With the celebration of Veterans Day, this week has been an important reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe those who have served and are serving in our nation’s Armed Forces. We are fortunate in Indiana to have schools across the state that not only honor our veterans, but are also committed to doing everything possible to support our service-member families and students. In particular, I would like to recognize our Purple Star designated schools for their commitment to service members, veterans, and students and families connected to our nation’s military. If you or a member of your family is an active service member or veteran, thank you!
As we have signaled over the past few months, our timeline continues on pace as we work together to re-envision how student performance is measured in Indiana...shifting away from a single test score to a number of key characteristics vital to a student’s lifelong success. At Wednesday’s State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting, we presented the next phase of the Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed (Indiana GPS) performance dashboard. This included draft indicator examples which are being considered to more holistically illustrate performance using a range of learner-centered, future-focused, and data-informed measures.
As a reminder, our five characteristics include:
- Academic mastery;
- Career and postsecondary readiness: credentials and experiences;
- Communication and collaboration;
- Work ethic; and
- Civic, financial, and digital literacy.
These characteristics are not new for Indiana students or educators. In fact, much of this is already supported via Indiana Academic and Employability standards. By prioritizing these characteristics, it empowers us, as educators, to focus on the knowledge, skills, and opportunities that matter most to students today and in the future.
This dashboard is designed by Hoosiers, for Hoosiers, putting all information in one place. While some of the proposed dashboard measures already exist and are reported to IDOE or other state agencies, some measures are aspirational, meaning they will need to be developed. Authentic measurement of progress in skill-development and student experiences will require time and partnership with Indiana schools to consider how we might capture our progress. This research and development process will provide insights into best practice implementation and will require additional collaboration over the coming months and beyond.
Extensive stakeholder engagement to gather feedback has been an important part of this process, and this will continue every step of the way. Now that the draft indicator examples have been officially presented to the SBOE, we are once again asking for your help. We encourage you to continue to engage in this process by providing feedback on the draft indicator examples via this JotForm survey. To complete this survey, simply drag and drop the listed metrics into rank order, with "1" being the metric you believe offers the best opportunity for students and schools to demonstrate the associated characteristic.
We are very thankful for your help in the development process of the Indiana GPS dashboard, and we look forward to hearing from you as we work to finalize a set of prioritized indicators to submit to the SBOE in December!
Thank you, as always, for your input and leadership!
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UPDATE: Data Exchange - Student Information System (SIS) Vendor Badging Update
IDOE has added ConceptSIS to the list of SIS vendors meeting all data requirements for August 2021. Harmony, Skyward (Qmaltive), and Skyward (SMS) have also met all data requirements for October 2021. The department is continually working with SIS vendors toward their Indiana Ed-Fi badging of specific data elements required for 2021-2022 reporting in Data Exchange. The 2022 Data Exchange Vendor Certification Status list is updated regularly for schools to check the status of SIS vendors. Questions about Data Exchange may be submitted through https://help.doe.in.gov/.
REMINDER: Accurate Daily Attendance Data for Each Student Needed at Least Weekly
Please remember that accurate daily attendance is key to reducing data errors and ensuring your funding is aligned with the type of instruction students receive. Additionally, accurate attendance data influences direct benefits your students may receive from the state, such as payments for missed school meals through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program administered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Please note, students without attendance data are excluded from counts. Please also note that complete attendance data will be required for the first semester of the 2021 school year in order to make any adjustments to student-level funding around the percentage of virtual instruction received. Complete attendance data for the entire year will be required in June for the final data certification of the 2021-2022 school year. Questions about Data Exchange may be submitted through https://help.doe.in.gov/.
REMINDER: Data Exchange - October Data Certification Timelines and Reminders
The October certification period includes the following data: Pupil Enrollment, Curricular Materials Reimbursement, Certified Employee (CE), English Learner, and Non-Certified Employee (NE). IDOE will snapshot this data on Sunday, November 14. The certification window will be open beginning Monday, November 15, and ending Friday, November 19. Schools should verify if their SIS vendor is equipped to sync staff information, otherwise, schools should plan to utilize the templates for reporting CE and NE. Guidance is available on the Knowledge Hub and is consistent with guidance provided for the 2020-2021 school year. Training is also available in the IDOE Moodle Data Exchange course. Questions about Data Exchange may be submitted through https://help.doe.in.gov/.
