School Safety Information and Guidance
School Safety Information – Additional Guidance for Hand-held Metal Detectors
The Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) has provided additional information to support schools in the implementation of Governor Holcomb’s hand-held metal detector program. These guidance documents summarize both legal requirements for the use of metal detectors as well as suggested policies and procedures. If you require further support, ISBA continues to be a great resource and partner for Indiana’s schools.
Graduation Pathways Update and Guidance
Exploring Pathways Through the Swiss Model of Apprenticeships – Webex Opportunity
The Indiana Department of Education, in partnership with the Swiss Economic Institute, will be conducting a Webex on August 9 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. The Swiss model of apprenticeships has received a great deal of attention in recent months from the Indiana General Assembly and the U.S. Secretary of Education. This Webex explores the Swiss model of Career & Technical Education and how Indiana can adopt best practices in implementing Graduation Pathways.
Please register using this link. Materials will be emailed to participants prior to the Webex.
Office of Assessment
ISTEP+ Spring Phase 2 Reporting
The Parent Portal is now open to show the Spring Phase 2 results. Please keep in mind that this is not a public release and these scores are still embargoed. The Phase 2 results are still FERPA-protected student data, so please handle with care.
NEW! Assessment Manuals, Guidance, and Website
The Office of Student Assessment has updated assessment manuals, guidance, and webpages for the 2018-2019 school year. These changes are now live. Important new updates include:
- New! Indiana Assessment Policies, Administration, and Security Manual (APAS), formerly referred to as the Program Manual
- New! Accessibility and Accommodations Guidance
All changes and updates can be viewed here.
Legislative Updates and Guidance
Indiana College Choice 529 Plans
Effective January 1, 2018, changes have been made to allowable tax exemptions for contributions made to Indiana College Choice Plans. Information on these changes is available here.
Office of Workforce and STEM Alliances
Nonstandard Course and Teachers Instructing Outside of License Area Waivers
The Indiana Department of Education has released guidance for schools seeking approval to offer a pilot high school course, or a waiver for a licensed teacher to teach a course outside of the teacher’s license area. Please read more here.
Office of Title Grants and Support
The Charter School Program (CSP) Quality Counts grant is a competitive, federal grant focused on opening, replicating, and expanding high-quality charter schools in Indiana. The deadline for grant application submission is Tuesday, July 31 at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Please see the CSP Quality Counts website for more information and the submission portal.
Office of eLearning
Managed Security Services Grants Awarded to 19 Schools
The Indiana Department of Education has announced the awarding of more than $441,000 in grants to support cybersecurity partnerships. Learn more here.
Office of Student Services
Differences Between Certificate of Incapacity (IC 20-33-2) and Physician’s Statement (511 IAC 7-42-12)
The terminology of “certificate of incapacity” has caused a great deal of confusion. The term has been used interchangeably to refer to both the documentation schools may require to justify or excuse a student’s absence from school (I.C. 20-33-2-18) and a physician’s statement required to trigger the requirement schools provide instruction to students with injuries and temporary or chronic illnesses (511 IAC 7-42-12). This memo provides clarification on the use of the Certificate of Incapacity and Physicians’ Statement.
Office of School Improvement
School Improvement Summit Set for August 9
IDOE is hosting a School Improvement Summit on August 9. Please register here. School and district leaders already have access to profiles of the Technical Assistance Partners who will be attending. Click on this link to access profiles.
Mathematics Team Newsletter
Please read the newest IDOE Mathematics Team Newsletter here.
Office of Higher Education and Educator Preparation
Required Principal Survey Reminder
Under Indiana Code, principals in each school corporation, including charter and virtual schools, must complete an annual survey for any teacher employed in their building, initially licensed in Indiana, during the last two years. Please find additional here.
Guidance for Districts Regarding Refugee Students
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) supports efforts to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education in a safe, supportive, and welcoming school environment. IDOE shares this guidance for districts concerning fair and equitable enrollment practices and about supporting the needs of students and families affected by the presidential executive order on immigration. The attached document is a joint letter from the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice. The information provides guidance to school districts ensuring fair enrollment processes making all families, including immigrant and refugee families, feel welcome. Additional support information is available here.
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