A Decision Worksheet + Explainer

Not sure if your LEA is required to complete ESSA Comparability Testing this year?

This free DECODED® tool walks you through a quick, logic-based worksheet to determine whether testing is required. It includes a plain English explainer to help you understand why.

Even if you’re exempt from testing, all LEAs receiving Title I, Part A funds are still required to follow comparability rules. This worksheet helps you document both status and exemption rationale for audit purposes.

This worksheet includes:
1-page Q&A-style decision worksheet
“Understanding Comparability Testing” explainer
Examples of overlapping grades
List of common exemption scenarios
Guidance on what to document and retain for audit readiness

Comparability Testing can feel like one of those “maybe this applies, maybe it doesn’t” requirements but getting it wrong can result in audit findings or questioned costs.

This tool helps LEAs cut through the confusion and make a confident, well-documented determination that stands up to state or federal review.

Whether you’re Title I exempt, fully funded, or somewhere in between; this tool ensures you have the logic, language, and documentation you need.