A Message from Dr. McCormick 07/27/2018

 

Indiana Department of Education
Friday, July 27, 2018

 

 

 

 

McCormick July Update

Dear Educators,

Welcome Back!

 https://youtu.be/kwPaYPL5OfQ

 

Sincerely.

Dr. Jennifer McCormick

   
 
 

 

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 linkMaterials 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.


Weekly Bulletin Updates

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Previous weekly updates from Dr. McCormick are available here 


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A Message from Dr. McCormick will be sent every Friday.