An Update From the Indiana Department of Education for June 12 , 2020

indiana department of education - doctor jennifer mccormick - superintendent of public instruction
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Dr. McCormick Statement on 2020-2021 School Year Funding

Dr. Mac

 

 

“I am pleased our state decision-makers will not cut funding from Indiana K-12 education. The Department’s recommendation to not penalize schools for virtual options was also granted. Schools will have one less stressor as they continue to educate our students during this unprecedented time.”

 


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COVID-19 Updates and Guidance

Important IN-CLASS Update Information

IDOE is committed to continuously updating the IN-CLASS Considerations as the fluid nature of COVID-19 influences guidance. Updates are highlighted with a change log in the back of the document located here. Please contact Holly Stachler with questions.

Stay Updated on the Latest COVID-19 Information

IDOE’s COVID-19 FAQ has been updated to reflect important information both pre and post the release of the IN-CLASS re-entry considerations document. Pre IN-CLASS information has been archived and pushed to the bottom of the document. Post IN-CLASS information will be displayed at the top. Please send related questions to Holly Stachler.

 

Legislative Updates and Guidance

Updated Memo: Required Trainings for School Employees

IDOE continues to provide clear and timely guidance related to bills passed during the 2020 legislative session. Find the latest releases below and a curation of all 2020 legislative guidance here.

Update: Required Trainings for School Employees

IDOE's Office of Legislative Affairs has updated the Required Trainings for School Employees memo to reflect changes from the 2020 legislative session. Please pay special attention to the note listed on page one as a result of House Enrolled Act 1003 (2020).     

Guidance on Senate Enrolled Act 409 – Employment of Minors

Please read this memo for information regarding changes to the issuance of work permits and employment certificates.

Guidance on House Enrolled Act 1066 (4 of 5) – Reporting Requirements

Please read this memo for information concerning reporting requirements for school corporations, charter schools, and choice schools.

 

Office of School Building Physical Security and Safety

Student Safety Data Collection Period Ends Today (June 19)

Indiana’s Student Safety Reporting Law (IC 20-34-6-1) requires school corporations to report student bullying and arrest data for each school to IDOE. The data collection period ends today, June 19. Additional information can be found here.

 

Office of Information Technology

Please Review Draft Average Daily Membership (ADM) and Course Completion Report

Schools received e-mails this week with access to a preliminary report regarding ADM and Course Completion. This new report provides the public with information about the relationship between ADM funding and course completion. Specifically, IDOE must prepare a report for the 2019-2020 school year by December 1, for each school corporation, charter, and choice school detailing fall and spring ADM, enrollment numbers, the number of students participating in the statewide assessment, and the number of students enrolled in the school that are 20 years of age or older. Each school should review their draft report and the guidance IDOE has released about this report on its legislative guidance page (see House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1066  – Various Education Matters 4 of 5). The final report will be created after Period 2 data for 2019-2020 is finalized.

 

Office of Accountability

2020 Cohort Upcoming Deadlines

Tuesday, June 30, is the deadline for schools to submit RT/EM records to exit students from the 2020 cohort. Schools should check their cohort reports in Learning Connection for accuracy. How to fix many common errors can be found in various resources in the Accountability and Accreditation Community in Moodle (enrollment key: “AccountabilityCommunity”). Questions should be sent here.

Instructional Time Requirements for SY 2020-2021

IDOE recognizes that corporations and schools are continuing to work through the many COVID-19 related obstacles presented to the provision of instruction and the daily operations of school, as Indiana looks to reopen school buildings for the 2020-2021 school year. One such challenge presented to corporations and schools is ensuring compliance with instructional time requirements while providing a safe environment for students and faculty. This document provides schools with guidance regarding flexibility related to instructional minutes.

 

Office of Student Assessment

Instruction and Assessment Guidance for SY 2020-2021

IDOE has developed guidance for schools in regards to instruction and assessment as planning commences for the upcoming school year. Please read this memo for more information.

