Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week – Monday, May 2, through Friday, May 6! And, to kick it off, I’d like to share a recent conversation I had with OUR 2022 Indiana Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Sharita Ware. This week, Mrs. Ware represented us (Team Indiana!) in Washington, D.C., but you can most commonly find her in Tippecanoe County, making an enormous impact for her engineering and technology students at East Tipp Middle School. Check out the aforementioned conversation with Mrs. Ware in the May edition of Teachers Who Shaped Us series!
Like me (and probably like many of you!), Mrs. Ware grew up “playing school,” pretending to have a classroom of her own. While teaching was always a potential career path that interested her, as she continued through school, there were a few other professions that piqued her interest. For example, at one point she considered a career in the medical field, and she ultimately decided to become an engineer. (Well…sort of, keep reading!)
Most of our life paths have twists and turns in various ways…and so did Mrs. Ware’s path! She worked in the marketing and engineering fields for many years, and yet the desire to become an educator always remained in the back of her mind. When a scholarship opportunity arose through the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship in the STEM Goes Rural Program, she determined it was time to follow her heart and become a teacher. And, we’re so glad she did (and so are her students!!!).
Mrs. Ware answered her calling to become an educator and earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, specializing in engineering and technology teacher education, from Purdue University. In the 10 years since, she has dedicated her life to helping students build the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute in today’s ever-changing, technological world.
In the video linked below, Mrs. Ware reflects on a particularly special moment with her third grade teacher, Mrs. Stewart, who took the time to recognize and congratulate Mrs. Ware for an accomplishment she had made outside of the classroom. Like many others we have spoken with for this Teachers Who Shaped Us series, there was not just one impactful teacher in Mrs. Ware’s journey. Her tenth grade English literature teacher, Ms. Carroll, came to mind as an educator who pushed young Sharita to succeed, encouraging her to read her own original stories and poetry aloud in class – even though she found this a little scary. Mrs. Ware came to understand, though, that Miss Carroll knew she needed that nudge to share her gifts and talents with other people.
These two teachers certainly shaped how Mrs. Ware serves Indiana students today. Like the role model teachers she mentioned, Mrs. Ware challenges her students to dream big and also to be proud of their own unique strengths.
I am so thankful that Mrs. Ware followed her heart and joined the teaching profession! Thank you to all of our Indiana educators who bring this same passion for supporting our students…helping them find their path and their voice…each and every day. I wish you all a happy (and early) Teacher Appreciation Week!
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 Video caption: This video is the seventh in a series, known as Teachers Who Shaped Us. In this video, Dr. Jenner sits down with Sharita Ware to learn more about the teachers who made a lasting impact on her life.
NEW: Virtual Student Instructional Days
Please read this memo from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Office of Accountability on the impact of recently passed legislation regarding virtual student instructional days. This guidance is applicable beginning with the 2022-2023 school year.
NEW: Teaching and Learning Math - A Parent and Community Guide Live in the Learning Lab on Wednesday, May 18
Join IDOE at 4:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 18, to learn about tools for parents and communities surrounding foundational ideas and best practices for mathematics teaching and learning. Register for this live learning session here. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Integrative STEM Education in the Learning Lab on Thursday, May 12
Indiana’s Priorities for STEM Education seek to develop a sustainable model for preparing educators to provide high-quality, integrated STEM learning opportunities to students, as well as support and provide resources to educators during implementation. IDOE invites all interested educators to attend Integrative STEM Education, a Learning Lab presentation at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 12, hosted in partnership with Ball State University professors. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: INLearning Partnership Teacher Appreciation Week from Monday, May 2, through Friday, May 6
Join us for a week of events to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week from Monday, May 2, through Friday, May 6! This INLearning Partnership event brings several Indiana Teacher of the Year finalists together to provide collaboration and professional learning opportunities. All events can be found in the Learning Lab calendar. Please see this flyer for more information on all of the week’s live and on-demand events. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: May Professional Development (PD) with IDOE
IDOE has new Wednesday PD opportunities in the Indiana Learning Lab. Join IDOE in the Learning Lab on Wednesday, May 4, for a session on Digital Readiness Dashboard and Tech Plan Data. View this May 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: Virtual Voyagers for May and June
The Office of Digital Learning is continuing the Virtual Voyagers series with new topics throughout May and June to support leaders of virtual and blended learning programs. View this flyer for session and registration information. Join the first session, Providing Virtual Professional Development Opportunities from 10 to 10:45 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 12. View previous Virtual Voyagers sessions in the Learning Lab Collection. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Parent and Family Resources in the Learning Lab
The Indiana Learning Lab is a fantastic tool for educators and now there are new resources for parents and families! This flyer can be sent to parents and families to support their students with literacy, mathematics, digital tools, and more. Educators fielding questions from parents and families can also access vetted resources to share. 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, under 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: School & Corporation Profile Amendment Window
The school and corporation profile amendment submission window for the 2022-2023 school year will open on Monday, May 2. In order to ensure IDOE maintains accurate information, all schools and school corporations must provide notice when changes are made that affect school openings, closures, and reconfigurations. Information on the submission process may be found here. Contact schoolaccountability@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Standards in Essential Need of Support (SENS) Now Available
IDOE identified academic standards in essential need of support (SENS) for mathematics and English/language arts for kindergarten through grade eight based on spring 2021 ILEARN data. These standards combine information about content priorities and student performance to help teachers target standards where additional support is most needed. Visit the SENS webpage for standards and supporting resources. Contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: WIDA ACCESS Initial Results Now Available
WIDA ACCESS 2022 initial results (online reports and data files) are now available in WIDA AMS. District- and school-level users now have access to online reporting but will not have access to printed reports as they are part of the initial results release and are scheduled to arrive in corporations on Monday, May 16. Visit WIDA’s ACCESS for ELLs Scores and Reports and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Scores and Reports webpages for scoring and reporting information and resources. Contact DRC Customer Support at (866) 276-7735 for assistance with accessing reports.
