Monday, May 5, 10:00 am - 11:00 am EDT

Dan Froemel from NDTAC hosted an introductory session for new State coordinators. This session provided a special welcome to new coordinators, allowed attendees to hear from seasoned coordinators on lessons learned, and gave new State coordinators a chance to learn about key elements of Title I, Part D. This session was joined by Francine Stromberg from New Jersey, Gerardo Ramirez from Texas, and David Sollami from Utah.

Presenter

• Dan Froemel, Senior Technical Assistance Advisor, NDTAC, Longevity Consulting

Monday, May 5, 12:00 pm - 12:05 pm EDT

NDTAC gave a formal welcome to State coordinators and guests of the 2025 Title I, Part D State Coordinators Annual Meeting.

Presenters

• Lynn Bauer, Project Director, NDTAC​, Longevity Consulting
• Obioma Okogbue, Technical Assistance Provider, NDTAC, Child Trends

Monday, May 5, 12:05 pm - 1:15 pm EDT

Ruth Ryder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Policy and Programs at the U.S. Department of Education, gave a formal welcome to State coordinators and guests of the 2025 Title I, Part D State Coordinators Annual Meeting. The U.S. Department of Education TIPD Program Office provided an overview of anticipated program changes, delving into crucial topics such as the use of funds and data. 

Presenters

• Ruth Ryder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Policy and Programs – Formula Grants in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)
• Heather Denny, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Jeff Buehler, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Mark Ziegler-Thayer, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Session Resources

Federal Program Updates

Monday, May 5, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT

Maura McInerney led this session on youth with disabilities in the juvenile justice and foster care systems. The discussion covered tools, strategies, and the application of federal special education laws to better serve these students. Practical guidance was also be provided on best practices for collaborating with local educational agencies to improve the continuity and delivery of effective special education services.

Presenter

• Maura McInerney, Legal Director at the Education Law Center-PA

Session Resources

ELC Collaborating to Meet the Needs of Students with Disabilities

Monday, May 5, 2:30 pm - 2:45 pm EDT

During this session, ED tested State coordinators knowledge of Title I, Part D through a series of quick, interactive questions and scenarios. This was designed to challenge State coordinators understanding of Title I, Part D and provide key insights as well as provide an impactful opportunity to refresh their expertise.

Presenters

• Heather Denny, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Jeff Buehler, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Session Resources

TIPD Test Your Knowledge

Monday, May 5, 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT

Kaylah Holland from BreakFree Base introduced a brand-new online community built by BreakFree Education specifically for educators in the juvenile justice space. This workshop introduced Base and its vibrant community of educators dedicated to creating real change in juvenile justice education. This new online platform offers role-specific hubs, a wealth of resources, and an ever-growing list of workshops designed to spark innovation and collaboration. Don't miss the opportunity to become part of a powerful network of change makers!

Presenter

Kaylah Holland, Director, Instructional Technology and Blended Learning, BreakFree Education

Session Resources

BreakFree and Other Opportunities

Monday, May 5, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm EDT

Carolyn Lipp and Ashley Moore, Staff Attorneys, led this session on how Title I, Part D State coordinators can support the educational needs of youth in foster care. The discussion covered: (1) current strategies and legal considerations under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Fostering Connections to ensure school stability, immediate enrollment, prompt transfer of records, and engagement of education decision-makers and supportive adults; (2) an overview of how the Title I, Part D program serves students in foster care, including those in institutional settings and those transitioning to community placements; (3) the unique vulnerabilities of youth involved in both the foster care and juvenile justice systems, emphasizing the need for continuity during transitions and the supports available to these students; and (4) effective collaboration strategies between State coordinators, state child welfare agencies, and state education points of contact (POCs), drawing from updated ED/HHS non-regulatory guidance and promising practices nationwide. Interactive activities provided an opportunity to share current approaches within the N&D program, brainstormed ways to strengthen cross-program and cross-agency collaboration, and identified actionable next steps to implement in individual states.

Presenters

• Carolyn Lipp, Staff Attorney, Legal Center for Foster Care and Education, ABA Center on Children and the Law
• Ashley Moore, Staff Attorney, Legal Center for Foster Care and Education, ABA Center on Children and the Law

Session Resources

ABA Meeting the Educational Needs of N&D Youth

ABA 2024 National Data Toolkit

ABA Comprehensive Foster Care and Education Data Guide

ABA Education Stability Resources, the Non-Regulatory Guidance, and Video Series

ABA Information Sharing Between CW and Education Agencies

ABA State and Regional Resources Map

Tuesday, May 6, 9:00 am – 9:15 am EDT

NDTAC recognized third-, fifth-, and tenth-year State coordinators for their dedication to the Title I, Part D program.

