Elementary & Secondary Education Resources
Learn more about compliance with elementary & secondary education programs by discovering The Bruman Group’s relevant trainings and publications, helpful summaries of federal education laws, and links to government documentation.
Overview of Relevant Laws & Programs
Head Start
The Head Start program, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services to children from low-income families. For educational institutions and state agencies, managing Head Start programs means navigating a complex landscape of federal regulations, performance standards, and funding requirements.
Our firm offers experienced legal counsel to help Head Start grantees and partners operate effectively, remain compliant, and deliver high-quality services to the communities they serve. Our attorneys are available to advise Head Start grantees and partners on program performance standards, policies and procedures, monitoring and audit preparation, Office of Head Start findings and corrective actions, as well as to provide training on maintaining compliance with all program and fiscal requirements.
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The ESEA was first enacted in 1965 as a civil rights law to promote educational opportunity for all students. Since its inception, Congress has updated it several times, including most recently in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act. The ESEA authorizes a number of formula grants that require States and school districts to ensure that all children, including special populations, receive an equitable and high-quality education. The ESEA places accountability requirements on educational entities in order to ensure program purposes are achieved. Key formula programs under ESEA are designed to support the educational achievement of disadvantaged students, migratory students, neglected and delinquent students, English learners and immigrant students, and Native American, Hawaiian, and Alaskan students. ESEA also authorizes funding for the challenges faced by rural school districts, for professional development for educators and school leaders, and activities to support a well-rounded education, safe and healthy students, and the effective use of technology in education programs. The ESEA also authorizes competitive grant programs, such as for charter and magnet schools.
The Bruman Group has vast experience assisting State and local educational entities with the administration of ESEA programs and all of the program and fiscal requirements grantees must comply with in exchange for receiving funding. The Firm has advised clients in all 50 States on the allocation of funds, fiscal tests such as supplement not supplant and maintenance of effort, allowable uses of funds, reporting, subgrant application processes, accountability requirements, and State plan drafting and amendments, among other compliance issues.
21st Century Community Learning Centers (21stCCLC)
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is a federally funded initiative under Title IV, Part B of ESEA that supports high-quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools. This program helps students meet State and local academic standards, offers family engagement services for participating students, and helps to foster social-emotional growth.
Our Firm provides comprehensive legal support to educational institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations participating in the 21st CCLC program. The Firm provides a range of services to support entities in implementing their 21st CCLC programs, including reviewing and helping establish the subgrant competition, advising on fiscal tests like supplement not supplant and allowable uses of funds, assisting with the drafting of memoranda of understanding and contracts, navigating coordination with other federal programs, managing subgrantee risk, and other support and compliance services.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The IDEA, first enacted in 1975, is the cornerstone of special education law in the U.S., ensuring that children with disabilities have access to a Free Appropriate Public Education tailored to their unique needs. It applies to children from birth through age 21 and authorizes formula grants to States, as well as some competitive grant funding, to support educational entities with the cost of educating students with disabilities.
The Firm has worked with clients over the past 45 years on meeting individualized education program requirements, fulfilling obligations to educate students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment, conducting appropriate evaluations, and implementing required procedural safeguards. In addition to programmatic requirements under IDEA, the Bruman Group regularly consults with clients on fiscal requirements such as maintenance of state financial support, local maintenance of effort, and subgrant allocations.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 is a foundational federal law that protects students with disabilities from discrimination in schools and colleges that receive federal funding. For educational institutions, this means ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to academic programs, extracurricular activities, and school services.
Our firm partners with schools, districts, and higher education institutions to help them meet their legal obligations under Section 504—while fostering inclusive learning environments that support all students. We offer comprehensive legal support to help institutions draft, revise, and implement legally sound Section 504 policies and procedures; conduct thorough reviews of your institution’s practices to identify gaps and ensure alignment with federal regulations; offer customized training for administrators, teachers, and support staff on Section 504 obligations, student rights, and best practices; assist schools in developing effective 504 Plans that meet legal standards and support student success; represent institutions in resolving disputes with families regarding accommodations, eligibility, or disciplinary actions; guide institutions through Office for Civil Rights (OCR) investigations, including drafting responses and negotiating resolutions; and represent schools in administrative hearings and litigation involving alleged violations of Section 504.
The Family Education Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA, enacted in 1974, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to all educational institutions receiving federal funding, including public and most private schools, colleges, and universities.
Our firm provides comprehensive legal counsel to educational institutions, and nonprofit partners navigating FERPA’s complex requirements. The Bruman Group has the expertise to draft and audit FERPA-compliant privacy policies, consent forms, and data-sharing agreements; conduct workshops for administrators, faculty, and staff on FERPA rights, exceptions, and best practices; review third-party agreements to ensure “direct control” and proper data handling; support internal audits and readiness for U.S. Department of Education investigations, provide legal guidance for data breaches, unauthorized disclosures, and emergency disclosures; and represent institutions in FERPA-related complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO), among other services.
Discretionary Education Grants
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA)
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), signed into law in 2022, represents a historic investment in school safety, student mental health, and community well-being. Through programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education, BSCA provides funding and guidance to help schools and state agencies create safer, healthier, and more inclusive learning environments.
