Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionApplication Access, Components, Acceptance, and Deadlines
Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year FID application window, local education agencies (LEAs) will access and submit the FID application using the Future Ready Comprehensive Planning Portal (FRCPP). For technical issues accessing the portal, please contact ra-edfrcpp@pa.gov. Your local security administrator (LSA) grants permissions to those that wish to access the application.
- Chief school administrator assurance and signature
- Narratives focused on plan for implementation
- Exemplars/lesson plans
- Board meeting minutes/Board affirmation statement
Yes. You must provide documentation that the LEA's governing body reviewed and approved the FID application. You may submit either Board minutes indicating approval or the Board affirmation statement found in the FRCPP.
The chief school administrator also must sign the application and provide assurances for your program for the application to be submitted.
Completed applications are due annually by June 1.
PDE must notify applicants by no later than August 1.
An LEA does not need to reapply if their FID application was accepted by PDE less than three years ago. The term of an FID application is three consecutive school years. After that three-year period, an LEA would need to reapply to continue offering an FID program.
The Number of and Proper Use of FIDs
An LEA may use up to five FID days per school year for the reasons noted in Section 1506 of the Public School Code (24 P.S. § 15-1506).
In accordance with 24 P.S. § 15-1506, an FID may be used in place of in-person instruction for any one of the following reasons: a disease epidemic, a hazardous weather condition, a law enforcement emergency, the inoperability of school buses or other equipment necessary to the public-school entity's operation, damage to school buildings, or another temporary circumstance rendering any portion of a school building unfit or unsafe for use.
Yes. If you have additional questions regarding Act 80 days, email ra-act80@pa.gov.
No, an FID must be used for the entire LEA (district-wide).
No. An FID only may be used in place of in-person instruction for the reasons listed in 24 P.S. § 15-1506.
No. An FID may not be scheduled on the school calendar, since it is intended to be used for a canceled school day, especially during inclement weather. An FID can only be used for one of the reasons outlined in 24 P.S. § 15-1506 (i.e., snow or weather-related emergency). LEAs should notify parents, students, teachers, staff, administrators, and contract services using multiple communication tools on or immediately before the date that the FID is used.
Implementation Questions
LEAs
are still required to ensure students with disabilities receive a free
appropriate public education (FAPE) during FIDs. If the roads are too hazardous
to transport students to their out-of-district setting, the LEA will need to
ensure FAPE can be delivered in an alternate learning mode or make alternative
arrangements to provide FAPE at another time.
Yes. If technology fails or students do not have their devices, there must be a back-up plan to ensure that ALL students can participate on the FID. The LEA also must provide technical support to students and instructors on the FID. An LEA cannot provide materials and instruction after the FID and then count students whose Internet failed or forgot devices as being in attendance on the FID.
Attendance Tracking and Compliance
The chief school administrator provides assurances that attendance will be tracked and in compliance with Article XIII Pupils and Attendance of the Public School Code and health services must be in compliance with Article XIV School Health Services of the Public School Code as with any regular instructional day. No additional documentation is required to track compliance.
FIDs are not coded differently than a regular instructional day for child accounting purposes. If an instructional day occurs, then it is an instructional day regardless of the method of delivery. Attendance is tracked based on the board approved attendance policy.
Yes. 24 P.S. § 15-1506 requires LEAs with accepted applications to complete an annual survey indicating the number of days utilized, reasons for use, and the effectiveness of an FID program. PDE sends the survey annually on or before April 30. The deadline to return the survey to PDE is June 30.
No. All materials and instruction must be provided on or prior to the FID. You cannot provide materials and instruction after the FID and count students in attendance during the FID.
Exemplars/Lesson Plans
If applicable, you must supply one exemplar for:
- English Language Arts (one exemplar from any grade between K and 8)
- English Language Arts (one exemplar from any grade between 9 and 12)
- Mathematics (one exemplar from any grade between K and 8)
- Mathematics (one exemplar from any grade between 9 and 12)
- Science (one exemplar from any grade between 9 and 12)
- Social Studies (one exemplar from any grade between 9 and 12)
LEAs that provide five or more CTE programs must supply one exemplar from two different PDE-approved career and technical education programs (i.e., welding, auto repair, culinary arts, etc.).
If your LEA does not offer a content area listed above, then you do not need to supply an exemplar for that subject area and grade level (i.e., a career and technology center that does not offer English Language Arts for grades K-8).
No. LEAs must use the exemplar template provided by PDE in the FRCPP.
Application and Program Resources
The FID Guidance Considerations located on PDE's website provides direction on many issues related to implementing an FID program. Specific questions about FIDs may be emailed to RA-FID@pa.gov.
You may also visit the Future Ready Comprehensive Planning Portal (FRCPP). For technical issues with accessing the portal, please contact ra-edfrcpp@pa.gov.