We all know that a child’s window of opportunity for learning begins long before they set foot in a kindergarten classroom. This makes high-quality early learning a game changer for our students, families, and communities. This school year, we have seen:
- An increase of 26.7% in Pre-K enrollment among Pre-K programs associated with a K-12 school; and
- A 5.25% increase in kindergarten enrollment among all Indiana schools.
Research from Purdue University shows that this enrollment in early learning will provide a benefit to students that extends throughout elementary school and beyond. Students who attend a high-quality Pre-K through the state’s On My Way Pre-K program, which is administered through Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), have stronger school readiness, language, and literacy skills than their peers with similar family incomes who attend lower quality childcare or pre-kindergarten programs. And these students maintained this advantage well into third and fourth grade!
Across the state, there are some incredible efforts taking place right now to elevate Indiana’s early learning, including in many of your communities. Thank you for your leadership in supporting more students in your community to become kindergarten ready!
Below I want to share some progress being led by education and community leaders across our state on early learning:
Re-envisioning Indiana’s Early Learning Advisory Committee (HEA 1093)
Supporting and increasing access to high-quality early learning opportunities was an important topic this legislative session. HEA 1093 brought the re-envisioning of Indiana’s Early Learning Advisory Committee (ELAC) to increase the state’s focus on kindergarten readiness for children from birth to age five. One of Governor Holcomb’s 2022 Next Level Agenda items included the ELAC revitalization, which leverages a group of early learning thought leaders – including K-12 school leaders, like you – to set the vision, strategies, and method to monitor the progress of the most important outcomes for our youngest Hoosiers. Additionally, ELAC will be charged with the following:
- Creating child developmental and educational goals for the early learning system, including the development of standards and objectives for early education programs that receive state or federal funds;
- Assessing the attainment of the goals established and evaluate the efficacy of state and federal spending on Indiana’s early learning system;
- Assessing whether the requirements for early education program licensure:
- Create an equitable standard for health and safety across all early education program types,
- Reinforce the goals established, and
- Support the sustainability of Indiana’s early learning system; and
- Designing early education workforce strategies, including recommendations on how to advance professional development.
The Power of Partnering with Local Community Foundations
Earlier this week, Lilly Endowment invited our state’s community foundations to a convening focused on local partnerships and addressing the highest priority challenges and opportunities. I appreciated the invitation to share the good work happening in our schools with community foundation leaders from 90 of our state’s counties, as well as the opportunity to emphasize the educational innovation that can be spurred within our communities through intentional partnership.
During the presentation, almost everyone raised their hand when I asked how many of the foundations in attendance are working with their local schools in some capacity. And, while the discussion covered multiple important areas of focus (e.g., literacy, STEM, college and career pathways, student well-being, our educator pipeline, etc.), when asking specifically about early learning partnerships, many expressed interest in beginning or continuing to lean-in to partner with schools to ensure our Indiana students are kindergarten ready.
Community foundations provide an enormous partnership opportunity for our schools – while we have access to federal dollars today, building relationships and shared vision with our local foundations is key for long-term strategy...and ultimately success!
Thank you, as always, for your continued leadership and willingness to be bold, strategic, and future-focused for our students!
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NEW: Academic Impact Needs Assessment Survey: Feedback Requested from Administrators, Educators, and Parents
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) in partnership with the National Center for Assessment released initial findings from the Academic Impact Study in July 2021. ILEARN results indicated Black, Hispanic, English learner (EL), and free/reduced lunch students experienced a significant impact in English/language arts (ELA) and mathematics, while special education students experienced a moderate-to-significant impact in ELA and a moderate impact in math. This presentation to the Indiana State Board of Education provides more details.
IDOE is seeking feedback from administrators, educators, and parents/caregivers. Schools can access a print or digital parent flyer to share the survey opportunity with interested parents/caregivers. Responses are voluntary and will assist IDOE with planning for grants, resources, and training to assist school corporations with addressing the academic impact of these identified student populations during the 2022-2023 school year. Surveys may be accessed using the links above that describe each individual's role and must be submitted by 4 p.m. ET on Friday, April 22.
