As the old saying goes, don’t spend time admiring the problem, spend time finding the solution. That is our focus at IDOE, and we are excited to continue highlighting communities across our state that are focused on the same: finding solutions and improving outcomes for students.
A few community partnerships focused on strategic acceleration of student learning that we have spotlighted thus far...
This week our spotlight takes us to southern Indiana. Below you’ll find two stories of partners (in several different counties) coming together, with the support of the Student Learning Recovery Grant Program.
YMCA of Southwestern Indiana: The YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, which serves over 1,000 students per year, is partnering with Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, Warrick County School Corporation, and North Gibson School Corporation to provide three accelerated learning programs: a Level Up Summer Reading Program, a Y-READ After-School Tutoring Program, and a College and Career Readiness Program.
The Level Up Summer Reading Program is designed to help students maintain and improve reading skills over the summer, with 3.5 hours of daily instruction for a minimum of 20 days. The Y-READ After-School Tutoring Program is intended specifically for students who need additional support to become better readers by improving their literacy skills. It includes 12 sessions of small group tutoring (2.5 hours each) delivered with one licensed teacher per seven students.
Both programs are putting benchmark and summative assessment data to work, guiding learning along the way.
That’s all while the YMCA’s College and Career Readiness Program is designed to help high school freshmen gain employability skills. The program, which provides 10 hours of weekly instruction over 36 weeks, incorporates Junior Achievement curriculum linked to Indiana Employability Standards.
Dream Center Evansville: Dream Center Evansville is partnering with Delaware Elementary School, part of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, to provide support for 75 students...with a program patterned after Harlem Children’s Zone.
The Center’s target population lives in Evansville’s Jacobsville Neighborhood, where 36 percent of households live below the federal poverty line...a demographic of students that we know has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
The Dream Center uses the i-Ready Program, aligned to Indiana Academic Standards, to provide individualized instruction that accelerates student growth in reading and math. This student learning growth is monitored through the i-Ready Diagnostic and NWEA assessments, administered three times per year.
Dream Center staff, known as Peacemakers, split their time between the school day and after-school programming, working to align the students’ classroom needs and after-school support. The program also helps students develop strong social skills, ensuring they have the variety of skills needed to fulfill the Dream Center’s mission of empowering successful, self-sufficient members of the community.
As you can see, there is no shortage of good work to celebrate, whether it’s in northern Indiana, southern Indiana, or anywhere in between. Thank you to those leading these partnerships, and to you, for your dedication to student success. In the midst of this important work, remember to take care of yourself, too..rest and recharge! Have a great weekend!
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NEW: Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) Order Information
The testing date for the PSAT/NMSQT will be Wednesday, October 13 with a make-up test option on Tuesday, October 26. Schools are able to offer the PSAT/NMSQT to grade 10 and 11 students, paid for by the state. Orders can be made through the College Board website.
REMINDER: Accreditation (1003) Flexibility and School Improvement Plan Waiver Requests for the 2021-2022 School Year
The window to submit Accreditation (1003) Flexibility and School Improvement Plan waiver requests for the 2021-2022 School Year will close on Wednesday, June 30. All waiver requests must be submitted through the accountability portal (select “flexibility request”). Questions may be directed to schoolaccountability@doe.in.gov.
NEW: 2021 Attendance Data Submission Extended to Thursday, July 8
IDOE is extending the deadline for submission of student attendance data to Thursday, July 8. This data will be used to calculate the 162 day enrollment threshold used to calculate proficiency rates on ILEARN. Schools should submit their attendance data through Data Exchange as soon as possible as these proficiency rates are slated for approval by the Indiana State Board of Education on Wednesday, July 14. For the public release of ILEARN proficiency data, IDOE will use the available 2021 attendance data to provide preliminary information to the State Board of Education regarding attendance rates and instructional mode for each school over the course of the 2020-2021 school year. These attendance rates and instructional mode data may need to be revised once the data is certified. Please contact dataexchange@doe.in.gov with questions about these dates or about the Data Exchange system.
REMINDER: Data Collection Template for Summer Student Learning
IDOE will collect information about all summer learning programs facilitated by Indiana public schools. This data will be reported through the 2021-2022 school year Data Exchange, which will go live later this summer. A template for providing this information can be found here. Specifically, schools will be required to report which students are participating in summer learning, a general category for the program, and the number of days and minutes the student participated. If the program is funded through the 1008 Student Learning Recovery Grant Program, be sure to select one of the programs specific to that grant to help with reporting compliance. High school credit awarding courses, offered over the summer, should not be reported as part of this data collection. Contact dataexchange@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Data Exchange Office Hours Available
IDOE’s Data Exchange Team is now hosting office hours. Data Exchange office hours will be held on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. ET and Thursdays from 3 to 4 p.m. ET. These office hours are for school personnel to ask questions and troubleshoot support with Data Exchange implementation. To join the office hours, log in to the IDOE Moodle “Data Exchange Training and Community” course and select the page for Data Exchange Office Hours.
