As we continue to recognize the important work happening in Indiana schools, today we launch another video in the Teachers Who Shaped Us series, designed to shine a spotlight on the positive impact educators make on our students’ lives and on our state.
Today, we continue this series by sitting down with a decades-long public servant, education advocate, and someone I consider a personal mentor and friend – Dr. Sue Ellspermann. Dr. Ellspermann currently serves as president of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, where she works to aggressively pursue and contribute to Indiana’s big goal, which is for 60% of Hoosier adults to have educational attainment above and beyond a high school diploma by 2025. This can include a postsecondary credential, industry certification, or other high-quality credential.
As you know, Dr. Ellspermann also served as Indiana’s 50th lieutenant governor and prior to that, served as the founding director of the Center of Applied Research and Economic Development at the University of Southern Indiana (USI). She also has classroom experience at the collegiate-level, including teaching at USI, the University of Evansville, and the University of Louisville.
In the brief video linked below, Dr. Ellspermann reflects on her K-12 education in Ferdinand, Indiana, where nuns from the local monastery were the teachers at her school. Like many we have spoken with before, Dr. Ellspermann acknowledges that there are a number of special educators (including her husband, Jim Mehling!) who helped influence her path, but she specifically highlights Sister Rose Mary Rexing (geometry), who helped develop her love of math, Mr. Gene Keusch (high school band), who helped grow her musical talents while teaching important life skills, and Mr. Jim Johanneman (drafting), who inspired her to pursue engineering at Purdue University, a program in which, at that point in time, only 10% of students were women.
Check out the video below to hear more about these outstanding educators and the gratitude Dr. Ellspermann feels for all educators!
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Video caption: This video is the sixth in a series, known as Teachers Who Shaped Us. In this video, Dr. Jenner sits down with Dr. Sue Ellspermann to learn more about the teachers who made a lasting impact on her life.
REMINDER: Non-Public School State Accreditation Application Window
The Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE's) Office of Accountability is now accepting initial accreditation applications for non-public schools seeking accreditation for the 2022-2023 school year. Non-accredited non-public schools interested in obtaining accreditation should complete a notice of intent form and submit to SchoolAccountability@doe.in.gov by Saturday, April 30. Please note that schools are not considered accredited during the application process. Schools are only eligible to accept Indiana’s Choice Scholarship student applications once the petition for accreditation has been approved. Please contact the Office of Accountability with any questions.
NEW: Preliminary Spring 2022 IREAD-3 Student Results Available in the Online Reporting System (ORS)
Preliminary results for students who participated in the online Spring 2022 IREAD-3 administration are now available in ORS. Please plan now for secure, timely communication of these results with all parents of students who tested during this window. Grade three students who did not participate or received ‘Did Not Pass’ should begin preparing for the summer retest administration. Grade two students who did not participate or received ‘Did Not Pass’ are not required to attend the summer retest administration. Students who are not successful should receive additional support and remediation as proficient reading is a long-term indicator for student opportunity. This interpretive guide accompanies IREAD-3 Individual Student Reports (ISRs) retrieved from ORS. Please contact the Indiana Assessment Help Desk with questions regarding ORS and the Office of Student Assessment regarding policy guidance.
NEW: Applications Open for the SAT Policy Committee
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Office of Student Assessment is recruiting high school administrators and special education directors to participate in a committee to establish policy guidelines for setting proficiency cut scores for the SAT. Volunteers should be available for an in-person meeting in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, April 12. Interested applicants should complete this form by Thursday, March 31. Contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: Applications Open for the ILEARN Social Studies Standards Update Committee Through Wednesday, March 30
Applications for the ILEARN Social Studies Standards Update Committee are now open. This committee will meet virtually on Thursday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to noon to discuss the ILEARN grade five social studies assessment following updates to the Indiana Academic Standards. The committee will reflect on possible changes to the test blueprint and update item specifications and range performance level descriptors for identified standards. Grade five social studies teachers, special education staff, and administrators are encouraged to apply. Eight applicants will be selected to take part in this review, and participants will receive a substitute reimbursement rate of $75. Submit this JotForm to indicate participation interest by Wednesday, March 30. Contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: Nominate an Educator for Teacher of the Year
The Indiana Teacher of the Year Program works to inspire, rejuvenate, and celebrate the teaching profession by recognizing outstanding teachers from across the state. Local schools are encouraged to participate in an annual selection process and local Teacher(s) of the Year are encouraged to complete the state application process by Friday, July 1. More Information on the 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process can be found here. Contact Rebecca Estes with any questions.