NEW: Professional Development (PD) with IDOE: Growing Readers with IREAD-3 Results on Wednesday, April 6
IDOE invites educators to join the Growing Readers with IREAD-3 Results live session from 4 to 4:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 6, in the Indiana Learning Lab. The session will provide information on utilizing IREAD-3 assessment results, reviewing early literacy practices, and outlining applicable resources. IREAD-3 allows schools to grow reading proficiency skills through the analysis of students' results to inform instruction and provide the appropriate interventions and support. Register for the live session here. Contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: ILEARN Biology End-of-Course Assessment (ECA) Winter 2022 Preliminary Results and Rescore Request Window
Preliminary results for students who participated in the ILEARN Biology ECA Winter 2022 administration will be available in the Online Reporting System (ORS) on Monday, April 4. Schools and parents may begin reviewing student responses to any open-ended items and request resources in the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE). Please review IDOE’s formal guidance as you prepare for the ILEARN rescore process to begin at your school. Contact the Indiana Assessment Help Desk with any questions.
NEW: I AM Testing Window and Onsite Monitoring Begins Monday, April 4
The I AM testing window is open Monday, April 4, through Friday, May 13. Corporation Test Coordinators (CTCs) should:
IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment will conduct unannounced onsite monitoring visits during the I AM testing window. Please ensure that school administrators and staff are aware that these onsite visits will be conducted. More details can be found here. Contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: ILEARN Question and Answer (Q&A) Sessions
The Office of Student Assessment is hosting a series of ILEARN Q&A sessions related to upcoming testing windows. Follow these links to join the webinar at the designated date and time.
Contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: 2022 School Tech Plan Survey Now Open
The 2022 School Tech Plan Survey is now available to be completed for all Indiana school corporations, charter schools, and for the first time, non-public schools. The survey will be open through Friday, May 6. Completion of this survey is a requirement for all public schools to qualify for the connectivity formula grant, the common school fund, and grants from IDOE'S Office of Academics. While not required, non-public schools are encouraged to complete the survey to help other schools identify best practices. The survey can be completed at this link. Additional information, including guidance documents and data from previous years is available on the Indiana School Tech Plan website. Contact Brad Hagg with any questions.
REMINDER: 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 closes today, 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.
NEW: Applications Open for the Explore, Engage, and Experience (3E) Grant
IDOE is now accepting applications for the new Explore, Engage, and Experience (3E) Grant.
The Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities will provide four information sessions to support school and community partners in their work to develop intentional programming leading to high-wage, high-demand opportunities for students:
3E Grant Statewide Information Session Dates, Times & Microsoft Teams Links:
NEW: 2021-2022 High Ability Program Grant Reallocations
IDOE is reallocating the remaining funds from the 2021-2022 High Ability Program (HAP) appropriation to each participating local educational agency (LEA). The additional funds are being included in the HAP Grant Base amount to maximize funding available for Indiana schools to meet the needs of their high ability students. An amendment must be submitted using this form no later than Friday, April 22, and reviewed by the Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities to receive the additional funds. Contact studentpathways_highability@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Dual Language Program Grant Application Now Open
Applications for the 2022-2023 Dual Language Program grant are now open. The grant is intended for corporations or charters interested in starting a pilot or expanding an existing dual language program. For additional information on program requirements, funding amounts, how to apply, and more, see the grant application document. Applications and related documents must be submitted using this form by Friday, May 6. Contact Chelsea Isley with any questions.
NEW: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B Annual State Application
All states applying for funding under IDEA Part B are required to allow public review and comment on the application and proposed budget. The application packet, developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) includes a summary of assurances, certifications, and fund usage descriptions that the state will use to fulfill IDEA Part B requirements. Upon OSEP's approval of Indiana's Part B application, the state will receive a federal grant award to implement necessary services for students with disabilities for July 1, 2022, through September 30, 2024.
The application and its components have been posted on IDOE’s website for public review and will remain available until Sunday, May 22. Comments may be submitted here until Friday, April 22. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Post School Outcomes Training (Indicator 14)
Join the Office of Special Education and the Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center for Post School Outcomes Training from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Wednesday, April 13. Teachers of record (TORs), special education directors, and special education teachers will learn when students should receive the Indicator 14 letter in preparation for exiting high school, as well as what information must be updated in Indiana's Individualized Education Program (IEP) prior to this transition. Use this link to register for the training. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Transition Portfolio Trainings in April
Join IDOE’s Office of Special Education and the Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center for three, half-hour sessions on Wednesday, April 6, Thursday, April 7, and Friday, April 8. During this three-part series, educators working with students who are earning a Certificate of Completion will learn the components of the transition portfolio, receive tips for creating artifacts, and learn how to create portfolios using Google. Those interested in attending these sessions can register here. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Special Education Child Count Reporting Due Today, Friday, April 1, in Data Exchange
The spring special education child count, required by IC 20-43-7-1, is today, Friday, April 1, and must be reported via Data Exchange. All students receiving special education services are to be reported. For additional information on the reporting process, visit the Data Exchange Knowledge Hub and the “Reporting Special Education” section in the Data Exchange Training and Community within Moodle. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions or complete a data reporting ticket.
