An Update From the Indiana Department of Education for March 13, 2020

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Dr. Mac

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) thanks district and school leaders for their tireless efforts in keeping student and staff wellness as a top priority. The process of planning and preparing often involves difficult decisions. Your continued collaboration with state and local agencies is appreciated.

COVID-19 Updates and Guidance

Governor Holcomb’s Release Regarding COVID-19

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb released this COVID-19 statement Thursday.

COVID-19 Waiver Days

Please read this memo regarding waiver days granted in response to COVID-19.

IDOE COVID-19 Resources and Contacts

Guidance and resources regarding COVID-19 continue to be curated on IDOE’s COVID-19 webpage. Additionally, IDOE staff is available to answer questions related to this situation. Questions of a medical nature should be directed to Jolene Bracale. Questions regarding pandemic school safety plans should be directed to Steve Balko. All other COVID-19 related questions should be directed to Kelly Wittman

COVID-19 Assessment Plans and Recommendations

IDOE received information from schools about potential assessment administration delays related to the COVID-19 virus. This memo outlines guidance for corporations and/or schools where the physical school buildings are closed for an extended period of time.

Important eLearning Information

As districts/schools prepare to respond to COVID-19, many are considering eLearning as an option. Visit IDOE’s eLearning page for considerations and information specific to servicing special populations. An informational webinar specific to eLearning in response to COVID-19 is being produced and will be posted to the COVID-19 page.

Tracking Related Costs to COVID-19

Schools should create a process to track and document any related costs associated with COVID-19 in preparation of potential local, state, or federal fiscal support.

 

2020 U.S. Census and Indiana Schools

Districts and Schools Asked to Share Census Promotion Activities

As Census Day (April 1) approaches, IDOE wants to hear about all the great ways schools and districts are promoting the census and its importance to their students, families, and communities. Please send any information (including pictures and events) to Laura Blaydes or Beatriz Pacheco. If you need ideas, check out the census website for resources to implement in your district and school.

 

Office of Assessment

COVID-19 Assessment Plans and Recommendations

IDOE received information from schools about potential assessment administration delays related to the COVID-19 virus. This memo outlines guidance for corporations and/or schools where the physical school buildings are closed for an extended period of time.

Spring 2020 IREAD-3 Onsite Monitoring

The Office of Student Assessment will conduct unannounced onsite monitoring visits during the Spring 2020 IREAD-3 testing window beginning March 16. Please ensure that school administrators and staff are aware that these onsite visits will be conducted. Click here for more details.

Winter 2020 ILEARN Biology End-of-Course Assessment (ECA) - Preliminary Results Release and Rescore Request Window Begins Monday

Winter 2020 ILEARN Biology ECA preliminary results become available for permissioned school users in the Online Reporting System (ORS) on Monday, March 16. The rescore request process will be open in AIR’s Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. Please communicate preliminary results to parents of students who tested. Contact the Indiana Assessment Helpdesk with questions when accessing the ORS or TIDE.

Request a Rescore Process – System Enhancement for Spring 2020

Beginning with the Winter 2020 ILEARN Biology ECA rescore request window (March 16-27), Principal users may view stimuli (e.g., passages, prompts) associated with rescore-eligible items in the TIDE. This enhancement applies to both ISTEP+ First Time Administration and ILEARN assessments. Principal users should review the Request an Item Rescore module for additional information about this process.

Spring 2020 ILEARN Indiana Educator Scoring Opportunity: Application Window Closes Monday

Indiana educators interested in scoring open-ended ILEARN 3-8 and ECA items must complete the online application process through Monday, March 16 to participate this spring. This updated flyer includes links to the online application and the new Indiana Educator Scoring Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Contact the Indiana Assessment Helpdesk with any questions.

 

Office of Accountability

Homeschooling and the Graduation Rate (Installment #9)

Occasionally, a student and their parents will decide that a homeschool setting will better meet their educational needs than a traditional school setting. When this occurs, the school should be sure to carefully document this exit to ensure the appropriate exit from the cohort. Read the full issue here.

 

Office of Academics / School Improvement

“Overcoming the Achievement Gap Trap” Conference Training with Anthony Muhammad 

IDOE will present a conference training focused on Anthony Muhammad’s seminal work, “Overcoming the Achievement Gap Trap.” On June 2 and 3, Mr. Muhammad will guide attendees through a two-day experience focused on re-thinking the gaps existing in academic achievement, which are rooted in inequity. The conference will be held at the J.W. Marriott hotel and conference center in downtown Indianapolis. The training is free, and registration limited. Please save the date! Additional details and a registration link will be forthcoming.      

 

Office of Academics / Social, Emotional, and Behavorial Wellness

Notice: MTSS Leadership Academy Cancelled

The MTSS Leadership Academy at Purdue University on April 1 has been cancelled. IDOE hopes to reschedule this event.

Notice: Vaping School and Community Workshops Cancelled

IDOE and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) had scheduled multiple regional learning opportunities for Hoosiers to discuss the impact of vaping. Due to concerns related to COVID-19, these sessions have been cancelled. A recording from a previous session will be posted to IDOE's website as soon as it is available.

 

Office of Academics / Curriculum and Instruction

Locally Created Pathways

The window to apply for a new Locally Created Pathway will open on Monday, March 2. Additional details regarding Locally Created Pathways can be found here.                                                                                           

2020 Tech Plan Survey Now Available

The window to submit your district’s 2020 Tech Plan is now open and closes on Friday, April 3. The completion of this survey is the requirement for all public schools to qualify for the Connectivity Formula Grant, the Common School Fund, and grants from IDOE’s Office of Curriculum and Instruction. More information is available here.