Tuesday, May 6, 9:15 am - 10:00 am EDT

Successful reentry for youth involved in Title I, Part D programs require a coordinated approach across education, juvenile justice, and community-based services. This session highlighted collaborative strategies to ensure seamless transitions for youth returning to school or the community. Presenters shared an effective reentry model, strategies to collect data, and the critical role of transition coordinators in supporting youth. Attendees gained practical tools to strengthen cross-agency collaboration and improve outcomes for youth.

Presenters

• Obioma Okogbue, Technical Assistance Provider, NDTAC, Child Trends
• Rosalie Morales, Education Associate for School Climate, Delaware Department of Education
• Dwight BoNey, Education Unit Supervisor, Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families

Session Resources

Delaware Regulations - Administrative Code

Tuesday, May 6, 10:15 am - 10:30 am EDT

During this session, ED tested State coordinators knowledge of Title I, Part D through a series of quick, interactive questions and scenarios. This was designed to challenge State coordinators understanding of Title I, Part D and provide key insights as well as provide an impactful opportunity to refresh their expertise.

Presenters

• Heather Denny, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Jeff Buehler, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Session Resources

TIPD Test Your Knowledge

Tuesday, May 6, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm EDT

This session explored the collaboration between Title I, Part D and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act programs to ensure comprehensive educational support for youth who are at risk. Jennifer R. Adams, Alabama Title I, Part D State Coordinator, and LaDonna Rudolph, Alabama McKinney-Vento Coordinator, provided actionable strategies, highlighted key partnerships, showcased Alabama’s success stories, and discussed collaborative efforts with Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and the Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS). We learned about the collaboration between South Carolina's McKinney-Vento Office and the Department of Juvenile Justice to better identify and serve young people experiencing homelessness. A featured panel with Jenny Pokempner, Birley H. Wright, Kimberly Humphrey, and Molly Bloom shared the collaborative actions being taken and discussed materials and tools being developed that can be replicated.

Presenters

• Jennifer R. Adams, Title I, Part D State Coordinator, Alabama State Department of Education
• LaDonna R. Rudolph, McKinney-Vento Coordinator, Alabama State Department of Education
• Jenny Pokempner, Policy Director, Youth Law Center
• Birley H. Wright, McKinney-Vento State Coordinator at the South Carolina Department of Education
• Kimberly Humphrey, Foster Care Point of Contact/McKinney-Vento Program Manager at the South Carolina Department of Education
• Molly Bloom, Principal of Midlands and Coastal Evaluation Centers at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice

Session Resources

Bridging the Gap between TIPD and MKV in AL

Tip Sheet 1_ Understanding Youth Homelessness and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.pdf

Tip Sheet 2_ Identifying Youth Experiencing Homelessness and Talking with Youth and Families about Homelessness.pdf

Tip Sheet 3_ The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and How it Can Support Effective Reentry Planning.pdf

Tuesday, May 6, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm EDT

This working lunch was designed to foster networking and collaboration among participants. During the session, attendees engaged in structured networking activities to build connections and share insights. In addition, the Annual Meeting showcased art created by youth in juvenile and neglected facilities, highlighting their talent and creativity. The artwork offered a unique opportunity to appreciate the diverse perspectives and voices of the youth we serve. 

Session Materials

Youth Art Showcase

Tuesday, May 6, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm EDT

Seasoned TIPD State Coordinators reflected on their years of service, sharing what drives their continued commitment to supporting neglected, delinquent, and at-risk youth. We gained practical insights, inspiration, and guidance from those who have walked this path with purpose and passion.

Tuesday, May 6, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT

Data plays a crucial role in shaping policies and improving outcomes for youth served under Title I, Part D. This session explored how to leverage your state’s reporting to drive meaningful insights and inform program decisions. Attendees learned best practices for analyzing data trends, identifying areas for improvement, and using data-driven strategies to enhance services for neglected, delinquent, and at-risk youth. Through real-world analysis of your state’s data and interactive discussion, attendees gained practical tools to translate data into action and strengthen program impact.

