ESSA Tribal Consultation

ESSA Tribal Consultation versus Tribal Collaboration

We use the term consultation in reference to the public law requirement for certain LEAs (see the Affected LEA section for more details), whereas collaboration refers to a general building of relationships with tribes which is recommended for all school districts to engage in, in order to be culturally responsive.

Tribal Consultation is required by law for certain schools meeting criteria defined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, Public Law 114-95.

School districts, also called Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), that meet specified criteria are required to consult with tribes in their service area. These LEAs are labeled "affected" LEAs.

For FY26, 49 LEAs met one or both of these criteria and were required to consult with tribes.

 

Use the table below to access resources, tools, and contact lists:

RESOURCEAboutAccess

FY26 Affected LEA & Tribes Matrix

Matrix showing the list of LEAs and Tribes required to consult for the 2025-2026 school year.View Here

Tribal Consultation Guide

 

 

On-Line Course

 

The guide includes information and resources that can assist in supporting the completion of Tribal Consultation for Tribal Education Departments and School Districts to prioritize the needs of Indigenous youth.

 

Self-paced modules on the Foundations of ESSA Tribal Consultation, including toolkits and other resources. This course requires an ADE Connect account. The registration flyer contains a link to reach the registration page. Select "Already have an Account" to log into the course, or select "Register" if you need an ADE Connect account.

View Here

 

Registration Flyer

Tribal Consultation InfographicQuick overview of Tribal Consultation requirements, process, and suggested timeline.View Here
Contacts | TED ListList of Tribal Education Departments that assist with addressing multiple aspects of a child's education, including but not limited to health and nutrition, safety and wellness, heritage language, cultural practices, and family engagement. (Updated list in progress).View Here
Affirmation of Tribal ConsultationIncludes form and instructions for filling out the Affirmation of Consultation document.View Here

 

 

Click the button to view a list of affected LEAs for the upcoming school year.

Affected LEAs

Helpful Information

 

Affected LEA Lists from Previous Years

 

Criteria for Affected LEAs

Criteria* for school districts to be considered an affected LEA

  • School District has 50% or more Native American student enrollment, OR
  • School District received over $40,000 in Title VI funding **

* These criteria are based on previous school-year data. For example, School Year (SY) 2021-2022 data will be used to determine the affected school districts that will be required to consult during the 2022-2023 school year.
** List posted on the U.S. Department of Education website, see link under Resources below.

Covered Title Programs

LEAs who are considered affected (they meet at least one of the criteria above) are required to consult with tribes regarding selected federal funding programs covered under ESSA. These "covered" programs are specific U.S. Department of Education Title funds.

Covered Title Programs for ESSA Tribal Consultation:

  • Title I, Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged
    • Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by State and Local Educational Agencies
    • Part C: Education of Migratory Children
    • Part D: Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk
  • Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction
  • Title III, Part A: English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement
  • Title IV, 21st Century Schools
    • Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants
    • Part B: 21st Century Community Learning Center
  • Title V, Part B, Subpart 2: Rural and Low-Income School Program
  • Title VI, Part A, Subpart 1, Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education

Affected LEAs are required to consult with local tribal officials on plans or applications for a covered program under ESSA

Consultation Guides - National Indian Education Association (NIEA)

 

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

ESSA Arizona Consolidated State Plan, September 6, 2017 - The purpose of the consolidated State plan is to provide parents with quality, transparent information about how the ESEA, as amended by the ESSA, will be implemented in their State.

 

ESEA Section 8538 - Consultation with Indian Tribes

US Dept of Education Title VI, SY 2020-21 Title VI Tribal Consultation List

ED 506 Indian Student Eligibility Certification Form Link

*The Indian Student Eligibility form (ED 506) is filled out one time by parents/guardians to document eligible Indian students. This form serves as the official record of the eligibility determination for each individual child included in the student count. A separate ED 506 Form is required for each Indian child.

A new ED 506 Form does NOT have to be completed each year of enrollment in the school district as long as a signed, completed form is on file and there is documentation that the student was enrolled during the count period. Once an Indian child is determined to be eligible to be counted for a grant award, the school district shall maintain a record of such determination and shall not require a new form for a subsequent application for this grant.

The form is kept on file by the school district where the child is enrolled. The form is kept for three years after the child leaves the school district or graduates. After those three years, the form is shredded, unless there are outstanding audits not resolved, then the form is kept until the audit clears. Once the audit clears, the form is shredded.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions, please use the button below to visit the frequently asked questions page:

Click Here for FAQs