Fall 2020 Webinar Series for New Teachers of Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

Please join IDOE and Project SUCCESS in a webinar series this fall for new teachers of students with significant cognitive disabilities. The following topics will be covered:

  • The Indiana Resource Network (August 19)

  • Unpacking the Content Connectors (September 16)

  • Indiana Individualized Education Program (IIEP) Tips and Tricks (October 14) 

  • The I AM Assessment (November 18)

Please refer to this information for registration and additional details regarding each session. Contact Stephanie Thompson with questions.

2020-2021 Formative Assessment Grant Application Window Opens July 7

The Formative Assessment Grant application window for School Year 2020-2021 is open July 7 - August 7. Schools should review the grant overview, approved assessment programs memo, and instructions for submitting an application as needed to dyslexia screeners.

 

Office of Academics / Innovation

Alternative Education FTE Reports to Receive Funding

IDOE will collect Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) Reports through Friday, July 31. Submission of the report is required in order to receive Alternative Education funds for the 2019-2020 academic year. Please read this memo for submission instructions for the FTE Report and other end-of-year reporting requirements.

Guidance on Educator Evaluation Data

The DOE-EE report has been removed from required reporting. Beginning with the current school year, 2019-2020, Educator Evaluation data will no longer be reported. The DOE-ER (Educator Evaluation Rating) Reporting requirement still remains. Please read this memo for additional information.

 

Office of Academics / Teaching and Learning

Digital Course Curation Professional Development

There are still available spots on June 24 and 25 for this two-day, synchronous and asynchronous training session via WebEx that will focus on enhancing digital learning and developing online-based courses within learning management systems. Participants will focus on building the necessary skill set and knowledge base required for digital course curation, begin building a course, and receive 15 PGPs. Please register here. Email Jennifer Watson with any questions.

Upcoming Digital Learning Webinar - Getting Copyrighteous

Join IDOE on Tuesday, June 30, at 4:00 p.m.(EST) for a webinar with Diana Gill, Indiana educator and author of our summer book study selection, Copyrighteous. Learn about being a responsible creator and respecting copyright while creating an engaging classroom with the support that you need. Register for the webinar here.

Seeking K-12 Science Educators

IDOE, in collaboration with the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc., is continuing work on Phase II of the Science Framework. Phase II will focus on identifying and implementing science and engineering process standards. IDOE is looking for science educators to share their expertise in this process. Interested K-12 educators should complete this form. For questions regarding the Science Framework or participation, please contact Emily Bruning.

Math Virtual Summer Series

IDOE’s Math Teaching and Learning team is offering a virtual summer series to explore high-quality math resources. Novice and expert users are encouraged to join. Participants will learn ways to integrate each resource into their instructional routines for in-person or remote learning. Click here for highlighted resources, dates, and registration. Email Robin Conti with questions.

Reading Plans for K Through Grade Three Must Be Submitted by June 30

Indiana Code requires all elementary schools that have kindergarten, first, second, or third grade students submit a reading plan to IDOE by June 30. IDOE has streamlined the submission process through use of a Jotform. All public schools will use this form. All private schools will use this form. Because this is a new process, IDOE created a short how-to video for completing the form. Please contact Joe Risch with questions.

Updated STEM School Certification Process and Evaluation Rubric

Members of IDOE’s Teaching and Learning Team have been working with the State’s STEM Leadership Cadre to update the STEM School Certification process, including the STEM School Evaluation Rubric. In an effort to address the current and future landscape of education, Domain I of the rubric has been updated. Access the 2020-2021 STEM School Certification Guide here and updated rubric here. A webinar explaining the application process will be available soon and will be located on IDOE’s STEM Education page. Contact Shannon Dick with questions.

