Federal Program Monitoring (FPM)

Federal Program Monitoring (FPM)

Federal and state laws require the California Department of Education (CDE) to monitor the implementation of categorical programs operated by school districts (LEAs). LEAs are responsible for creating and maintaining programs that meet requirements.

LEAs are monitored to ensure that they meet fiscal and program requirements of federal categorical programs and mandated areas of state responsibility and funding.

The Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) Office coordinates reviews through a combination of data and document review and onsite visits. LEAs are assigned to one of four cycles: A, B, C, D. Each year, CDE analyzes extensive data for all LEAS which receive categorical funds in two of four cycles. LEAs may be selected for an on-site or online monitoring every two years.

Several factors, including compliance history, academic achievement, program size, and fiscal analysis, are considered when identifying LEAs for review. Using this selection criteria, approximately 60 LEAs and sites are selected for on-site or online monitoring. Several LEAs are also randomly selected each year for monitoring.

Compliance Monitoring

Schools, districts, and county offices that receive funding for certain programs may be chosen for review by the state. The purpose of the review is to ensure that they are spending the funding as required by law. Reviews may take place in person and/or online.

At the end of each review, the state will complete a report of findings that informs the school, district, or county office how to correct the findings.

Related Resources

California Department of Education FPM Frequently Asked Questions