Today is a day where some schools are in session…and others may not see this message until Monday because you are off today! Looking across our state, we have students, families, and fellow educators who pause during this time to celebrate a variety of cultural and religious moments. To name a few, our Jewish friends are beginning Passover, our Islamic friends are nearing the middle of Ramadan, and our Christian friends celebrate Easter.
This is a weekend that my family often slows down a bit and gathers together in celebration of Easter. Quite a few of my family members come to my home in Madison, Indiana, where we will have relatives (and friends) in and out of the house all weekend, as well as at least five to seven dogs (I know…it’s a lot…we’re a dog family). Everyone pitches in and brings their favorite dish, we dye Easter eggs (yes, even with my 12-year-old twins…and 95-year-old grandma), we go to church on Sunday, and throughout the weekend we talk and talk…and tell the same stories as in the past (occasionally some new, funny ones too!). I’m thankful for this time.
The time we have on this Earth is limited and precious – it seems like when we want time to slow down, it flies by that much faster…like watching our kids grow up or those moments when you just need a solid hour of peace and quiet! And, when we want time to speed up…like during a time of stress or on a Friday afternoon waiting for that seventh period bell to ring, it goes by sooooo slowly. There’s a quote that goes, “There’s never enough time to do everything, but there’s always enough time to do the most important thing.”
Regardless of whether you celebrate this weekend with religious services, a Reese’s cup egg (I love those things), or have no plans at all…I hope you make the most of your time. Relax, recharge, spend time with family, or spend time doing something you enjoy. Take the time. Enjoy your weekend, so we’ll be ready to get after it again next week.
Thanks for ALL you do for students.
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NEW: Dyslexia Screener and Diagnostics Appeals Review
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) began the appeals process for dyslexia universal screener and diagnostics vendor applications. Following this process, some additions to the approved list of assessments are possible. Appeals will be final in June. Review IDOE’s 2022-2023 Dyslexia Guidance for Schools for additional information. Contact Andrea Washington, IDOE Dyslexia Specialist, with any questions.
NEW: Resources & Considerations for IREAD-3 Good Cause Exemptions
IDOE recently released Spring 2022 IREAD-3 results to schools and has developed two resources to support educators and families. This memo outlines recent historical data and long-term impacts related to support and remediation efforts. The parent letter template may be modified to support conversations with families about results, retest opportunities, and exemptions. Contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 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 last 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: Submit Educator Nominations for Emerging Leaders Recognition
IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent 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 through Friday, May 27. Contact Rebecca Estes with any questions.
REMINDER: Teacher Leaders Bootcamp Cohort 4 Applications Open
Applications are open through Friday, May 6, 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 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.
NEW: National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 11
Wednesday, May 11, is National School Nurse Day – a day to honor school nurses as they consistently make a difference in the lives of students. In fact, they are also an excellent investment, returning $2.20 to society for every $1 invested in a full-time, registered school nurse by allowing more parents to stay at work, allowing teachers and administrators to concentrate on education, and ensuring 911 services are only called when necessary. As this school year comes to a close, please recognize and honor your school nurses for all of the extraordinary work they have done to care for your school community.
School Celebration Ideas
- Recognize the school nurse with appropriate mementos of appreciation (i.e. - gift card, flowers, lunch).
- Have students make cards for the school nurse.
- Include information about School Nurse Day in all school communications.
- Have the school principal present the school nurse with a Certificate of Appreciation.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 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: 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: IDOE Explore, Engage, and Experience (3E) Grant FAQ
IDOE is now accepting applications for the new Explore, Engage, and Experience (3E) Grant through Friday, May 13. The 3E Grant is aimed at helping schools and communities strengthen, expand, and create effective pre-K to career pathways and linkages. To better support applicants through the application process, the 3E Grant Frequently Asked Questions has been created. Contact StudentPathways@doe.in.gov with any additional questions.
NEW: Crossing the Finish Line – Top 10 High Schools for Enrollments
Through Indiana’s Crossing the Finish Line initiative, students who are just a few credits away from earning a high-value credential can cross the finish line by completing their credential for free this summer! More than 210 high schools across the state have enrolled more than 1,200 students through the initiative. Here are Indiana’s current top ten schools for Crossing the Finish Line enrollments:
1. Elkhart High School (47 students)
2. Hobart Senior High School (41 students)
3. Batesville High School (38 students) (tied)
3. Munster High School (38 students) (tied)
5. Early College High School (Evansville) (32 students)
6. Forest Park High School (28 students) (tied)
6. Wayne High School (28 students) (tied)
8. East Central High School (25 students) (tied)
8. Jeffersonville High School (25 students) (tied)
10. Barr-Reeve Jr-Sr High School (22 students) (tied)
10. Mississinewa High School (22 students) (tied)
There’s still time to help your qualified students register to complete their credentials this summer. Learn more about Crossing the Finish Line here.
