An Update From the Indiana Department of Education for November 8, 2019

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Dr. Mac

 

 

Again we would like to thank those who participated in the Cards for Our Military Challenge. As we recognize Veterans Day on Monday, we honor all those currently serving and all those who have served.


Office of Information Technology

PRECAUTIONARY ALERT – Ransomware Attacks on School Systems

IDOE has received credible information about the possibility of a coordinated ransomware attack on K-12 institutions. This information was sent to technology directors on November 1 through the Hoosier Educational Computer Coordinators listserv and is being re-shared here to ensure school leaders are aware of the threat. IDOE realizes that school system leaders are aware of the general risks from ransomware/malware and have likely implemented protective measures. This alert is to raise awareness of the possibility that Indiana schools could be targeted in the future. See this information for details.

 

Office of School Finance

Summer School Distribution

The Office of School Finance has finalized the computation for reimbursement of summer school costs. The summer school payment will be made the week of November 18. Additional information and the detailed list of distributions are available in this memo. Please contact Kathryn Roth or Melissa Ambre with questions.

 

Office of Assessment

Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant Approved Program Updates

The Indiana State Board of Education approved one additional program for use under the 2019-2020 Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant. Review this memo for details.

Systems Readiness Test for Spring 2020 Assessments

All schools participating in Spring ILEARN assessments are required to complete a Systems Readiness Test (SRT) to prepare for online testing. An SRT is a simulation of online testing at the local level that ensures student testing devices and local school networks are correctly configured to support online testing. An SRT helps schools identify and resolve any potential technical issues prior to operational testing, when a technical issue could affect a student’s test score. The SRT window is November 18-27. Schools can select any date and time within the window to conduct an SRT.

Office of School Accountability and Accreditation

Growth Models for State and Federal Accountability

This document provides an overview of the growth models used for Indiana’s State and Federal accountability systems, respectively. Similarities and differences are detailed to support school leaders in better understanding the embargoed accountability information issued on November 1.

 

Office of School Improvement

Presidential Award Nomination Process Now Open

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program recognizes the importance of honoring excellent teaching and promoting STEM education. The 2019–2020 nomination and application cycle for K–sixth grade STEM teachers has opened. The nomination deadline is March 1, 2020. Click this link for more information regarding this award.

Dyslexia Community of Practice Forming

IDOE is creating a community of practice for each school corporation, charter school or co-op’s authorized reading specialist trained in dyslexia. These communities of practice will be divided into nine regions across the State of Indiana. Each group will share ideas and resources with periodic facilitated discussions. Please encourage the authorized reading specialist to complete the Jotform by December 6 to be included in these groups. Please contact Joe Risch with any questions.

Guidance on Universal Screener for Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Assessment

This frequently asked questions document addresses issues surrounding Universal Screener for Social Emotional Learning and a Mental Health Assessment. Please contact Christy Berger with any questions.

Early Learning Newsletter Available

The November edition of #INspirEDearly, IDOE’s Early Learning Newsletter, is now available here! To get future editions emailed to you, subscribe on IDOE’s Early Learning website.

 

Office of Title Grants and Support

Title Con 20/20 Call for Proposals

Title Con 2019 was successful in large part because of its presenters and keynote speakers. Presentation proposals are now being accepted for Title Con 20/20. There are a variety of ways to present, including individual presentations, poster sessions, and panels. Please find the application on the Title Con 20/20 webpage. Submissions are due Friday, December 20 via Jotform. If you have any questions, please contact your Federal Grants Specialist.

English Learner Teacher of Record Tuition Reimbursement

IDOE is releasing funding for LEAs seeking tuition reimbursement for individuals seeking to become qualified to serve as an English Learner Teacher of Record. Funding will be prioritized for LEAs with few or no licensed EL teachers or high ratios of English learners to licensed EL teachers. The EL Director for an LEA wishing for one or more teachers to receive tuition reimbursement must complete the Request to Participate by November 22.

 

Office of Innovation

IU Adds Computer Science to Dual-Credit Offerings

Click here for information on new computer science dual-credit offerings through Indiana University’s Advance College Project.

Passwords: Top Secret

Continue to learn more about how to protect yourself and your district against compromise in the second installment of the Cyber Blog. This resource is an initiative of Indiana’s Educational Cybersecurity Task Force, a partnership between the Indiana CTO Council and IDOE.

STEM Acceleration Grant

This is a reminder to schools that the STEM Acceleration grant deadline is Friday, November 22. Funds may be used for stipends, professional development/training, and the acquisition of instructional materials necessary to implement selected STEM curriculum. Please note that attendance at the STEM and Computer Science Curriculum Showcase on October 21 was a requirement to apply for this grant. Click on this link to review the grant memorandum.

An In-Depth Look at the ASVAB CEP

On November 18, 2019 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. EST, IDOE will host a webinar in partnership with Dr. Shannon Salyer, National Program Manager for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Career Exploration Program (CEP). During this webinar participants will take a closer look at post-test interpretation and the resources available to students. Register for the webinar here.

 

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Weekly Updates

View previous weekly updates from Dr. McCormick here.  

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An Update from the Indiana Department of Education is created by the Office of Communications, and  is distributed every Friday.