Computer Science Professional Development for K-12 Educators

IDOE is working with five organizations - CodeHS, IndianaComputes!, IU School of Informatics and Computing, Nextech, and Project Lead The Way - to bring FREE computer science professional development to Indiana K-12 public and public charter school teachers. More information can be found here. Contact Jake Koressel with questions.

The Indiana Purple Star School Designation

The Indiana Purple Star School Designation honors schools that have displayed a significant commitment to service members, veterans, students, and families connected to the nation’s military. IDOE will honor the first cohort of schools earning this designation in the Fall of 2020. More information can be found here. Contact Jennifer Watson for additional information.

High Ability and Advanced Placement Newsletter

The March edition of Aspire Higher is now available. Be sure to follow the high ability newsletter and receive high ability and Advanced Placement news directly to your inbox.

 

Office of Academics / Title Grants and Support

Title Con 2020 Cancelled

Due to evolving COVID-19 concerns, IDOE has made the difficult decision to cancel Title Con 2020. We are working to provide the most critical information via webinars in the coming weeks. Please continue to check the Title Con website for updates. Please contact Nathan Williamson with questions.

INtelligrants Video Episode Six

The sixth video in the INtelligrants series, is now available. This video provides a brief overview of blending funds and prepares you for the upcoming March 16 webinar hosted by Nathan Williamson that takes a deeper dive into the topic. Please visit the INtelligrants website to review additional videos and resources.

Information Available on Small, Rural School Achievement Funds (SRSA)

IDOE is providing this information from the United States Department of Education (USDOE) regarding SRSA funds. Please read this memo to learn more about SRSA eligibility, instructions, application due dates, and MAX Survey training information.

 

Office of Special Education

Notice: Special Education Fiscal Roadshows Cancelled

In keeping with the guidance from ISDH, the Office of Special Education’s Fiscal Roadshows scheduled for April have been cancelled. It is our hope to reschedule these events, and will communicate dates if and when they are secured. Additionally, the fiscal team will be presenting information at the 2020 Indiana Special Education Conference in September. Please contact Dr. Nancy Holsapple with any questions.

Meeting IDEA/Article 7 Timelines Considering COVID-19

The Office of Special Education has produced this memo in response to inquiries regarding IDEA/Article 7 timelines. Please contact Dr. Nancy Holsapple with any questions.

Medicaid Reimbursements for Schools Report Now Available

The latest semi-annual report of Medicaid reimbursements per school corporation is now accessible online. Click here to see which Indiana school districts and charter schools participate in each type of school Medicaid claiming. Email all questions here.

eLearning Day Program Guidance for Students with Disabilities

If districts are utilizing or planning to utilize eLearning as a means for alternative instruction, there are considerations for special populations that need to be addressed. Please find eLearning Day Program Guidance for Students with Disabilities here. Contact Dana Long with any questions.

IIEP System Support

In an effort to help address concerns and system issues in the IIEP system, the following recorded webinar from the IIEP Resource Center. Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Nancy Holsapple or Reva Weiss with questions.

Deadline for FY 2020 Part B Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Extended

The deadline to complete the FY 2020 Part B MOE has been extended to Tuesday, March 17. For answers to common questions about completing this portion of the Part B Grant application, review the “MOE Q and A” under Fiscal>Part B Grants for Special Education>FY 2020 Grant Information>MOE at the Office of Special Education’s online Moodle Community.

 

Office of School Finance

January to June 2020 Form 9 Updates 

Please read this memo regarding the Form 9 Financial Report for January to June 2020. The Chart of Accounts also reflects accounting changes in effect for the reporting period. Please email questions concerning Form 9 financial data here. Additional Form 9 guidance can be found in the Finance courses in Moodle.

Fall 2020 ADM Estimate

The window is open for school corporation and charter school officials to submit a September 2020 membership estimate. The estimate should reflect the count of students anticipated to be enrolled and attending the school corporation or charter school in September. Officials will submit the ADM estimate in the School Finance Application Center. Please readthis memo for details. If you have questions, please contact Melissa Ambre.

Summer School Estimates

The window to submit the Estimated Instructional Costs Report and List of Courses for Summer School 2020 closes April 1. Please read this memo for information regarding eligible courses, important dates, and financial provisions. Detailed information about the summer school program and how to report is included in Summer School 101. If you have questions, please contact Kathryn Roth or Melissa Ambre.

FY 2021 Indirect Cost Rates

The Office of School Finance is accepting applications from local education agencies (LEAs) eligible to receive FY 2021 indirect cost rates through March 31. Entities, including school corporations and charter schools, that provided Form 9 financial information for FY 2019 are eligible to receive a restricted and an unrestricted indirect cost rate for FY 2021. New charter schools are eligible to apply but will be subject to the median rate. Application material is located in Moodle.

 

Office of School Transportation

Nominate a Deserving Transportation Employee for Statewide Recognition

The Indiana School Transportation Association is seeking nominations for outstanding school district transportation employees. A number of awards will be presented at the Association's June annual conference. Nominations are due May 18, and information is available here.

 

News From Other Agencies

Lincoln Electric Welding Workshop at Vincennes University

Vincennes University will host two, three-day welding workshops for Educators in June. Both workshops will be taught by Lincoln Electric trainers and assisted by the welding faculty of Vincennes University. College credit and professional growth points will be available for participants. For more information and to register, click here.

Applications for the Governor’s STEM Team Now Open

Indiana high school students are invited to apply for the 2020 Governor’s STEM Team. This team highlights four of Indiana’s elite high school students for their work in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).Winning students receive a $1,000 college scholarship from Indiana’s College Choice 529 Direct Savings Plan and a letterman jacket to showcase their accomplishment. Applications and nominations may be submitted online. The deadline for submitting applications is 11:59 p.m. ET on March 27.

 

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