REMINDER: Teacher Leaders Bootcamp Application Open through Friday, July 16
The application is now open to participate in the 2021 Teacher Leaders Bootcamp Cohort 3. IDOE's partnership with the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters, KI Binford Group of Indiana, Newk’s, and Gibraltar Design, will allow the department to engage participants in innovative professional development in order to grow as teacher leaders. To learn more information, or to apply, click here. Questions can be directed to Rebecca Estes.
REMINDER: Indiana Teacher of the Year Application Due Friday, July 2
IDOE is proud to kick off another year of the Teacher of the Year Program. Each year, this program works to elevate the teaching profession and celebrate the men and women who dedicate their lives to helping Hoosier youth achieve their greatest potential. Each Indiana District Teacher of the Year is eligible to apply. The Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process and application can be found here. For more information, contact Rebecca Estes.
REMINDER: Superintendents and Principals Encouraged to Nominate Educators for Emerging Leaders Recognition
IDOE’s Office of Leadership and Innovation is looking for confidential recommendations of secondary-level leaders representing the very best educators in Indiana. These emerging leaders must have between five and 15 years of experience, demonstrate leadership beyond the classroom, and positively affect school culture and student achievement. Superintendents and principals may submit recommendations here. Recommendations will be accepted through Friday, July 16. Please contact Rebecca Estes with any questions.
NEW: Updated Object Codes
As a result of legislation passed during the 2021 Indiana legislative session, some updates are required for the 100 series object codes relating to salaries in Chart of Accounts administered by the State Board of Accounts. The changes will take effect Thursday, July 1 and will be part of the July to December 2021 Form 9 financial data submission reported in January 2022. Object codes 200 and higher remain the same as the previous reporting period. Please read this memo for additional information. If you have any questions, please email form9@doe.in.gov.
NEW: Teacher Salary FAQ
House Enrolled Act 1001, passed during the 2021 Indiana legislative session, included provisions pertaining to teacher salary requirements. A new teacher salary FAQ document provides guidance to assist school corporations on review and implementation of the provisions regarding teacher salaries, funding floor, and minimum expenditures. If you have questions, please email us at form9@doe.in.gov.
REMINDER: Annual Office of School Finance Budget Workshop
IDOE’s Office of School Finance will hold a virtual School Budget Workshop on Wednesday, June 30, at 9 a.m. ET. Registration is required and can be completed here.
REMINDER: School Technology Advancement Applications
IDOE’s Office of School Finance will accept School Technology Advancement Account (STAA) applications from now through Friday, July 16. The STAA application can be completed online and must be completed in one sitting. A sample application and certification page can be found in Moodle. If you have questions, please email commonschoolfund@doe.in.gov.
NEW: Emergency Permits for Special Education
The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) prohibits the issuance of emergency permits in special education. IDOE is proposing a number of steps, which can be found in this memo, to bring special education licensure into compliance with these regulations. These proposed steps have been developed in consultation with multiple education and special education stakeholders. A frequently asked questions document is also available here. IDOE will continue to share additional guidance and information in the coming weeks and months. We encourage you to share solution ideas with our team as we work to achieve compliance. Please email your comments or questions to licensinghelp@doe.in.gov or specialeducation@doe.in.gov and include “EP/T2T Alternative Route to Teaching” in the subject of your email.
NEW: Indicator 17 - State Systemic Improvement Plan Stakeholder Meeting on Thursday, July 8
IDOE is hosting two virtual stakeholder input sessions on Indicator 17: State Systemic Improvement Plan on Thursday, July 8, at either 9 to 11 a.m. or 5 to 7 p.m. Registration is required and will close on Friday, July 2. For more information, please contact Kristan Sievers-Coffer.
NEW: Indiana IEP Unavailable Thursday, July 1 through Sunday, July 4
Indiana IEP will undergo a server migration beginning Thursday, July 1 at 9 a.m. and ending Sunday, July 4 at 9 a.m. During this time, Indiana IEP will be offline and unavailable for use. Please prepare for this period in advance, as you will not have access to IEPs through the system or be able to make any changes during this time. Please reach out to Colleen Pawlicki with questions.
NEW: School Physical Therapy Services Referral by a School Psychologist
Effective Thursday, July 1, Indiana Code 20-28-1-11 adds physical therapy to the list of school services for which a licensed school psychologist, employed by a school corporation, may refer a student. In compliance with Indiana Code 25-27-1-2 (b), a physical therapist, who is an employee or contractor of a school corporation, may now provide school physical therapy services to a student based on the referral of a licensed school psychologist. As in the past, a physician (medical doctor/MD or Doctor of Osteopathy/DO) and other practitioners have the authority to refer a student for physical therapy evaluation and treatment services provided by a school’s qualified practitioner pursuant to state and federal mandates.