REMINDER: Nominate an Educator for Indiana History Teacher of the Year
In partnership with IDOE, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History annually awards the Indiana History Teacher of the Year title in an effort to promote the study and love of American history. State winners are then considered for the National History Teacher of the Year award. More information about the process can be found here. The deadline for nominations is Saturday, April 30. Contact Rebecca Estes with any questions.
NEW: Transfer Request Deadline Reporting Process for Out-of-District Students Closes Friday, April 29
Indiana Code 20-26-11-32 requires public school corporations that accept out-of-district students to report to IDOE the date by which transfer requests must be received by the school corporation. School corporations accepting out-of-district students for the 2022-2023 school year must report this transfer request deadline date to IDOE using this form by Friday, April 29. Please see this memo for additional information. Contact State Attendance Officer, Catherine Danyluk, with any questions.
REMINDER: Common School Advancements
The Office of School Finance is now accepting applications for construction and technology loans from school corporations and school corporation career and technical education schools through Wednesday, April 13. Petitions must be received by 4:30 p.m. on this date in order to be considered. Applications can be found in the Public School Finance Community in Moodle under Common School Funds > Spring. Please read this memo for additional information. Questions can be directed here.
REMINDER: Summer School Estimates
The window to submit the Estimated Cost Report for Summer School 2022 is open through Friday, April 1. Please read this memo and FAQ for information regarding eligible courses, important dates, and financial provisions. Detailed information about the summer school program and how to report is included in the presentation Summer School 101. Contact Teresa Hemmerle or Joe Engelstad with any questions.
REMINDER: Annual 1003 Flexibility Waivers
IDOE’s Office of School Support and Transformation is now accepting applications for 1003 flexibility waivers. The following revised guidance was developed to help local school districts promote innovative approaches to transform student learning. Interested officials can read more about the opportunity on the State Board of Education’s website. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Sunday, June 5. Contact schoolimprovement@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Student ID Requirements
House Enrolled Act 1468 (2021) requires all public schools, including charters, that issue student ID cards to students in grades six through twelve to include a hotline and text information for suicide prevention, crisis, human trafficking, teen dating violence, and sexual assault. More information is available in this memo. Contact Michelle Clarke with any questions.
NEW: Legislation to Expand School Medicaid Claiming in Indiana
House Enrolled Act 1192, effective Friday, July 1, paves the way for work to begin on an Indiana Medicaid State Plan, policy, and claims processing system. These changes will expand Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for medical services provided by schools to students per Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Implementation timelines and guidance for Medicaid-participating schools will be forthcoming when all the necessary policy and system changes are in place. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) Stakeholder Meeting
Join the first quarter SSIP Stakeholder Meeting from 1:30 to 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 30. The meeting will include a review of the 2022 SSIP and an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback related to the ongoing implementation of the plan. Participants can join the session here. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Science of Reading Learning Lab Opportunity - Revealing the Reading Brain
IDOE invites educators to join Michelle Elia, Ohio Department of Education Literacy Lead, as she provides information to help educators understand how to implement the Science of Reading in classrooms around the state. The presentation will take place live in the Indiana Learning Lab on Monday, April 11, at 4 p.m. ET. Register for this live event here. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Registration Now Open for Summer of Learning Conferences
Fourteen Summer of Learning conferences will take place throughout the state during the months of June, July, and August. The registration links for the conferences are now available on IDOE’s Digital Learning and Professional Development webpage. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Upcoming Virtual Learning Guidance
The Indiana General Assembly enacted House Enrolled Act 1093, limiting school corporations to three virtual learning days per year. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) will soon implement a Virtual Learning Day Certification that will allow schools to request flexibility beyond the three day limit. More information about this certification process will be shared in this newsletter on Friday, April 8. IDOE will also be hosting two virtual question and answer (Q&A) sessions to outline the specifics of the Virtual Learning Certification process and will provide educators with an opportunity to ask questions on Friday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. ET and Tuesday, April 26, at 1 p.m. ET. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with questions.