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: Office Hours with IN*SOURCE
Join the Office of Special Education and IN*SOURCE during office hours to discuss The Least Restrictive Environment from noon to 1 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 19. Join the office hours for both sessions here. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Funding Sources for Students with Exceptional Needs
A list of funding sources available to LEAs to cover costs (whole or in-part) for residential placements, day school, or 1:1 specialized services can be accessed here. LEAs should utilize these funds prior to applying for funding or invoicing through Special Education Excess Costs (SEEC) to ensure that IDOE can cover the most-costly and exceptional student needs. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: WIDA Standards Rollout Level II Session on Wednesday, April 20
Join the IDOE English Learners (EL) and Migrant Education team from 3 to 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 20, for a collaborative virtual session focused on Level II of the WIDA Standards Rollout Plan: Initial Implementation. Participants will gain insight into implementing the updated, 2020 Edition WIDA Standards and discuss their practice with peers. EL and content educators and administrators are invited. No registration is required, and login information can be found on the Indiana English Learner PD Opportunities Calendar. Contact Adam Pitt, IDOE Assistant Director of English Learners & Migrant Education, with any questions.
REMINDER: Topical Tuesdays Office Hours
Join IDOE’s Office of Special Education and the Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center (INSTRC) for Topical Tuesdays, held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET. April's next Topical Tuesday will be Tuesday, April 19, and will include discussion on exit preparation and answer questions regarding secondary transition. Registration is not required, and you can join using this link. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Educator Literacy Survey and Steering Committee Opportunity
The Office of Teaching and Learning invites English/language arts and literacy educators to complete the Educator Literacy Survey. Responses will assist IDOE in determining the support teachers need to help students become proficient readers. The online form also seeks participants for the Adolescent Literacy Steering Committee, which will meet this summer to help determine best pedagogical practices to assist students in grades six through 12 become proficient readers. The survey will be open through Friday, May 13. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: 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. Contact the Office of Digital 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 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. 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: ESSER Year Two Second Data Set Due Friday, May 13
The ESSER year two data collection spreadsheet will be distributed to all LEAs in the coming days. This form will provide guidance to ensure the data submission process is as clear as possible. The collection spreadsheet includes five tabs where data covering all three ESSER grants will be submitted. This spreadsheet must be submitted by Friday, May 13, via JotForm. Contact Frank Chiki with any questions.
NEW: Quality Counts and Charter Schools Facilities Incentive Grant Data Collection Submissions Due Friday, April 22
IDOE has partnered with Chamberlin Dunn, LLC to evaluate both the Quality Counts and the Charter Schools Facilities Incentive Grant programs to meet the United States Department of Education reporting requirements. Schools were contacted via email by Nicole Dunn in March requesting a survey response. The final date for submissions has been extended to Friday, April 22. Contact Lacey Bohlen with any questions.
NEW: National Implementation Study of Title IV, Part A
A pre-selected group of LEAs were contacted by a representative from the National Implementation Study of Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants regarding the study purposes, components, and next steps. This study is being conducted in partnership with the United States Department of Education and will be utilized to inform policymakers regarding the uses of Title IV. Those contacted should be sure to review this message and participate if available. Contact Lacey Bohlen with any questions.
UPDATE: EANS I Supplemental Funding
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. Eligible non-public schools should receive their supplementary allocation along with next steps for submission by the end of the day today, Friday, April 15. Contact Lacey Bohlen with questions regarding eligibility for EANS I supplemental funds.
REMINDER: ESSER Year Two First Data Set Submission Due Today
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 must submit the ESSER year two first data set via JotForm by the end of the day today, Friday, April 15. Contact Frank Chiki with any questions.
NEW FROM THE IUPUI OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Community Schools 101
Individuals throughout the state who work with community schools are invited to participate in a discussion with seasoned Hoosier professionals about their work coordinating family and community engagement in schools. Join the Office of Community Engagement at IUPUI from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, April 22, to participate in this discussion. For additional information and to register, please email Jim Grim, Director of University/Community School Partnerships, jagrim@iupui.edu.
NEW FROM SCHOLARSHIP AMERICA: Voya Unsung Heroes Scholarship for Educators
Scholarship America is encouraging educator to apply for the Voya Unsung Heroes program to fund innovative classroom projects. Interested educators can learn more and fill out the online application through Saturday, April 30. Contact Voya at (507) 931-1682 or (800) 537-4180, or email unsungheroes@scholarshipamerica.org with any questions.
REMINDER 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.
REMINDER 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.
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.
REMINDER 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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