Our firm offers strategic legal counsel to help grantees navigate BSCA requirements, implement funded programs, and maintain compliance with federal law in light of evolving environment surrounding BSCA programs. Our firm advises clients on the Stronger Connections Grant Program, the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program, and the Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Grant Program, including interpretating statutory and regulatory requirements; reviewing grant applications, assurances, and funding conditions; providing professional development for school leaders and staff; and supporting clients during federal monitoring and audit processes.
Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP)
The Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP), authorized under Title IV-D of ESEA, is a federal grant initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Education. It provides funding to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) and consortia of LEAs to establish and operate magnet schools designed to promote diversity, reduce minority group isolation, and improve academic achievement.
Our firm offers comprehensive legal support to help educational agencies implement MSAP-funded programs effectively, meet federal requirements, and sustain long-term impact. Our attorneys assist State and local educational agencies throughout the lifecycle of MSAP grants, including support with drafting MOUs, partnership agreements, and governance structures, interpretation of federal regulations, preparation for federal monitoring and audit readiness, and support in responding to findings or corrective actions.
Charter School Programs (CSP)
The Charter Schools Program (CSP), Title IV-C of the ESEA, provides federal funding to support the creation, expansion, and improvement of high-quality public charter schools. For State and local educational agencies, CSP offers opportunities to promote educational innovation, expand school choice, and improve academic outcomes—while navigating a complex regulatory framework.
Our firm provides comprehensive legal counsel to help agencies and charter school authorizers implement the many CSP-funded initiatives with confidence and compliance. Services we offer include review of CSP grant applications and subgrant structures; advising on eligibility, allowable uses of funds, and performance metrics; training on oversight responsibilities and performance monitoring; support relate to student rights, discipline, and special education obligations; assistance during federal audits, monitoring visits, or OCR investigations; and offering legal strategies for responding to findings or corrective actions.
Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED)
The Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Program, authorized under Title II of ESEA, provides discretionary grants to help increase the number of highly effective educators. Through evidence-based strategies, SEED supports educator preparation, professional development, and leadership training across the career continuum.
Our attorneys assist SEED grantees with the full spectrum of legal needs—from grant application through program implementation and evaluation. Our Firm has assisted clients with recent grant terminations and appeals processes, and has the expertise to review SEED grant applications and partnership agreements; advise on eligibility, priorities, and allowable uses of funds; help grantees prepare for federal monitoring visits; and offer guidance on reporting and documentation requirements.
Elementary & Secondary Education Training
In-Person EventsEDGAR Academy – Sacramento, CA – November 19, 2026
$610.00🗓️ November 19, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- In-Person Events
EDGAR Academy – Phoenix, AZ – October 14, 2026
$610.00🗓️ October 14, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- Webinars
The Next Exit: Preparing for Changes to Uniform Guidance
Price range: $250.00 through $360.00October 8th, 2026
Changes to the Uniform Grants Guidance affect virtually every aspect of federal grant administration from procurement and subrecipient monitoring to internal controls and audit readiness. As OMB finalizes its proposed changes and federal agencies move toward implementing updates to 2 CFR Part 200, education administrators should begin evaluating the potential impact on policies, procedures, and compliance systems. This webinar will provide a practical roadmap for understanding the proposed/final changes and preparing for implementation before enforcement begins.
- Webinars
Road Signs and Fine Print: Understanding Federal Award Conditions and Oversight Trends
Price range: $250.00 through $360.00September 24th, 2026
Federal agencies are increasingly using grant conditions, certifications, and assurances to communicate expectations and shape recipient behavior. Understanding these requirements—and the consequences of overlooking them—is critical for education administrators responsible for managing federal awards. This webinar will discuss current appropriations and examine key cross-cutting federal issues affecting grant recipients and provide practical strategies for evaluating new obligations, documenting compliance, and responding to evolving federal oversight initiatives.
- Webinars
Rules of the Road: Navigating Civil Rights, Student Privacy, and Federal Enforcement
Price range: $250.00 through $360.00September 10th, 2026
Recent court decisions, regulatory shifts, and evolving federal enforcement priorities are reshaping the education civil rights landscape. Education leaders must understand how Title IX developments intersect with FERPA obligations, Title VI requirements, and changing Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforcement practices. This timely session will help administrators evaluate current compliance frameworks, understand emerging legal risks, and prepare for increased scrutiny surrounding student rights, discrimination complaints, privacy obligations, and institutional accountability.
- Webinars
Taking an Alternate Route: Federal Flexibility
$250.00August 27th, 2026
With growing uncertainty surrounding federal education funding requirements, administrators need a clear understanding of the flexibility tools available under federal law. This webinar will explore the latest developments related to ESEA waivers, transferability authority, and other administrative flexibilities that may impact budgeting, program implementation, and spending decisions during the upcoming school year. Participants will gain practical insight into how current flexibilities can support local priorities while maintaining compliance and preparing for potential legislative and administrative changes.
- In-Person Events
EDGAR Academy – Lincoln, NE – Introductory Session
$610.00🗓️ October 14, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- In-Person Events
EDGAR Academy – Greensboro, NC – Introductory Pre-Session at NCFEPA
$595.00🗓️ October 20, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- Webinars
FERPA in the Age of Digital Education
$250.00🗓️ Recording Only
This webinar will provide an overview of requirements imposed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), especially as it applies to digital education. Attendees will learn about proposals to amend or expand FERPA and related protections, recent guidance promoting the use of Artificial Intelligence and education technology, and what schools, districts, and States should look for in tech providers.