Presenters

• Heather Denny, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Alexander Gabriel, Technical Assistance Specialist, NDTAC, Child Trends
• Claire Kelley, Data Lead, NDTAC, Child Trends

Session Resources

Using Data to Drive Insights in TIPD

Wednesday, May 7, 9:00 am – 10:00 am EDT

Sam Ko, Oregon Department of Education, Christine Otto, Multnomah Educational Service District, and Hailly Korman, Bellwether Associates, led this session on the educational rights of students housed in juvenile and adult correctional facilities. These students are often overlooked, but their legal educational rights and protections extend beyond the entrance of correctional facilities. The session reviewed the critical need for, and current status of, educational rights for students up to the age of 21 in detention and correctional facilities, including their right to access educational services toward a high school diploma and special education services. Participants also explored recent court cases that further define these rights and examined how some states are ensuring access to education within these institutions.

Presenters

• Sam Ko, Oregon’s Title l, Part D Specialist, Oregon Department of Education
• Christine Otto, Bridges Director and Senior Administrator of Educational Services, Multnomah ESD
• Hailly Korman, Senior Associate Partner, Policy and Evaluation, Bellwether Associates

Session Resources

Educating Youth

Wednesday, May 7, 10:15 am – 11:15 am EDT

Jacinda Goodwin, Education Consultant, and Heather Denny, Program Specialist, led this interactive session exploring strategies to support students who are at risk. Participants analyzed key risk factors and learn how to address the unique needs of these students. The discussion highlighted critical federal programs that provide educational support for youth experiencing homelessness, those in foster care, and students impacted by the juvenile justice system. Attendees examined students' rights under federal law, strategies for ensuring educational stability, and best practices for overcoming challenges faced by these populations. The session also explored the intersection of education and juvenile justice, equipping participants with tools to disrupt the school-to prison pipeline and foster effective partnerships. Emphasis was placed on collaborative approaches, including school-community partnerships, to create positive outcomes for students with limited resources.

Presenters

• Heather Denny, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Jacinda Goodwin, Education Consultant, Weaving Pathways Consulting

Session Resources

Building Bridges

Wednesday, May 7, 11:15 am – 12:00 pm EDT

Effective succession planning is essential for ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of Title I, Part D programs. This session explored strategies for creating structured systems of documentation and record-keeping to maintain program continuity, regardless of staff transitions. Participants learned best practices for organizing essential program information, capturing institutional knowledge, and developing clear procedures to support smooth leadership transitions. This session provided practical tools to help safeguard program integrity and effectiveness over time for those who are new to Title I, Part D or looking to strengthen existing processes.

Presenters

• Heather Denny, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Dan Froemel, Senior Technical Assistance Advisor, NDTAC, Longevity Consulting
• Obioma Okogbue, Technical Assistance Provider, NDTAC, Child Trends

Wednesday, May 7, 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm EDT

This session introduced an action plan template to help attendees identify key priorities and the resources needed to support meaningful progress. The discussion focused on goals, challenges, and strategies for advancing TIPD work. 

Presenters

• Department of Education, Title I, Part D
• NDTAC

Wednesday, May 7, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm EDT

This session gave attendees the opportunity to join three facilitated Table Topic discussions aligned with specific focus areas for the year. It gave attendees a chance to collaborate with peers to refine their action plan, exchange best practices, and explore implementation strategies.

Wednesday, May 7, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm EDT

Chapin Hall experts led a three-year evaluation of a new Cook County Redeploy Illinois pilot program. Redeploy Illinois is a program offered statewide that decreases youth incarceration in the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ). Youth in the program receive tailored community services and support to strengthen them and their families, aiming to prevent further involvement in the juvenile justice system. The session focused on the evaluation findings which takes a developmental approach to inform stakeholders on the program implementation and guide adaptations as needed.

Presenters

• Mark Werner, Director of Juvenile Redeploy Services, Cook County Juvenile Justice Division
• Gretchen Cusick, Senior Research Fellow, Chapin Hall
• Olivia Wilks, Senior Policy Analyst, Chapin Hall
• Sean Hyland, Policy Analyst, Chapin Hall
• Arumani Coleman, Associate Researcher, Chapin Hall

Session Resources

Cook County Juvenile Redeploy

Heather Denny and Jeff Buehler, from the U.S. Department of Education, and Lynn Bauer from NDTAC concluded the Annual Meeting with closing remarks.

Presenters

• Heather Denny, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Jeff Buehler, Program Officer, Title I Part D, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Lynn Bauer, Project Director, NDTAC​, Longevity Consulting