NEW: ISTEP+ Retest Spring 2022 Scores Now Available
Scores from the ISTEP+ Retest Spring 2022 administration are now available in the Online Reporting System (ORS). More guidance on using ORS can be found in the ORS User Guide and the ORS Training Module. An ‘Undetermined’ score counts as an attempt during the 2021-2022 school year for cohort 2022 and earlier students seeking the graduation qualifying examination (GQE) waiver. Please contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: June SAT Data Workshops Announced
College Board and IDOE will provide free workshops focused on the release of SAT School Day results. SAT and PSAT coordinators and assessment staff are encouraged to attend these workshops which include a review of accessing and navigating the K-12 score reporting portal, analyzing academic performance data relative to the college and career readiness benchmarks, and reviewing any additional College Board resources. Workshops will occur from Monday, June 13, through Friday, June 17, and registration information can be found in the weekly Corporation Test Coordinator (CTC) high school listserv. Please contact College Board with questions.
NEW: Teacher Appreciation Week Begins Monday, May 2
Teachers lead incredible work for our students across Indiana and the nation, and IDOE wants to celebrate these teachers! Watch this short video from Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education, to see how YOU can help IDOE elevate the education profession during Teacher Appreciation Week, Monday May 2, through Friday, May 6, by using the #MyTeacher.
NEW: Registration for Indiana’s Attract, Prepare, and Retain Connection Point Summer Summit Now Open
Indiana’s Connection Point Summits are interactive events that bring together PK-12 and higher education stakeholders to address the challenges of attracting, preparing, and retaining Indiana educators. The summits aim to foster comprehensive conversations and serve as a connection point to share promising practices and replicable models. Learn more and register for one of the three summits taking place this June. Contact Rebecca Estes with any questions.
NEW: IDOE Names “Family Friendly Schools”
More than 66 Indiana schools earned the IDOE 2022-2023 Family Friendly Schools Designation. The program recognizes and honors schools that welcome all families into the school community, communicate effectively, support student success, speak up for every child, share power and collaborate with the community. More information on the Family Friendly Schools Designation is available here. Contact Amy Beasley 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: 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.
NEW: Data Exchange Course Completion Data Update
The Course Completion rulesets are now live in Data Exchange. This data will be used this fall in the Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed (Indiana GPS) dashboard; therefore, it is imperative data be accurate and completed in a timely manner. IDOE is currently observing the following in Course Completion:
- Statewide validation error counts exceed 720,000 for students enrolled in schools with no scheduled courses (CC-8). In practice, if all students in an organization are receiving this error, this means schools have not yet provided their course and section data. Schools do not need to wait for completion or outcomes before providing scheduling data. IDOE encourages schools to sync and review course and section data by early May to allow time for schedule corrections prior to completion data is reported.
- Statewide validation error counts exceed 270,000 for students in high school with a course whose grade level does not match the student's enrolled grade level (CC-12). IDOE will be releasing an update to the rule to reduce error generation. Errors will only be generated for high school students enrolled in courses outside of high school grade levels (i.e. Kindergarten through grade eight).
- Statewide validation error counts exceed 2.3 million for students in a course missing the medium of instruction (CC-11). This value is reported on the section data and maps to the Class Instruction field previously reported on Certified Position. This data is associated to each course from the Master Schedule. Schools are encouraged to work with their SIS vendor to locate where this data is being provided and ensure the data is populated correctly within the student system.
NEW: School Office Hours for Data Exchange - Upcoming Training
IDOE will be conducting Course Completion data and validation training during School Office Hours on Wednesday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET and Thursday, May 5, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. ET. Links to join School Office Hours can be found in Moodle-Data Exchange Training and Community (no key required). It is ideal that schools have course and section data provided by that time to allow for informed conversation.
