Resource
Maintenance of State Financial Support (MFS) Toolkit
Developed by CIFR, the Maintenance of State Financial Support (MFS) Toolkit contains four tools to help state educational agencies (SEAs) with MFS: the Quick Reference Guide (QRG), the Funding Flow Ideograph Tool (FFIT), the Timeline Development Tool (TDT), and the Data Collection and Reporting Tool (DCRT). Together, these tools may be used by states to help key stakeholders better understand the MFS requirements; standardize state MFS data collection and reporting processes; and support the submission of high quality MFS data.
In addition to the tools in the MFS toolkit, CIFR’s practice guide for developing MFS procedures also supports consistent implementation and high-quality data.
- Video Introduction to the MFS Toolkit
- Take a survey — Help us shape tools to be most helpful.
QRG
Quick Reference Guide
Understand the basics of MFS requirements stipulated in the IDEA.
FFIT
Funding Flow Ideograph Tool
Create a graphic description of your state’s fiscal support system.
TDT
Timeline Development Tool
Create a timeline and document your process for collecting MFS data.
DCRT
Data Collection and
Reporting Tool
Download the entire Data Collection and Reporting Tool (DCRT). Alternatively, you can download the individual components:
download Letter to Other State Agencies
Customize this letter to request MFS data from other state agencies.
- downloadData Entry Form Customize this form for other state agencies to report MFS data.
- downloadLetter to Morton Include this February 2011 letter from OSERS regarding “double counting” of matching funds to assist other state agencies in reporting their data. This download includes both a scanned copy of OSERS’ letter and an accessible version.
download DCRT
Enter financial data from the SEA and other state agencies to ensure MFS reporting requirements are met. Detailed instructions for the tool are included.
download MFS Calculation Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure that your MFS calculation is complete.
download DCRT Description
Read a one-page Word document explaining the tool’s purpose, intended audience, and how the tool can be used.
download Sample DCRT
View a model DCRT with sample data as an example to learn how to use the tool for your own state.
Training
Training Videos
Video Introduction to MFS Toolkit
An overview of the four tools in the toolkit
FFIT
How to use the FFIT and QRG to explain MFS to your stakeholders
TDT
How to use the Timeline Development Tool (TDT) to manage your MFS data collection efforts
DCRT
How to use the MFS Data Collection and Reporting Tool (DCRT)
Please note that some of these resources may not be fully 508 compliant for accessibility. If you need assistance with the use of any of these resources, please contact us at cifr_info@wested.org.