You may or may not know that April is National Financial Literacy Month (I just recently learned of this!). Established in 2004, National Financial Literacy Month highlights the importance of each component of financial literacy: earning, spending, saving and investing, borrowing, and protecting. Ensuring our students leave PK-12 ready for success includes making sure they are financially literate to best navigate their life ahead.
The importance of financial literacy repeatedly came up in conversations with many people throughout the development of Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed (Indiana GPS) dashboard. So, as we solidified Indiana’s key characteristics for student success, civic, financial, and digital literacy came together to represent one of the five key characteristics we’ll be measuring through the Indiana GPS dashboard. In December, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) affirmed the headline indicators we’ll use to measure each of those characteristics for the Indiana GPS (check those out here - indicators for PK-8, indicators for 9-12). A few examples of these indicators and their respective impact includes:
- Promoting participation in the 21st Century Scholars program,
- Encouraging students to have meaningful conversations about what their post-graduation plans might entail,
- Outlining financial resources available to support students’ college and career aspirations,
- Encouraging schools to integrate intentional programming related to civic, financial, and digital literacy into the curriculum, and
- Promoting school partnerships with high-quality extra-curricular and co-curricular programming aligned to civic, financial, and digital literacy.
And there is another important indicator and deadline that is just around the corner…
Encouraging the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for students is not only a headline Indiana GPS indicator, but also a key to opening increased doors of opportunity for our students. Completing the FAFSA (which 38% of Indiana seniors have done so far) provides Indiana students with the maximum financial aid consideration and informs them of financial resources available for whatever comes next after high school. Each year, students who do not submit the FAFSA miss out on millions of dollars of financial aid—an estimated $65 million in 2021. FAFSA remains the number one way to access both state and federal scholarships.
Filing the FAFSA is not only important for students in order to access federal aid for traditional two and four year institutions, but it is required for students applying for the Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant, which covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible high-value certificate programs from several Indiana providers.
The deadline to file the 2022 FAFSA in Indiana is Monday, April 18, which is only a few days away! Check out this tool developed by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to see what percentage of your students have completed the FAFSA (or still need to!).
Financial literacy is important for our students regardless of whatever their next steps may be, and soon, with the implementation of the Indiana GPS, we will have real-time data showing this skill development. Thank you for your continued commitment to preparing our students for lifelong success.
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NEW: Approved Dyslexia Screener and Diagnostic System Lists Now Available
Dyslexia screeners and diagnostic systems have been reviewed and the approved list can now be found in Appendix C of the 2022-2023 Dyslexia Programming Guidance for Schools. Schools must select one vendor to administer the universal dyslexia screener to ensure that students are identified using a research-based measure. Schools should implement an assessment from the approved list prior to the 2022-2023 school year. If time constraints and pre-existing vendor contracts inhibit adopting a new universal screener and diagnostic assessment before the 2022-2023 school year, a Dyslexia Extension JotForm must be submitted by Friday, July 15. All schools are required to adhere to the new guidance before July 2023. Contact the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE’s) Dyslexia Specialist, Andrea Washington, with any questions.
NEW: ILEARN 3-8, Biology End-of-Course Assessment (ECA), and U.S. Government ECA Begin on Monday, April 18
Spring testing windows for online and paper administrations of ILEARN 3-8, ILEARN Biology ECA, and ILEARN U.S. Government ECA open on Monday, April 18. Practice tests are currently open and should be administered prior to the operational assessment to practice accessing the test, confirming correct student accommodations, and other testing procedures. Contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: Academic Impact Needs Assessment Survey: Feedback Requested from Administrators, Educators, and Parents
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: Annual Principal Survey Regarding Initial License Holders Now Open
Indiana Code 20-28-11.5-9 requires principals of charter schools (including virtual schools) and school corporations to complete an annual survey for any teacher employed in their school who was initially licensed in Indiana during the previous two years. The purpose of the survey is to assess the quality of preparation provided by the Indiana educator preparation program completed for licensure. Principals who have not completed this survey should visit the IDOE Principal Survey webpage, select “2022 Principal Survey” and enter the access code provided earlier this week. The survey will close Monday, August 1. Summary results will be shared with educator preparation providers for program improvement and survey data with names redacted will be posted on IDOE's Educator Preparation Program Data website. Please contact Scott Bogan with any questions.
