" to utilize the data hub for streamlined reporting.
  • For districts that chose the "Local Benchmark" option, reporting is anticipated be similar to last year in GEMS/MARS.
  • Be sure to read the MDE Spotlight for the most up-to-date information.
  • It is anticipated that more information around goal progress reporting as required by 98b will be provided by MDE later in October or in early November.
  • Please see this timeline for more information on 98b and 104a. I will continue to keep it updated as resources become available from MDE or GELN, so feel free to bookmark the resource.


Note: There is some overlap and conflict of reporting between RBG3 Legislation and 104a. Example: 104a calls for (2) benchmarking periods, while RBG3 calls for (3). Be sure to have your systems and calendars set up to meet all requirements.

MASFPS Professional Learning in 21/22

When working on your consolidated applications, don't forget to consider your own professional learning needs. See below for two job-embedded, ongoing professional learning opportunities from MASFPS. Registration is Now Open!


2021-2022 MASFPS Directors’ Workshop Series (Formerly Known as Boot Camp)

  • 11 full and half day virtual sessions to support new and veteran educators directing and/or implementing State and Federal Programs.
  • Registration Link


2021-2022 MASFPS Professional Learning Institute (Replacing the Fall and Winter Institutes)

  • 6 half day virtual sessions & one face to face full day session, to support new and veteran educators directing and/or implementing State and Federal Programs.
  • Registration Link

Regional S&F Program Meetings

Muskegon Area ISD (Anyone can join, no registration)

  • October 27th at 9:00 AM (Zoom)
  • January 26 at 9:00 (Zoom)
  • March 23 at 9:00 (Zoom)
  • May 6 - Save the date for MDE Spring Workshop


Ottawa Area ISD (Registration Link - Free)

  • December 1 at 11:30
  • February 16 at 11:30