REMINDER: Identifying Indiana Teacher Shortage Areas
IDOE is preparing to submit the list of Indiana teacher shortage areas to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). USDOE will then make this information publicly available for all states, providing a resource for recent graduates as well as trained, experienced teaching professionals aspiring to serve school districts with shortages. Additionally, the listing serves as a resource in advising federal student financial aid recipients of the potential to reduce, defer, or discharge student loan repayments by teaching in certain areas. Indiana’s proposed shortage areas are informed by 2020-2021 emergency permit issuance, long-term vacancy data collected from schools, and IDOE job bank postings. Click here to view the proposed list. If you are experiencing significant shortages in other content areas, please email licensinghelp@doe.in.gov with the subject line “Teacher Shortage Areas” by close of business on Friday, November 12.
REMINDER: Data Exchange - Data Reporting Source of Truth
The 2021-2022 school year establishes Data Exchange as the source of truth for all data reporting. Specific instructions for parallel submission with the STN Application Center will be provided as needed. For the current school year, all SPN/STN should continue to be created in the STN Application Center. Details regarding Data Exchange can be found in Moodle. Additional information and training regarding Data Exchange implementation can be found in the Data Exchange Training and Community course in Moodle (no enrollment key required). Questions about Data Exchange may be directed to https://help.doe.in.gov/.
REMINDER: P-EBT
With the first distribution of P-EBT coming later this fall, schools should continue to maintain accurate student addresses, attendance, and free/reduced lunch statuses for each student in the SIS so that this data can flow seamlessly to Data Exchange. The August to September data was pulled for initial distribution review on Monday, October 11 and was refreshed again on Monday, October 25, pending USDA program approval. Depending on the approved distribution date, there may be further data refreshes, but September attendance data should be reviewed as soon as possible to ensure the accuracy of initial distribution data. Additional information, including an FAQ for parents, is available on the FSSA Division of Family Resources P-EBT website. Questions about Data Exchange may be directed to https://help.doe.in.gov/.
REMINDER: Educator Recruitment and Applicant Tracking System Demonstration
All Indiana superintendents and/or HR directors are invited to register for one of two demonstrations of the Nimble platform, which is designed to significantly enhance local capabilities around educator recruitment and applicant tracking. For more information, and to register, click here. Questions may be directed to Rebecca Estes.
REMINDER: Request for Information (RFI) on Efficiency Opportunities for Non-Instructional School Building and Transportation Services
The Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA) has released RFI 22-68275, soliciting existing or potential opportunities to improve the efficiency of non-instructional school services associated with school buildings and transportation. This RFI has been issued pursuant to HEA 1266-2021. All interested respondents are encouraged to respond. Questions on the RFI are to be submitted to IDOA by Monday, November 15, with final responses due by January 14, 2022. All questions pertaining to the RFI should be directed to IDOA’s Emily Cranfill, following the process outlined under the “Question / Inquiry Process'' section of the RFI.
NEW: State Tuition Support Update
School year 2021-2022 State Tuition Support worksheets have been updated to reflect using actual September membership counts for school corporations and charter schools. The Form 54, which reflects monthly tuition support payment estimates will be available on Monday, November 15. Please contact Amy Pattison or Melissa Ambre with questions.
REMINDER: Reimbursement for 2021 Summer School Programs
The IDOE Office of School Finance has finalized the calculations for reimbursement of summer school costs based on the 2021 Summer School Final Cost Reports submitted by eligible school corporations and charter schools. The payment for 2021 summer school programs will occur the week of Monday, November 22. Additional information and the detailed list of distributions can be found here. Please contact Teresa Hemmerle or Melissa Ambre with questions.
NEW: Update Regarding Indiana Career Explorer
As many of you know, Indiana Career Explorer (INCE) recently transitioned to a new vendor, Futures, Inc. The new INCE remains a free tool for all Hoosiers, including all K-12 students, and can be accessed by visiting: https://indianacareerexplorer.com/. While development is ongoing, students in grades six through 12 can begin utilizing this tool to complete their Career Interest Assessment. This free assessment will fulfill the career assessment requirement for grade 10 students participating in the 21st Century Scholars program. As additional features are made available, including the ability for students and counselors to create an account, updates and training materials will be shared directly with the field via the IDOE Student, School and Family Engagement Moodle Community, password: engagement. Please contact engagement@doe.in.gov with questions.
NEW: Indiana Special Education Assisted Licensure (I-SEAL) Opportunity
IDOE is pleased to announce a new partnership with the University of Indianapolis’ Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) to strengthen Indiana’s special education teacher pipeline. The I-SEAL partnership streamlines the required coursework for teachers to earn full special education licensure and also provides financial assistance and scholarships to educators while they complete these requirements. Additional information on this opportunity can be found here. Please contact the IDOE Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Indiana Special Education Collaborative Support Network (CSN) Meeting
IDOE is partnering with Keep Indiana Learning to develop a collaborative support network among the special education and special needs educators of Indiana. The free virtual meeting will be held on January 19, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. Click here to register for the event. Please contact Central Indiana Educational Services Center (CIESC) Director of Professional Learning Laurie Ferry with any questions.
