United States Department of Education
Office of State Grant and Program Support
November 9, 2020
Dear Chief State School Officer:
Several weeks ago, I sent the message below to State Program Directors who work with programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The message discusses the benefits of attending the National ESEA Conference (formerly the National Title I Conference) scheduled for February 8-11, 2021. The conference this year is virtual which creates the opportunity for more of your staff to participate in this important professional learning opportunity.
Here at the Department we are well underway in planning over 10 critical presentations on topics such as remote learning, McKinney-Vento Homeless Program, Rural programs, USDA school lunch provisions, CARES Act programs (ESSER and GEER specifically), equitable services, and other updates. We are planning several joint presentations with State educational agency colleagues to bring together policy and practice. Most importantly, we look forward to connecting with your ESEA Program Staff during the Conference and to hearing from them during this challenging time.
Thank you for all that you are doing to support disadvantaged children as we seek to improve educational results in our Nation’s schools.
Sincerely
Ruth E Ryder
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education
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United States Department of Education
Office of Formula Grants
September 30, 2020
Dear Federal Program Directors:
Thank you for the work that you and your staff are doing to ensure that students in disadvantaged populations receive an equitable and high-quality education, especially as we all navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. During these challenging times, learning from each other is one of the most valuable opportunities we can have. Personally, I have learned so much from participating in calls with State staff from many of our programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – including Title I, the Migrant Education Program, and programs for students who are homeless or in foster care.
My team here in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (OESE’s) Office of State Grant and Program Support (OSGPS) is looking forward to meeting and sharing with you during the upcoming National ESEA Conference (formerly the National Title I Conference) scheduled for February 8-11, 2021. This conference annually welcomes thousands of K-12 educators from across the country. Participants include state agency officials, school district administrators, school building leaders, and teachers – all gaining new knowledge, learning instructional strategies, and honing the skills needed to transform student learning.
This year’s theme, “Educating for Tomorrow,” creates a singular focus for all attendees on the unique needs of disadvantaged students and our ability to centralize services across all ESEA programs. Also, this year’s conference is virtual so more of your staff that might not otherwise be able to attend can participate in this important professional learning opportunity. Conference details, including registration materials, are available at https://www.eseanetwork.org/conference. If you have questions about the conference, please contact Bob Harmon, CEO of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA), at bob.harmon@eseanetwork.org or 800-256-6452.
Here in OSGPS, we look forward to presenting a variety of sessions-including sessions on the CARES Act, Equitable Services, Uses of Funds, Services to English Language Learners, School Safety, Rural Programs, OESE Technical Assistance, and many, many more. We also hope to have an opportunity to engage “informally” with your staff to better understand State needs and what we can do to best support you as you seek to provide the best education possible in your State.
Thank you for all that you are doing to support disadvantaged children as we seek to improve educational results in our Nation’s schools.
Sincerely
Ruth E Ryder
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education