NEW: Literacy & STEM Professional Development in the Indiana Learning Lab
IDOE is offering educators a free professional development series highlighting early literacy and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives. The series will be presented in the Indiana Learning Lab from April through August by numerous experts in the field of education. The first presentation, Revealing the Reading Brain, will be held at 4 p.m. ET on Monday, April 11. Find registration links and more information about each presentation here. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Applications Now Open for Digital Learning Leadership Cadre
Applications are open to participate in the new Digital Learning Leadership Cadre. The Digital Learning Leadership Cadre members will work alongside IDOE to collaborate on topics related to virtual and blended learning. Participants will commit to one meeting per month from June 2022 through May 2023, two of which will be held in-person. Applications will close on Friday, April 22. Chosen participants will be notified on Friday, May 6. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions
NEW: Indiana Course Access Portal (iCAP) Reimbursement
The Office of Digital Learning is offering an opportunity to temporarily reimburse schools for student iCAP enrollments for the 2022-2023 school year. Please see this memo for additional information. iCAP, Indiana Code 20-30-16, currently offers over 180 course options from seven course providers. Join us for an informational session from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Friday, April 8. Applications are open and can be found here. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions
NEW: April PD with IDOE
IDOE has new Wednesday PD opportunities in the Indiana Learning Lab. View this April flyer for more information regarding upcoming sessions. To register for workshops, create a free Learning Lab account by visiting the LINK Portal or the Indiana Learning Lab website directly and using your school email to log in. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: Well-Rounded Course Access (WRCA)
The Office of Digital Learning is excited to announce the Well-Rounded Course Access (WRCA) program. IDOE was awarded a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand access to well-rounded courses for students across the state and has partnered with Indiana University to develop and implement a model for providing robust educational opportunities through increased course access for all students. To learn more about WRCA and how the program interacts with the Indiana Course Access Network, please see this overview flyer. Contact the Office of Digital 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: 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: Virtual Voyagers April Dates
The Office of Digital Learning is continuing the Virtual Voyagers series with new topics throughout the month of April. Join us for the first April session at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 7, with Exploring Strategies & Resources for Meaningful Online Learning Experiences. More information on this session and links to register for additional sessions can be found on this flyer. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: EANS II Application Window Closed
The submission window for all EANS II applications closed on Thursday, March 31, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Please ensure all materials for the application, including the budget and MOU, were submitted by that time. Please check the IDOE EANS webpage for more information, application materials, and updates.
NEW: EANS I Supplemental Funding Updates
EANS I supplemental funds will be available to non-public schools that participated in EANS I, but are ineligible for EANS II due to the heightened poverty threshold. Communications will be sent from IDOE directly to schools that are eligible for this supplemental funding in mid-April. Schools that have not received a notification by Wednesday, April 20, may contact Lacey Bohlen with questions regarding eligibility for EANS I supplemental funds.
NEW: ESSER Year Two Data Collection
As was required last year, the U.S. Department of Education has requested year two data regarding the uses and expenditures for ESSER I-III grant funds by LEAs and non-LEAs. LEAs should receive a memo by close of business today, Friday, April 1, regarding the first data set to submit via JotForm. Submissions are due no later than Friday, April 15.
Please see the screenshot below of the information to have on hand when you begin to complete the JotForm:
 The U.S. Department of Education requires IDOE to submit six data documents, five of which will include data from LEAs and non-LEAs receiving ESSER funds. Jotforms regarding the submission of the remaining four data sets will be included in this newsletter in the coming weeks, as the due date for all data from LEAs and non-LEAs receiving ESSER funds is Friday, May 6. Contact Frank Chiki with any questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA BAR FOUNDATION: We the People Curriculum
The Indiana Bar Foundation will host a professional development opportunity for grade 8-12 educators sharing educational strategies aligning the Foundation’s We the People curriculum within government, history, and social studies classes. The online program will be held from 4 to 6:15 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 12, and will be worth two PGPs. Additional information and registration information is available here.
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 NATIONAL COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION: Computer Science Professional Development (CSPD) Week 2022
The National Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), CSTA Indiana, Nextech, and IDOE are partnering to host Indiana’s first ever CSPDWeek. Indiana K-12 teachers are invited to convene from Monday, June 27, to Friday, July 1, to learn, network, create community, and continue to expand high-quality, rigorous computer science education. The application and workshop catalog are now available, and applications can be completed here. Contact in.cspdweek@gmail.com 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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