Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Access Preliminary 2024-25 ESSA/IDEA Reports in SAFE
Preliminary Joint Federal Notification (JFN) packets will be available in Secure Access File Exchange on Feb. 19, 2026. The release will be announced in the DAC Digest. These reports include identifications under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and are intended to support continuous improvement efforts. Districts are encouraged to review ESSA and IDEA reports together for a comprehensive view of student outcomes.
Packets include:
- “About the JFN Packet” (all LEAs)
- Preliminary IDEA LEA Determinations (all LEAs)
- Preliminary ESSA Accountability Reports (eligible schools)
- Preliminary ESSA Progress to Exit Reports (schools identified for CSI or ATSI)
- Preliminary ESSA District Summary Spreadsheets (LEAs with eligible schools)
Reports are available in SAFE under 2024-25 > Joint Federal Notification Packet (ESSA/IDEA). To request SAFE access, submit a request through WISEsecure in WISEhome. For technical assistance, please visit the SAFE webpage or submit a WISE Help ticket.
These reports are preliminary and confidential. They must not be shared publicly. LEA Determination reports may contain personally identifiable information and must remain secure.
The About the JFN Packet document outlines report contents, required actions, and available resources. LEAs with identifications should schedule a 30-minute consultation with DPI staff (required for districts newly identifies under IDEA). Prior to the consultation, ensure relevant team members have access to:
- ESSA and IDEA reports
- WISEgrants Continuous Improvement Performance reporting (CIPR)
- Continuous Improvement Process Criteria and Rubric
For questions, please contact Mai Choua Thao via email at MaiChoua.Thao@dpi.wi.gov or via phone at 608-267-2279. For more information or questions about ESSA, please contact Sam Bohrod via email at samuel.bohrod@dpi.wi.gov or via phone at 608-267-1290.
Explore America 250 Resources
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — an opportunity for educators to engage students in learning about our nation’s history, founding ideals, and evolving democracy.
To support this work, the DPI has launched a dedicated America 250 webpage featuring classroom-ready resources, lesson ideas, and materials from trusted partners. Resources are flexible and designed to align with local curriculum and instructional policies.
The site also includes information about upcoming professional learning opportunities, including the America at 250 Educator Summit and the America 250 Teacher Workshop: The Economic Thought of the Founders.
We encourage you to explore the webpage and share these resources with educators in your district.
Virtual Training for School Safety Partners
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Office of School Safety will host a live virtual training for school safety partners focused on recent trends in concerning online student behavior and strategies for early identification and intervention. Presenters include representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and state leadership.
The session will cover emerging threats associated with Nihilistic Violent Extremists (NVE), including online grooming and coercion, swatting/hoax threats, doxing, extortion, and encouragement of mass violence. Participants will gain an overview of the NVE threat and key indicators for identifying potential victims and offenders.
Training Dates:
Please see the webinar flyer for more information and registration links.
2026 Purple Star School Application Window
The DPI invites schools to apply for the 2026 Purple Star School designation. This program recognizes schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
Military-connected students face unique challenges, moving an average of six-to-nine times during their K–12 education. Wisconsin is home to more than 1,600 school-age military-connected children, many of whom must adjust to new curricula, standards, and graduation requirements as they transition between schools.
Application Timeline
- Opens: February 17, 2026
- Deadline: April 3, 2026
- Designations Announced: Mid-April 2026
The designation is valid for three years. Renewal applicants must submit a new application; requirements remain the same for new and renewal schools.
We encourage districts to consider applying and demonstrating their commitment to Wisconsin’s military-connected students. More information can be found on the DPI's website.