NEW: Teacher Leaders Bootcamp Cohort 4 Applications Now Open
Applications are now open to participate in the 2022 Teacher Leaders Bootcamp Cohort 4. IDOE's partnership with the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters and Gibraltar Design will allow participants to engage in innovative professional development facilitating growth as teacher leaders. To learn more information, or to apply, click here. Contact Anne Marie Milligan 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: Updated Course Approved for Concussion Training for Football Coaches
IDOE has approved a new tackling and equipment fitting course created by the National Federation of State High School Associations for football coaches. As a reminder, state law mandates that in addition to the football coaching educational requirements, all coaches of interscholastic sports must receive training for concussion, heat exhaustion, and sudden cardiac arrest, and all band leaders must receive sudden cardiac arrest training. For more information regarding the Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Laws, as well as a list of the approved courses that meet state requirements, please click here.
REMINDER: Student Safety Reporting Collection Period Now Open
Indiana’s Student Safety Reporting Law (IC 20-34-6-1) requires school corporations to report student bullying, arrest, and gang data for each school to IDOE. The collection period is now open and submissions must be made by Thursday, June 30. More information can be found here. Contact Stephen Balko with any questions.
NEW: FY 2023 Indirect Cost Rates
The Office of School Finance is accepting applications from Local Education Agencies eligible to receive FY 2023 Indirect Cost Rates. Entities, including school corporations and charter schools, that provided Form 9 financial information for FY 2021 are eligible to receive a restricted and an unrestricted indirect cost rate in FY 2023. New charter schools are eligible to apply, but will be subject to the median rate. The following memo includes the application instructions. Contact icr@doe.in.gov with any questions.
New: Annual Office of School Finance Budget Workshop
The Annual Office of School Finance Budget Workshop will be held virtually on Thursday, June 30. Staff will provide updates on the tuition support formula, data exchange, and other legislation affecting school finance. The agenda and registration process will be made available closer to the workshop. Contact schoolfinance@doe.in.gov with any questions.
New: April Tuition Support Payment
The Office of School Finance has recalculated FY 2022 Basic Grant funding for school corporations and charter schools. Please read this memo containing additional information regarding the April tuition support payment. Contact schoolfinance@doe.in.gov 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: 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.
REMINDER: Applications Open for the Explore, Engage, and Experience (3E) Grant
IDOE is now accepting applications for the new Explore, Engage, and Experience (3E) Grant through Friday, May 13. Contact studentpathways@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: 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: English Learner (EL) Leadership Meeting on Wednesday, April 13
School and district EL leaders are invited to join IDOE’s EL team virtually on Wednesday, April 13, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. ET for the April EL Leadership meeting. The meeting will cover a variety of EL topics, such as state and federal grant updates, EL plan updates, upcoming WIDA ACCESS results, professional learning opportunities, and more. No registration is required, and meeting links and information can be found here. Contact Adam Pitt with any questions.
