An Update From the Indiana Department of Education for March 20, 2020

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Dr. Mac

Thursday afternoon, important information was shared regarding COVID-19 and its operational impact on Indiana schools. Read IDOE’s press release here.

COVID-19 Updates and Guidance

COVID-19 Assessment Update

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has announced the cancellation of the upcoming Spring 2020 assessment windows. Please note this guidance applies to all corporations and/or schools responsible for delivering state assessments within Indiana. Additional details are available in this memo. Schools can use this letter to communicate the decision to cancel assessments for Spring 2020 with parents and families. A Spanish version of the parent letter is forthcoming. Our team is available to assist you. Please contact the Office of Student Assessment with questions or concerns. 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Impact of COVID-19 on Schools

This document is a curation of frequently asked questions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on schools.

COVID-19 Weekly Webinar for District Leadership

IDOE is hosting a weekly webinar for district leadership in an effort to provide consistent updates regarding COVID-19. Information regarding future and upcoming events can be found here.

 

2020 U.S. Census and Indiana Schools

Census Information Arriving in Hoosier Households

Indiana households are now receiving online census participation instructions in the mail. It is critically important for our children and schools that each household participates. Find helpful resources on IDOE's Census Website.

 

Office of Accountability

Four Star School Program Update

In light of the “hold harmless” actions, the Four Star School Program will be suspended. No new awards will be assigned for impacted school years.

Five-Year Graduation Rate – Installment #10

This is the final installment of Managing Your Graduation Rate, a 10-part series aimed at increasing awareness about the details and nuances of Indiana’s high school graduation rate. In this issue, details of the five-year graduation rate are shared along with the impact of this rate on state accountability for high schools. Please read the last issue here.

 

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 canceled. 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 canceled. 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

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.

Notice: Digital Course Curation Professional Development Canceled

Given the evolving nature of COVID19, the Digital Curation Professional Development planned for April 15 -16 at Ball State University has been canceled. No reschedule date has been announced.

Resources for Continued Learning

IDOE has created this website to provide educators and families with resources to support continuing learning during this time. Check back daily for updates. If you are looking for specific support for teaching and learning, please contact Dr. Jennifer Jensen.

Advanced Placement Exams

Please see this website for updates from the College Board on Advanced Placement courses and exams. Additionally, please see this document for supporting student learning during school closure.

Dual Credit Courses

Schools offering dual credit to students will need to work with their dual credit providers to determine how or if credit will be awarded from the postsecondary institutions during a time of extended closure.

 

Office of Academics / Title Grants and Support

eLearning Requirements for English Learner Students

IDOE has released guidance for schools on their requirements for serving English learner students in an eLearning setting. Included is information on instructional services and support, communication with families, and new enrollees and assessment. Read the attached guidance, and reach out to a member of the English learner team with any questions.

Federal Funds and COVID-19

IDOE’s Offices of Title and Special Education have received questions regarding the use of funds and provision of services during school closure and/or eLearning. Please read this memo for further guidance.

 

Office of Special Education

Additional Calendar Day Types in IIEP

Two additional calendar day types have been added in Indiana IEP (IIEP) as of March 19. IIEP now includes “E-Learning Day” and “Canceled- COVID 19” in light of the recent change to school calendars due to COVID-19. When considering timelines, please note that an “E-Learning Day” will count as an instructional day and a “Cancelled- COVID 19” will not. Please visit the Indiana IEP Resource Center and read the “New & Trending” announcements.

Guidance for Providing Services to Students With Disabilities During the Coronovirus Outbreak

Guidance has been shared related to providing services to children with disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Count of Students With Disabilities Due April 1

The April child count of students with disabilities, required under IC 20-43-4-4, begins on April 1. Collection instructions can be found on the layout available at this link. Please consult these instructions on Moodle regarding the count and the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

 

Office of School Finance

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.

Given the unknowns associated with COVID-19 and the unpredictability of the end of the school year, deadlines, eligible courses, and financial provisions related to summer school may be impacted. Continue to monitor IDOE updates as additional information becomes available.

January to June 2020 Form 9 Updates 

Please read the memo regarding 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 read this memo for details. If you have questions, please contact 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.

 

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Weekly Updates

View previous weekly updates from Dr. McCormick here.  

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