REMINDER: Science and Computer Science Standards Revisions Available for Public Comment
IDOE welcomes public feedback on the proposed revisions to the Indiana Academic Standards for science and computer science standards through Friday, April 8. Please see the proposed updates and public comment forms here. The final proposed revisions will be presented to the State Board of Education for adoption this summer with phased implementation beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana’s Early Literacy and STEM Initiatives – Opt-In Window Open Through Tuesday, April 8
Indiana schools may apply to opt in to the voluntary coalition with IDOE to implement evidence-based early literacy practices in alignment with the Science of Reading or integrate high-quality STEM instruction. Implementation of both programs will involve the use of a locally-managed coaching model. IDOE will provide collaboration and training opportunities at no cost for participating schools. Review more opt-in implementation details related to Indiana’s Priorities for Early Literacy and Indiana’s Priorities for STEM Education, and formally indicate your school’s interest via the appropriate form (Literacy, STEM) by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, April 8. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: March Professional Development (PD) with IDOE
IDOE has a new series of Wednesday PD opportunities in the Indiana Learning Lab beginning at 4 p.m. ET each Wednesday in March. More information on these PD live sessions can be found in this March flyer. To register for workshops, create a free Learning Lab account by visiting the LINK Portal or use your school credentials to log into the Indiana Learning Lab website directly. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (CHE): New Indiana College Core Resource Guide Available
More than 7,500 Hoosier high school students over the past five years have earned the Indiana College Core or an associate degree while still in high school, continuing Indiana’s strong support of students taking early college credit with the benefit of students saving time and money toward postsecondary education and training. To continue building awareness around the benefits of the Indiana College Core with high school students, CHE and IDOE released a comprehensive digital guide and toolkit. The materials are designed to equip educators, especially school counselors, with the information and tools needed to help students make knowledgeable decisions about earning the Indiana College Core.
NEW FROM THE PATINS PROJECT: Tech Expo with IN*SOURCE on Thursday, April 14
The PATINS Project is collaborating with IN*SOURCE to present Tech Expo 2022 on Thursday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET. Participants will have the opportunity to preview assistive and accessible technologies and services, meet with vendors and experts of resources designed to promote inclusion and comply with federal and state mandates, and learn about accessibility and technology support for students and families. The event will be held at the 502 East Event Centre (502 E Carmel Dr. Carmel, IN 46032) and is open to all interested Indiana administrators, teachers, family members, students, and pre-service/graduate students. Register for a no-cost ticket by Wednesday, April 6. Please contact Jen Conti, Event Manager for the PATINS Project, with any questions.
NEW FROM PURDUE UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST: Academic Impact Workshops for Math Recovery
Purdue University Northwest is offering one-week workshops and a special, two-week Conceptual Algebra Readiness for Everyone workshop for teachers of grades 2-8 throughout June and July. To learn more about these opportunities, please see this flyer and visit this link to sign up. Contact David Feikes, Ph.D. Professor of Mathematics at Purdue University Northwest, with any questions.
REMINDER FROM TEACH INDY: Virtual Hiring Event and Education Conference
School leaders and hiring managers from across Indianapolis are looking for outstanding educators to teach and lead Indy’s students for the 2022-2023 school year. Whether you’re applying for your first teaching job or in search of a new opportunity, Teach Indy’s upcoming virtual hiring events can help connect you to the role that is right for you. Find detailed schedules, learn tips to prepare, and register here.
Teach Indy will also host an Educators Conference on Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30. This free virtual event is designed to elevate and support the work of Indianapolis’ exceptional educators, with opportunities to network and share best practices, learn and develop professionally, and celebrate the recognition of fellow teachers. Learn more and register here.
REMINDER FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (USDOE): Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Grant Applications Open
The USDOE issued an invitation for fiscal year 2022 applications for the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Grant program. The TQP program supports eligible partnerships that must include a high-need local educational agency (LEA), a high-need school served by the LEA, or a high-need early childhood education (ECE) program; a partner institution; a school, department, or program of education within such partner institution; and a school or department of arts and sciences within such partner institution. The purposes of the TQP program are to improve student achievement; improve the quality of prospective and new teachers by improving the preparation of prospective teachers and enhancing professional development activities for new teachers; hold teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher education accountable for preparing teachers who meet applicable state certification and licensure requirements; and recruit highly qualified individuals, including individuals of color and individuals from other occupations, into the teaching force. The deadline to submit an intent to apply is Monday, March 28.
All Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) newsletters are located in one convenient location. Please find past issues here.
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