These changes will help address significant administrative barriers that have impeded provision of school-based physical therapy services and prevented schools from claiming Medicaid reimbursement for IEP-required physical therapy services. Please watch for a forthcoming update of the Medicaid Billing Tool Kit as well as additional information, such as a Frequently Asked Questions document, in the Office of Special Education Moodle Community. Contact Tracy Brunner with questions.
REMINDER: School Medicaid Provider Enrollment Required for All Public School Corporations and Charter Schools
Indiana Code 12-15-1-16, enacted in 1994, requires all public school corporations and public charter schools to enroll as an Indiana Medicaid medical service provider, regardless of whether the school corporation or charter school elects to participate in Medicaid claiming for covered IEP-required services. To remain compliant with state law, school corporations must revalidate their enrollment every five years. Additional information regarding the revalidation process can be found on the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration website by clicking here. Tips for completing Indiana’s Provider Enrollment Application, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions document, are also available in the Medicaid folder, under Fiscal, in the IDOE Office of Special Education Moodle Community. Contact Tracy Brunner with any questions.
REMINDER: Indicator 4 - Discipline Stakeholder Meeting on Tuesday, June 29
IDOE is hosting two virtual stakeholder input sessions on Indicator 4: Discipline on Tuesday, June 29, at either 9 to 11 a.m. or 5 to 7 p.m. Registration is required and will close today, Friday, June 25. For more information, please contact Kristan Sievers-Coffer.
NEW: Apply for STEM Certification Today
The window to apply for for STEM Certification is now open. Applicants should use IDOE’s STEM Certification Guide and STEM Evaluation Rubric to apply. For any questions or to schedule your pre-application meeting, please contact Shannon Dick.
NEW: Legislative Guidance for House Enrolled Act 1384 - Civics Education
Schools may review the latest guidance regarding the implementation of House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1384 (Civics Education) for the 2023-2024 school year. Contact Matt Walsh for more information.
REMINDER: Webinar Supporting Virtual and Hybrid Options
Is your school corporation planning a virtual or hybrid option for this coming school year? Join IDOE on Wednesday, June 30, at 10 a.m. ET to learn about accountability guidelines and data from the most recent Virtual/Hybrid Option Survey. This webinar gives digital learning leaders an opportunity to connect with others and engage in conversation about how IDOE can best support schools. Register for the webinar here. Please contact Meri Carnahan with any questions.
REMINDER: Science Standard Revision Committee Recruitment
IDOE reviews Indiana Academic Standards on a six-year cycle. Science standards are the next to be reviewed. Educators in kindergarten through grade 12, higher education, and parents interested in joining these work groups are encouraged to complete this form. Please contact Matt Walsh with questions.
REMINDER: 2021-2022 Title Grants Pre-Application Now Available
The Title Grants Pre-Application for the 2021-2022 school year and all of fiscal year 2022 grants is now available. This Pre-Application will replace the prior INtelligrants Pre-Application submission. The process will mirror the submission process last year, with the Pre-Application being due first, followed by a simplified application for each specific grant. Pre-Applications are due Thursday, July 1. Please visit this website for additional training and resources. Contact your grant specialist or Cole Dietrich with questions.
REMINDER: Indiana ILP Access Transition to LINK
Access to Indiana ILP will transition from direct URL to the LINK Portal between Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27. English Learner Administrators and LINK Security Coordinators must take steps to prepare for this transition. Please view instructions for the transition here. Please contact Colleen Pawlicki with questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Grant Opportunities for Schools
The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity is currently offering two grant opportunities open to all Indiana schools: the Indiana Healthy Workplaces Grant and the Youth and Adolescent Physical Activity Grant. Please visit the IDOH website for additional details.
NEW FROM LILLY ENDOWMENT INC.: Renewal Grants for K-12 Educators
Lilly Endowment Inc. has announced its 35th year of the Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program (TCFP). TCFP supports educators through new experiences and opportunities for exploration and reflection. Many educators who receive TCFP grants discover renewed energy in their careers, innovative approaches to teaching and educational leadership, and thoughtful ways to encourage students’ creative thinking. Approximately 100 grants, each totaling up to $12,000, are anticipated in 2022. Learn more about TCFP at lillyendowment.org.
NEW FROM METAMETRICS: Free Resources for Summer Reading and Math
MetaMetrics developed a number of free, research-based resources to help students and families maintain reading and math skills throughout the summer. More information about these resources is available here.
REMINDER FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (DWD): Indiana Career Explorer Update
Indiana Career Explorer (INCE) is transitioning to a new vendor, Futures, Inc., on Thursday, July 1, which will provide users with an enhanced tool to explore career and educational opportunities. As part of the transition, the online INCE platform will experience downtime before going live with the new vendor. Following the transition, INCE will remain a free tool for all Hoosiers, including all K-12 students. Please contact DWD’s Pam Warner with questions.
All Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) newsletters are located in one convenient location. Please find past issues here.
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