NEW: Updated Guidance for Students in Indiana School for the Deaf and Indiana School for the Blind or Low Vision
The Office of Special Education and IDOE general counsel have updated the guidance for school corporations and charter schools on the responsibilities when considering placing students in the Indiana School for the Blind or Low Vision or the Indiana School for the Deaf. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: The Technical Assistance Document - Determining the Need for Extended School Year (ESY) Services
The updated ESY document may be used to assist case conference committees (CCC) in understanding ESY services and provide guidance in determining the need for these services for students with disabilities. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: April Professional Development (PD) Playbook – Strengthening Relationships with Families
Academic support and recovery requires the engagement of all community partners, including parents and families. IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning’s fourth installment of the PD Playbook is now available in the Indiana Learning Lab. April’s PD Playbook: Strengthening Relationships with Families focuses on the importance of building and maintaining connections with parents and families. These resources can be used in staff sessions or as a resource to give to teachers interested in the topic. Please contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Science of Reading Learning Lab Opportunity - Revealing the Reading Brain
IDOE invites educators to join the 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. Additional Leadership Series sessions regarding literacy and STEM initiatives can be found here. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: 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: 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
REMINDER: 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 today, Friday, April 8. Applications are open and can be found here. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions
REMINDER: 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 FROM THE INLEARNING PARTNERSHIP: Digital Spring Cleaning Week Begins Monday, April 18
Join the INLearning Partnership for Digital Spring Cleaning from Monday, April 18, through Friday, April 22! During the Digital Spring Cleaning, the INLearning Partnership will be sharing helpful resources and tips and tricks to help organize inboxes, declutter desktops, and more. View the event schedule here and follow the Indiana Learning Lab on social media (@INLearningLab) to stay up to date on additional opportunities. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning regarding this event series.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CENTER FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING EDUCATION (CDHHE): Skill Builder Series for Educational Interpreters
CDHHE is continuing its Educational Interpreter Roundtables for a second year. This no-cost series offers peer collaboration and skill development for educational interpreters of all skill levels through guided, hands-up activities as well as opportunities to earn professional studies (PS), continuing education units (CEUs), and Policy Committee on Public Education Information (PCPEI) contact hours. To register or learn more about these roundtables and upcoming opportunities, contact CDHHE Accommodation Specialist Laura Leffler via email or phone at 317-232-0896.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA SECRETARY OF STATE: 16 & 17-Year-Olds Eligible to Participate in the Hoosier Hall Pass Program
The Hoosier Hall Pass program encourages 16 and 17-year-old students to experience Election Day by providing an opportunity to learn about democracy in action, becoming involved in your community and helping to support free and fair elections in Indiana. To learn more about the Hoosier Hall Pass program, see this document and visit the Hoosier Hall Pass website. Contact the local county administrator's office to inquire about eligibility.
NEW FROM THE PROMOTING ACHEIVEMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH SENSORY LOSS (PASS) PROJECT: 2022 Indiana Deaf Educators and Educational Interpreters Conference
The 2022 Indiana Deaf Educators and Educational Interpreters conference will be held in Plainfield, IN on Thursday, June 16, and Friday, June 17. Click here for additional information and to register for this conference. Contact Jennifer Mesanovic, PASS Project Director at Indiana State University with any questions.
NEW FROM RISE AND IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Entrepreneurship Dual Credit Training
Applications are now available for dual credit high school entrepreneurship teachers to participate in training sessions through a partnership between RISE (Regional Innovation and Startup Education) and Ivy Tech Community College. Training funds are available to pay for 40 teachers to participate in sessions in South Bend, Columbus or Indianapolis that support instruction in the Next Level Programs of Study (NLPS) Entrepreneurship Pathway. More information is available here on the training, and the scholarship application is available here. Contact Cole Kuiper with any questions.
NEW FROM TEACH PLUS: Teach Plus Policy Fellowship
Applications are now open for the Teach Plus 2022-23 Indiana Teaching Policy Fellowship, which trains teachers on education policy, advocacy, research, and community outreach while they stay in the classroom with their students. Applications are due on Sunday, April 17. More information is available here.
NEW FROM THE 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE: Special Ticket Offer for the GMR Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS)
The stars of the NTT IndyCar Series will take on the action-packed IMS road course for the GMR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 14. The College Football Playoff Indianapolis Host Committee is offering educators a special offer of $10 off reserved seats and $5 off General Admission tickets. Please visit IMS.com/cfpteachers to redeem this offer. Contact 317-492-6700, 800-822-4639, or email ticketsales@brickyard.com with any questions.
REMINDER FROM TEACH INDY: Virtual Education Conference
Teach Indy will be hosting 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.
All Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) newsletters are located in one convenient location. Please find past issues here.
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