Title I: Important Information
Over the past year, IDOE worked with the USDOE regarding procedures used to calculate Title I funding. In December, the Department provided reset information which generated many questions from the field. We have worked closely with USDOE to create an FAQ document and have linked the statewide spreadsheet within that document, which will allow you to see the allocation, revised allocation and difference (either overage or underage) from 2011 to 2015. If you have any questions, contact Hazel Beasley, Title I Comptroller at hbeasley@doe.in.gov or Nathan Williamson, Director of Title Grants and Support nwilliamson@doe.in.gov
Assessment
The State Board asked the Department to issue guidance for the IREAD-3 to ensure schools understand their responsibilities under Indiana law and State Board Rule. We are reviewing our past guidance and policies, and we will provide direction soon.
Advanced Placement Fees
Despite the loss of the Federal AP Test Fee Reduction Program, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) will cover the full exam fees for the 2017 English, Math, and Science Advanced Placement (AP) exams taken by the 11th and 12th grade Indiana students enrolled in the corresponding course offered by accredited public and nonpublic schools (nonpublic schools must be state-accredited). Exam fees (for any AP exams) should not be charged to students who qualify for free/reduced lunch, per I.C. 20-33-5. Please remember, to qualify for state coverage of AP exam fees, the IDOE requires students to complete both the AP course and corresponding exam during the 2016-17 school year. Click here to see which exams will be covered.
Finance
Information for the 2017 Summer School Program is now available. Click here for details regarding eligible reimbursable programs, required reporting, financial provisions, and other helpful guidance for school corporations.
Important Reminder: Membership Count Date is now underway. Click here for additional information.
Grants
The Office of eLearning's Digital Learning Grant application period has opened. This grant supports public school corporations ready to launch thoughtful 1:1 implementation plans, as well as corporations that have assessed their current 1:1 implementation and are prepared to take the next steps. Click here for more information. The deadline is February 5.
Early Intervention Grants are now available. The deadline for submissions is March 1. Please click here for more information.
School Nutrition The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the Indiana School Nutrition Association (ISNA) developed the Ins and Outs of Hiring the School Nutrition Director Guide. Click here to access the guide. To learn more about the professional standards and related resources, click here.
NEW! Final Wellness Policy Rule and Workshops: All sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program are required to establish a local school wellness policy. USDA Food and Nutrition Service finalized regulations to create a framework and guidelines for written wellness policies. Click here for more information. Schools will have until July 1, 2017 to make the necessary modifications to their wellness policy. As part of our 2016 Team Nutrition Grant, the IN Department of Education (IDOE) is planning 5 statewide wellness policy workshops. Click here for information about these workshops. For questions or concerns, contact Maggie Schabel at mschabel@doe.in.gov.
The Indiana Department of Education encourages all eligible local schools and community organizations to sponsor a summer meals program. Click here to learn more.
Digital Learning
Join fellow educators around the state as Indiana celebrates our 5th Annual Digital Learning Month all of February! Activities, resources and connections are all happening as part of National Digital Learning Day on February 17th. Here's what to LOVE about this great month of learning:
- Indiana Digital Learning Month Daily Resource Blog
- Instagram Takeover
- Winter Online Book Group
To take advantage of all these events, visit our Digital Learning Month page.
The 2017 Spring HSDL Conference, the main event for Hoosier Student Digital Leader program advisers and their students, will take place Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Greenfield Central Junior High School. This free event is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. EST. The conference is for established grades 5-12 groups as well as those who are in the planning stages of forming a school tech team, club or class. Event details are found at http://www.doe.in.gov/elearning/2017-student-hsdl-conference.
Additional Opportunities
Innovative Hoosier students are invited to get involved in becoming the solution to global climate issues. Students can submit science fair projects on a range of topics including aquaculture, vermiculture, composting, social awareness, urban farming, alternative fuel, and recycling initiatives in their schools and communities. Scholarships are awarded to winners across age categories. Click here for the application.
The National History Teacher of the Year Award recognizes outstanding K-12 American History teachers across the country! We encourage you to click here to nominate a History teacher from your district. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Kates at ckates@doe.in.gov
Weekly Updates
Miss an update? View previous weekly updates here.
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