An Update From the Indiana Department of Education for January 4, 2019

indiana department of education - doctor jennifer mccormick - superintendent of public instruction
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The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) released 2018 graduation rates this week, and we are seeing an increase. View our release here. Thank you, Indiana educators for your efforts!

Dr. Mac

Office of Assessment

Preparing for the ILEARN Statewide Readiness Test

All schools administering AIR assessments in Spring 2019 are required to participate in the Statewide Readiness Test (SRT) on January 23, or in the event of a school closing/delay or other conflict, the backup date (January 28). Schools should select a 30-minute block of time between the hours of 8 to 11 a.m. ET to conduct the SRT. Schools should review the guidance and detailed scripts in the Technology Readiness Guide for use in conducting the Statewide Readiness Test. Contact the Indiana Assessment Help Desk at 866-298-4256 or via email for any assistance.

NEW! ILEARN Mathematics & English/Language Arts FAQs – Share with Educators

The Office of Student Assessment created an ILEARN Mathematics FAQ and an ILEARN English/Language Arts FAQ in response to common educator questions about the new ILEARN assessments. Both documents are also located on our website. Please share with educators in your schools and let our content team know if you have additional questions.

 

Office of School Finance

School Corporation Fiscal Indicators Released

The Distressed Unit Appeal Board (DUAB) has released School Corporation Fiscal Indicators as required by Indiana law. The Indicators for all Indiana public school corporations can be accessed here

Pursuant to Indiana Code 20-19-7, the School Corporation Fiscal and Qualitative Indicators Committee was established in 2018. It's function is to determine fiscal and qualitative indicators used for evaluating the financial condition of school corporations and the presentation of the identified indicators in an Internet dashboard format. The Committee presented its recommended indicators to the State Budget Committee this past fall.

The indicators will be updated annually as new financial information becomes available. Links to supporting documentation, including instructions on how to use the indicators and downloadable data, are available here.

 

Office of School Transportation

Required Bus Evacuation and Seat Belt Drills Information

In 2013, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation related to requirements for safety belt instruction and a bus evacuation drill to be completed once each semester. The specifics on how the safety belt use instruction and evacuation drill is completed can be found here in 575 IAC Rule 10. This communication is to remind you of these requirements, and the requirement to report completion of the safety belt instruction, if applicable, and the bus evacuation, by June 30 of each calendar year. Please review 575 IAC Rule 10, as there are very specific requirements that must be completed for both the safety belt instruction and bus evacuation drill. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of School Transportation.

 

Office of Workforce and STEM Alliances

2019-2020 CTE Course Funding Categorizations

The state-approved 2019-2020 CTE course funding categorizations were approved in December. Guidance to schools and a link to the funding categorizations can be found here.

Amendment to CTE Concentrator Definition & Courses

In December, the State Board of Education approved the CTE courses that will count for concentrator status. Guidance to schools and a link to the concentrator courses can be found here.

Computer Science Curriculum Showcase

IDOE is hosting a Computer Science Curriculum Showcase at Center Grove Community School Corporation’s Innovation Center. The event will take place Thursday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is recommended each school district send a representative to learn about various computer science curriculum options for ALL grade levels, and learn what you can do to provide your students with high-quality computer science experiences. This opportunity may also help you to plan how your district will comply with the requirements of Senate Enrolled Act 172, and it may provide additional guidance for future school improvement plans. Click here to register.

Introduction to Computational Thinking for Every Educator (Please share with K-12 Educators)

Not sure how to incorporate computational thinking (CT) into your classroom? Want to learn how CT can fit into any grade level or discipline? See this memo to learn more!

 

Office of eLearning

Online Courses Now Available Through the Indiana Course Access Portal (iCAP)

iCAP offers a catalog of nearly 100 online course options approved by IDOE. During the first semester of the 2018-2019 school year, five Indiana schools took advantage of virtual courses from this catalog. Current courses include Indiana studies, ethnic studies, world languages, dual credit options, and select CTE courses. This program is available to schools and students as outlined in IC 20-30-16. Watch for updates to the course catalog in time for class scheduling for the 2019-2020 school year. Information is available here. Questions can be emailed to iCAP. 