Updated Early Learning Guidebook

IDOE is excited to release the updated version of the Early Learning Guidebook for Indiana Schools. This is a statewide resource tool for schools to develop, expand, and/or sustain high-quality preschool programs by providing information to support young children’s development and learning, as well as how to fund and manage such programs. Visit the Early Learning Resources webpage to access this guidebook and the accompanying stakeholder discussion guide. Contact Sarah Parks-Reese with additional questions.    

Charter School Dyslexia Data Reporting Must Be Submitted by June 30

Indiana Code 20-35.5 et. seq., as created by SEA 217 (2018) known as the “Dyslexia Law,” requires all public and charter schools to report dyslexia screening data to IDOE. If your charter school administered the universal (initial) screener to students during the 2019-2020 school year, this data must be submitted by June 30. Please submit this information to IDOE here. Contact Joe Risch for additional information.

 

Office of Academics / Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness

Panorama Survey

IDOE is partnering with Panorama Education to provide each district with the opportunity to collect valuable data as we all plan for SY 2020-2021. The two free new resources available to all districts and links to be used can be found here.

Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS)

As schools prepare to head back to school please see new resources (MTSS Pilot Program and Phase 4) for MTSS implementation here.

Training on the SEL Re-entry Roadmap

Join the SEBW team as we provide professional development on the SEL re-entry roadmap. There will be two opportunities to tune in. Additional information is available here

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunity

In partnership with IDOE and Project AWARE, the Indiana Youth Institute will be hosting a webinar titled, “Effective Collaborations with Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) for Schools” on Wednesday, June 24 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (EST). This presentation will provide a broad overview of CMHCs in the State of Indiana and their purpose and role in schools and the larger community. Two exemplars of CMHCs and their integration into school communities across the spectrum of implementation will share their experiences. Please click this link to register for the webinar.

 

Office of Academics / Special Education

Office of Special Education Releases Guidance on Recovery Services

IDOE’s Office of Special Education has created “Addressing COVID-19 Special Education Service Interruptions: Recovery Services, Compensatory Services, and ESY,” a new document providing clear information on the use of these related terms.

FY 2019 Part B Period of Availability Extended

The Office of Special Education has been granted a waiver that allows the FY 2019 611 and 619 Part B grants to be available through September 30, 2021 and liquidated through December 15, 2021. All deadlines for the FY 2019 grants will be moved ahead one year, including CEIS and proportionate share requirements. These grants can be modified, if needed, to fit the current needs of each LEA. This extension will not affect any other IDEA, Part B grant year. If you have any questions, please contact the assigned specialist for your LEA.

EdPlan Connect Available Through September

EdPlan Connect will continue to be available through September 30. This feature allows parents/guardians to view documents electronically and sign consent for individualized education programs (IEPs) and service plans (SP). IDOE is working to customize features within the system. For more information, please contact Emma Everson.

Updated Information Concerning FY 2021 Part B Allocations and Assurances Available

The Office of Special Education-Fiscal Team, has previously provided updated information concerning the FY 2021 Part B Allocations and Assurances. Information about the FY 2021 Part B Grants is now available here.

 

Office of Academics / Title Grants

Indiana’s Application for the Educational Flexibility Program (Ed-Flex)

On May 6, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) approved Indiana’s Application for the Educational Flexibility Program (Ed-Flex). The program provides flexibility regarding several ESSA statutory requirements. This approval was granted after LEAs had the opportunity to provide public input regarding the waiver request. See the memo and link with details and LEA application if interested in any of the flexibility options.

2020-2021 High Ability Program (HAP) Grant

The 2020-2021 High Ability Program (HAP) Grant application deadline has been moved to August 31, and projected allocation will be released soon. For planning purposes, the application can be found here. Additional HAP Grant Guidance and Budget Planning is available here, and a Program Element Evaluation here.

Intelligrants Training Video

IDOE’s Title Grants and Support team hosted live webinars the past two weeks to walk LEAs through the new Pre-App and Consolidated App within Intelligrants to prepare for applying for Titles I, II, III, IV, RLIS, and Title III Immigrant Influx for the 2020-2021 school year. LEAs who were not able to attend or wish to review the training can view the full video here or review specific sections here.

