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Thank you to all who are tirelessly working to help our students, families, and school communities remain connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acts of unsurpassed compassion, collaboration, and creativity are taking place across the state. The Department is working hard to provide the resources you need. Continue to share your feedback with us. Know you are valued and continue to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
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Childcare Recommendations
The following recommendation for schools who wish to aid in the need for childcare for essential personnel has been released in collaboration with the Indiana Department of education (IDOE), FSSA, and the Governor’s office.
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.
IDOE Curated COVID-19 Resources
IDOE has created this webpage dedicated to providing schools access to resources needed to address the impact of COVID-19. On this page, viewers have access to guidance documents, eLearning/remote learning resources, Dr. McCormick’s Weekly Webinars, and more.
Food Safety Guidelines
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has released guidelines to support food safety in light of COVID-19. While the Centers for Disease Control, the Food and Drug Administration, and ISDH are not aware of any cases of COVID-19 transmission through food or food packaging, guidance has been developed to assist food handlers. More information can be found here.
Suspension and Expulsion Guidance
There are statutory and regulatory timelines by which a school must afford certain due process protections to a student facing potential suspension and/or expulsion. See IC 20-33-8-19. Days that a corporation is closed and not providing instruction do not count against these timelines. As an instructional day, however, an eLearning day would count against these timelines.
Tuition Support
The State Budget Agency has issued the following official statement regarding funding for schools:
"At this time, there are no plans to reduce the FY20 Tuition Support payments to schools."
Please be assured that IDOE plans to continue distributing state tuition support funds without interruption by following the FY 2020 funding formula.
Summer School Estimates
Due to COVID-19 and its operational impact on school corporations and charter schools, the IDOE is extending the window to submit the Estimated Instructional Costs Report and List of Courses for Summer School 2020 to June 1. Please see 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. The deadline for submission is June 1.
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.
2019-2020 Formative Assessment Grant Updates
IDOE has updated the timeline of events supporting the 2019-2020 Formative Assessment Grant to provide schools additional time and flexibility.
· Funds may be encumbered through June 30.
· Corporations and schools must return unencumbered funds by July 31.
· Corporations and schools will be allowed to expend funds through December 31.
ISTEP+ Spring 2020 Retest Final Results and ILEARN Winter 2020 Biology ECA Preliminary Results Available April 6
Final results for ISTEP+ Spring 2020 Retest will be available in the Online Reporting System (ORS) as scheduled on April 6. Printed student labels for this administration will not be shipped to schools until late summer. Additionally, preliminary results for students who participated in the ILEARN Winter 2020 (February) Biology ECA will also be available in ORS on Monday, April 6. We understand that COVID-19 may impact schools’ planned timelines to disseminate results. Contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
WIDA ACCESS Pre-Reporting Data Validation Window Open Through April 3
Pre-reporting data validation is the process of reviewing student test records to identify potential errors in student demographic, accommodation, and test result records and to make corrections before score reports are generated. The Pre-Reporting Data Validation window remains open through Friday, April 3. Please review this memo for specific guidance.
Indiana’s Federal Waiver Approved and Public Comment Opportunity
On March 23, the IDOE submitted a request to the US Department of Education for a targeted, one-year waiver of federal requirements pertaining to assessment and accountability. The request has been officially approved, and waives the federal requirements to administer mandated assessments, assign federal ratings, and identify new schools for support and improvement. IDOE is accepting public comment on the waiver. Individuals wishing to provide comment regarding the waiver may complete and submit this jotform through April 20. The waiver may be found on IDOE’s website. Please send all questions here.
“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.
International Baccalaureate 2020 Exams Canceled
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme May 2020 exams have been canceled. Information regarding the Middle Years Programme eAssessment exams will be released next week. Click here for more information.
Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Updates from the College Board
College Board released updates on spring 2020 AP exams and is providing free AP review classes.
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Click here for more information on how to support student learning.
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Click here for a summary of AP exam changes.
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 updated memo for further guidance.
Federal Innovation Grants Available to Charter Schools
Federal grant funds are available as a competitive technical assistance grant opportunity for all charter schools. The Charter School Innovation Grant focuses on professional development, instructional supplies and technology, parent, family, and community outreach, and supporting all students. Please see the Charter School Program website for more information, including application and budget templates. The application and budget are due no later than Monday, June 15, at 1:30 p.m. ET via this link.
Indiana Medicaid Administrative Claiming (IndianaMac) Time Study Responses Now Due
IndianaMac-participating school corporations should review the Office of Special Education Moodle announcement and Public Consulting Group (PCG) email concerning the January-March 2020 IndianaMAC time study. Failure to respond to at least 85 percent of sampled moments will invalidate the time study, making reimbursement unavailable for the entire quarter. Contact Patrick Rhodes or PCG with questions.
Dr. McCormick Featured in Census Information Video
In collaboration with the Every Hoosier Child Counts! Committee, Dr. McCormick joined with other educational leaders in recording a short video outlining the impact of the 2020 Census on the future of Indiana students. This video can be shared with school-community stakeholders.
A reminder, April 1, 2020, is Census Day! Click here to access IDOE’s school leader, educator, and family census resources.
CTE Course Guidance
The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet has released guidance and frequently asked questions regarding CTE courses. Find that update here. They have also released a letter to schools that can be found here.
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