 

Office of Student Services

Reporting Absenteeism in Excess of 20 Percent Due to Illness

Please read this information regarding IDOE's reporting requirements related to absenteeism greater than 20 percent. 

 

Office of School Improvement

Additional Social-Emotional Resources Coming in January

Mark your calendars for the Social-Emotional Learning Competencies and Resources rollout! Starting January 11, there will be weekly releases of resources and toolkits to support Social-Emotional Learning for all schools. Be sure to watch for announcements from the Office of School Improvement. If you have any questions, please contact Christy Berger.

Charter School Information Forums Set for Later This Month

A live, full-day session on charter school student enrollment, marketing, and communications support will be held Tuesday, January 29, in Indianapolis, and Wednesday, January 30, in Northwest Indiana. This workshop will be led by Nick LeRoy of Bright Minds Marketing. LeRoy is the former Executive Director of the Indiana Charter School Board, and prior to that had a 15+ year career as a marketing executive with Eli Lilly and Roche. Bright Minds Marketing works with private and charter school clients across the country on improving their school marketing and student recruitment. Learn more here.

Math Team Providing Free Professional Development

The math specialists from the Office of School Improvement at the Indiana Department of Education are traveling around Indiana providing FREE full-day math-specific professional development, and YOU are invited!  The day will focus on promoting and developing ambitious instruction in the K-12 mathematics classroom, using NCTM’s Eight Effective Teaching Practices as outlined in Principles To Action (2014). The morning session includes educator participation in an interactive presentation with IDOE math specialists to discuss the research, resources, and strategies aligned to each practice. The afternoon session will be dedicated to guided implementation time. Educators will be given the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a safe and collaborative environment. Ideas will be shared and connections made! The day will last from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. with a one-hour released lunch. Five PGPs will be given for educators who attend the full day professional development. Space is limited to 100 educators at each location - sign up quickly to reserve your seat! Click here for locations, dates, and registration links.

Math Team Monthly Newsletter Available

Read about the latest information from the math team in this newsletter.

Science Framework Contributors Sought

IDOE is creating a Science Framework, a tool designed to support teachers in the development of high quality science curriculum and instruction. We are looking for science educators to share their expertise in this process.

High school science educators interested in assisting in the creation of this framework, please follow this link.  

K-8 educators interested in assisting in the creation of this framework, please follow this link.  

For questions regarding the Science Framework or participation, please reach out to Beau Scott.

High Ability Licensure Reimbursement

IDOE is excited to support developing and enhancing high ability education through the High Ability Licensure Reimbursement Program. The aim is to have all Indiana high ability coordinators and teachers licensed within three years of assuming a high ability role. To help support districts in their educational efforts, IDOE will pay FULL tuition reimbursement, up to $2,500, upon successful high ability course completion. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is advised.

High Ability Licensure may be through any accredited university program. Application materials may be sent to the Center for Gifted Studies & Talent Development at Ball State University (TC 928-B), Muncie, IN 47306. Applications can be sent digitally to the Gifted Center at Ball State. Questions can be sent to Dr. Krista Stith. The licensure reimbursement form can be found here.

Literacy Framework Phase II - Input Needed

IDOE's literacy team is inviting passionate educators to participate in the development of the Literacy Framework’s Phase II. If interested, please complete this form. More information to come for those who sign up.

Analytical Algebra II Course Available for 2019-2020

Analytical Algebra II has been approved by the State Board of Education and is now included in the Course Title and Description Guide. There you will find guidance about the course and its application in the course sequence for students. Questions can be directed to Dr. Jennifer Jensen.

2019-2020 Course Descriptions Released

The State Board of Education has approved the 2019-2020 Course Titles and Descriptions. The information can be found here. Additional guidance will be forthcoming regarding Analytical Algebra II.

 

Office of Title Grants and Support

Changes in Equitable Services Under ESSA WebEx Set for January 8

The Title Grants and Support Office along with the State Equitable Services Ombudsman are presenting a WebEx titled, “Changes in Equitable Services Under ESSA” on January 8 at 2:30 pm. The information is geared toward non-public school officials; however, public school federal program administrators are welcome to join the WebEx. Call in information is available here.

 

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