CIFR invites state staff with shared interests in IDEA Part B fiscal issues to attend a new round of CoPs focusing on:
Part B Communities of Practice are specially designed to meet the learning and networking needs of state staff to help improve the quality of states’ capacity to collect, report, analyze, and use IDEA fiscal data. At these meetings, which are facilitated by CIFR TA providers, state staff will have opportunities to expand their knowledge and solve problems of practice through discussion and sharing of expertise. Each CoP meets 1 to 2 hours per month for at least 8 sessions from January to September 2025.
Read the descriptions below for more information. Interested staff should discuss with their colleagues which CoPs will meet the needs of their state. Joining more than one CoP is encouraged depending on your ability to commit the time. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email, and a CoP facilitator will reach out to provide a meeting link to the COP series.
- Registration for New IDEA State Fiscal Staff CoP closes on Friday, January 17, 2025.
- Registration for IDEA Fiscal Timelines CoP and Problems of Practice CoP remains open through summer.
New IDEA State Fiscal Staff CoP
If you’re new to IDEA state fiscal work in the past 18 months, join CIFR’s New IDEA State Fiscal Staff CoP to build confidence in managing IDEA fiscal requirements. The CoP will help you use resources like the IDEA Part B Fiscal Timeline and funding cycle guide to support your daily tasks. Monthly virtual meetings will promote peer learning, discussions with CIFR experts, and opportunities to review your state’s processes. You’ll gain practical insights on questions like: What should I be working on now? What resources can help? What’s next in my workflow?
First Meeting (Virtual Kickoff): Wednesday, January 22, 3–4:30 p.m. ET
Meets the 4th Wednesday of the month for 90 minutes at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT/1 p.m. MT/12 p.m. PT/11 a.m. AK/10 a.m. HI
In-Person Event: In addition to the virtual meetings, participants will have the opportunity to attend a two-day in-person learning event in Washington, DC, on February 11–12, 2025. Please express your interest in this event when you register for the CoP.
IDEA Fiscal Timelines CoP
Join us for an in-depth look at CIFR’s IDEA Part B Fiscal Timeline, guiding you through an entire calendar year of federally required and suggested timelines for key fiscal activities. Each month, we’ll take a focused look at timely IDEA fiscal tasks, providing insights into what’s required and why it matters. Through facilitated discussions, you will have the opportunity to share best practices, challenges, and successes with peers from other states. TA experts from the field, CIFR, and the National Center for Systemic Improvement Fiscal Support Team (NCSI FST) will also provide valuable insights through presentations, resources, and tools to help your state stay on track
First Meeting: Wednesday, January 8, 2–3 p.m. ET
Meets the second Wednesday of the month for 60 minutes at 2 p.m. ET/1 p.m. CT/12 p.m. MT/11 a.m. PT/10 a.m. AK/9 a.m. HI
Problems of Practice CoP
Whether you’re new to IDEA fiscal work or have years of experience, come to this CoP to share insights, exchange solutions, and build the capacity to overcome common fiscal hurdles. Each month, we’ll dive into timely and relevant issues and address real-world challenges that states face in meeting IDEA fiscal obligations. You’ll have the chance to anonymously submit your own questions and challenges, contributing to a collaborative environment where participants work together to solve problems of practice. We’ll explore both participant-submitted cases and emerging trends in the field, giving you practical tools and strategies to apply in your state.
First Meeting: Thursday, January 23, 3–4 p.m. ET
Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month for 60 minutes at 3 p.m. ET/ 2 p.m. CT/1 p.m. MT/12 p.m. PT/11 a.m. AK/10 a.m. HI
Questions? Please email your state TA liaison or Lizann Salazar at [email protected]