NEW: IDOE Seeking Public Comment on Indiana’s Priorities for STEM Education
IDOE is seeking feedback from educators across the state on a draft framework to provide additional support for Indiana schools as they provide high-quality STEM learning opportunities. Known as Indiana’s Priorities for STEM Education, the framework focuses on integrating the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to maximize student learning and achievement. This includes a collaborative process to support schools through professional development that promotes research-based practices, and ultimately results in more students having access to engaging STEM education experiences that prepare them for the future. To learn more about Indiana’s Priorities for STEM Education and to provide feedback, click here. The public comment period will remain open through Friday, November 26. Please contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: IN Learning Partnership November Summit
The IN Learning Partnership is celebrating November with the Designing an Attitude of Gratitude Summit. Save the date for Thursday, November 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. ET and join us for live sessions presented by Indiana and national educators. Subscribe to the Keep Indiana Learning YouTube channel for reminders. You can also view curated resources on this topic in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Digital Learning Speaker List
The Office of Digital Learning is creating a Digital Learning Speaker List to identify and connect talented presenters who can provide local expertise, primarily for the Summer of Learning conference series, but also for state and district professional development sessions. If you would like to be added to the speaker list, please complete this form before Wednesday, December 1. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana Learning Lab Guest Presenter Submissions Open
Are you an educator with an interesting idea or engaging strategy that you would like to share with other educators? The Indiana Learning Lab is looking for guest presenters, and applications to share a 30-minute live workshop are now open! Please submit your idea using this form by Wednesday, December 1. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: American Rescue Plan Act - Maintenance of Equity Webinar
Join us on Thursday, December 9 to learn more about the Maintenance of Equity requirement instituted under the American Rescue Plan Act. This free training will cover everything we know so far about the new requirement – the state’s own obligation, how the test works for districts, what expenditures and data to use to make the required calculations, how to receive an exemption, and what enforcement is anticipated to look like. The 90-minute presentation will be conducted by partners at federal education law firm Brustein & Manasevit, PLLC and will include time for districts to pose their own questions on the topic. Please register here no later than Tuesday, December 7. For questions, please contact Frank Chiki.
REMINDER: Title I Comparability Report
Please remember to submit your local educational agency’s (LEA’s) school year 2021-2022 Title I Comparability Report in the Title I Application Center. If you have questions while completing the report, please view the Comparability Presentation or contact your LEA’s assigned federal grants specialist.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Physical Activity and Physical Education Professional Development Training Survey
The Indiana Department of Health, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity is looking for feedback from Indiana physical education and health educators as well as before and afterschool professionals as the department plans for future trainings offered to schools and organizations throughout the state. Complete this short survey to share the types of professional development trainings that would benefit your work with students of all ages and grades and improve and increase physical activity and physical education opportunities. Please complete this survey no later than Thursday, November 18. Contact Emma Smythe with any questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER COUNCIL AND THE INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS: Candice Dodson EdTech Trailblazer Award
The 2021 Candice Dodson EdTech Trailblazer Award, co-sponsored by the Indiana Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Council and the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) is now open for nominations. Candice Dodson is remembered as a pioneer, somebody who was willing to take risks and go on a path that wasn't already there. She blazed a trail and left a path for so many in Indiana and beyond. Each year, this award is presented to a superintendent or assistant superintendent who has promoted and supported innovative uses of technology in their district and helped others do the same around the state of Indiana. To submit a candidate for consideration, please complete this form. The winner will be announced at the IAPSS Banquet on Tuesday, December 7. Nominations are due Friday, November 19.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA STATE LIBRARY AND THE INDIANA CENTER FOR THE BOOK: Letters About Literature
Letters About Literature is a letter writing contest for students in Indiana in grades four through 12. Students are asked to read a book, poem, or speech and write to the author (living or deceased) about how the book affected how they see themselves or how they see the world. All Indiana winners will be announced in late March 2022 and will receive an invitation to the virtual awards ceremony as well as a prize pack (including free books!) mailed to their home. The submission deadline is January 10, 2022. To learn more, click here. Contact Suzanne Walker with questions.
NEW FROM PUBLIC CONSULTING GROUP: School-Based Medicaid Administrative Claiming
Public school districts and charter schools participating or interested in Indiana’s federally-approved, school-based Medicaid Administrative Claiming (IndianaMAC) methodology are invited to register staff for the below November webinars. IndianaMAC allows public schools to recover part of their state and local costs for providing administrative support to all students with medical needs. Use the session-specific links below to register.
Please contact IndianaMAC with any questions.
All Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) newsletters are located in one convenient location. Please find past issues here.
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