LEAs should be working on their Pre-App now to submit by July 1 via the link portal. The Consolidated App will become available near that date for submission by Aug. 31. LEAs who need more time for either section may request it. Please contact Nathan Williamson with any questions.

Student Enrollment Support Guidance Available

The Office of Charter Schools and Special Programs is sponsoring a federally funded course to support student enrollment. Although geared toward charter schools as a condition of the federal grant stream, other entities like traditional public school corporations may wish to participate as well. Course completion is worth 45 PGP credits. Please click here for additional information and to submit an application for the course.

Summer EL Leadership Meeting Scheduled; Directors’ Meetings Go Virtual

IDOE’s EL team will host an additional EL Leadership meeting this summer on Wednesday, July 8, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET. During the meeting, updates on timely topics including Title III and NESP grants and COVID supports will be shared. Meeting information: 

  • Meeting Link

  • Meeting Password: ELLeadership

  • Call-in Number: +1-415-655-0001

  • Meeting Number: 160 006 9155

The English Learner Directors’ Meetings, originally scheduled to be held in Lawrence Township on August 11 and 12, will no longer take place in-person. Instead, content will be shared in live and recorded formats. Look for additional details in the EL Monthly Happenings Newsletter later this month.

 

Office of School Finance

CARES Act Fund Numbers

The Office of School Finance has added new fund numbers for reporting CARES Act expenditures. Please read this memo for details. Please send any questions here.

Summer School Estimates

The Office of School Finance has released the estimated distribution amounts for 2020 Summer School. The amounts are calculated using the data submitted by school corporations and charter schools on the Estimated Instructional Costs Report. School corporations and charter schools included on the attached list are eligible to submit a Final Costs Report during the submission period from July 20 to September 11. The final distribution amounts will be determined when actual expenditure data is received this fall. PIease contact either Kathryn Roth or Teresa Hemmerle with any questions.

School Technology Advancement Applications 

Beginning June 22 and ending July 17, the Office of School Finance will accept School Technology Advancement Applications. Additional information will follow next week. 

Statement of Obligations

Please read the overview of the process for submitting the Statement of Obligations as part of Form 9 financial data. Please send any questions here.

Office of School Finance Annual Budget Workshop 

Due to COVID-19, the Office of School Finance will not hold its Annual Budget Workshop in June. In lieu of the workshop, staff will record and post a WebEx that includes state tuition support and other updates.

FY 2021 Membership Count Dates 

IDOE will collect an average daily membership count of students in fall 2020 and spring 2021. The fall count date is September 18, and the spring count date is February 1, 2021. IDOE will use both counts to calculate FY 2021 Basic Grant distributions. Please read this memo for additional information. 

Amazon Business Offering Schools Learning Resources

IDOE is committed to providing Indiana schools with ideas and resources related to good fiscal stewardship and cost savings measures. Amazon Business has provided information for LEAs to form partnerships in these areas. The communication here includes details regarding the program Amazon Business offers.

 

News From Other State Agencies

State Board Flexibility Waivers

Pursuant to IC 20-31-4.1-4 (as added to the Indiana Code under Public Law 92-2020), a school or group of schools may submit an application to the state board requesting flexibility and to waive compliance with any provision in Title 20 of the Indiana Code or 511 IAC in order to do one or more of the following Improve student performance and outcomes.

  • Offer the applicant flexibility in the administration of educational programs and improve the efficiency of school operations.

  • Promote innovative educational approaches to student learning.

  • Advance the mission or purpose of the school or group of schools.

Schools, corporations, and groups of schools may begin requesting statutory and regulatory flexibility for the 2020-2021 school year beginning July 1, 2020. Requests for flexibility waivers must be submitted through the accountability portal. All waiver requests will be forwarded to the State Board of Education for review.

 

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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.