Upcoming IDOE School Office Hours Trainings:
Tuesday, May 10, 10 to 11 a.m. ET - Alternative Education
Tuesday, May 10, 2 to 3:00 p.m. ET - Special Education Evaluation and Special Education Termination
Wednesday, May 11, 11 a.m. to noon ET - Special Education Evaluation and Special Education Termination
Tuesday, May 17, 11 a.m. to noon ET - Graduate
Thursday, May 19, 3 to 4 p.m. ET - Graduate
REMINDER: 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 the 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. Educational Service Centers, Career Centers, and Co-Ops may fill out this version of the 2022 Tech Plan Survey. Contact Brad Hagg with any questions.
REMINDER: Data Exchange SIS Vendor Badging Update
NHA and Sycamore have both been recently badged for March 2022. 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.
Vendors who have obtained March 2022 badging are now certified for reporting all of staff and student data for ‘CP/CC’ reporting, and all year-end programs associated to students (high ability, homeless, foster, military parent, title, alternative education, homebound, section 504, and unaccompanied youth).
NEW: School Lunch Hero Day is Friday, May 6
The 10th annual School Lunch Hero Day is next Friday, May 6. School Lunch Hero Day is a chance to commemorate school nutrition professionals and the difference they make for every child who comes through the cafeteria. Join the School Nutrition Association in recognizing and appreciating food service staff on School Lunch Hero Day by utilizing these celebratory resources including a sample press release, proclamation, thank you card templates, and social media graphics here. Learn more about School Lunch Hero Day here.
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: 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: 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 220 high schools across the state have enrolled more than 1,550 students through the initiative this year. Here are Indiana’s current top ten schools for Crossing the Finish Line enrollments:
1. Munster High School (54 students)
2. East Central High School (51 students)
3. Elkhart High School (49 students)
4. Hobart Senior High School (41 students)
5. Batesville High School (40 students)
6. Maconaquah High School (39 students)
7. Early College High School (Evansville) (32 students)
8. Floyd Central High School (30 students) (tied)
8. Jeffersonville High School (30 students) (tied)
8. New Albany High School (30 students) (tied)
8. Forest Park High School (30 students) (tied)
9. Wayne High School (29 students)
10. Penn High School (28 students)
There’s still time to help your qualified students register to complete their credentials this summer. Learn more about Crossing the Finish Line here.
NEW: Achieving Equity in Advanced Placement Workshops
The College Board in collaboration with the IDOE is offering free Achieving Equity in Advanced Placement (AP) Workshops to interested local education agencies (LEAs). These workshops will take place at eight locations across the state for teams of three to five teachers or administrators from a school or district to explore how to create an AP Program devoted to improving access in advanced academics for students from all populations. Registration is limited to 30 participants. Read more about the workshop and register here.
NEW: Indiana Employability Skills Innovation & Implementation Grant Information Sessions and Vendor Spotlight
IDOE will host an information session regarding the Employability Skills Innovation and Implementation Grant at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 2. Register for this information session here. Additionally, IDOE will be hosting information sessions spotlighting external partners and vendors working with employability skills through different platforms from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 5. Register for these information sessions through the Indiana Learning Lab here.
NEW: Transition Portfolio Trainings and Resources Now Available
IDOE has released three recorded Transition Portfolio Trainings with closed captions to the Padlet for review. Within this resource you will find the 2022 Transition Portfolio Guide, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and IDOE’s memo regarding portfolio guidance and requirements. Contact the Office of Special Education Monitoring and Compliance with any questions.
REMINDER: Dual Language Program Grant Application Due Friday, May 6
Applications for the 2022-2023 Dual Language Program grant are now open through Friday, May 6. 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. Contact Chelsea Isley with any questions.
NEW FROM THE PATINS PROJECT: New Training Available - You, as a Digital Rights Manager (DRM)
Join the PATINS Project for a training that will explain the tasks required of a DRM as they acquire accessible educational materials (AEM) for students with documented print disabilities through the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM). This free, online Zoom training will be held at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 5. Register here for the session. If special accommodations including captioning are necessary to participate, please submit a written description of any special accommodations, including captioning for participation and additional questions, to mhammond@patinsproject.org at least 48 hours prior to the event.
NEW FROM THE PATINS PROJECT: Now Accepting Presenter Proposals for the PATINS Access to Education 2022 Conference
PATINS Access to Education 2022 conference is seeking educator expertise! The call for proposal form is currently open, accepting recommendations of local experts to present at the fall conference. Sessions should be designed around accessibility, AEM, assistive technology, and/or the universal design for learning (UDL) framework. The deadline for proposals is Monday, May 13. Selected presenters enjoy free conference registration for both conference days. Use this form to submit any questions regarding this opportunity.
NEW FROM NEXTECH: Pre-K Computer Science Professional Development Opportunity
Nextech is excited to help bring computer science to Pre-K students throughout the state of Indiana through exciting and innovative one-day professional development workshops. This workshop is intended for teachers of Pre-K classes, alternative or transitional kindergarten classes, and other providers working with four-year-olds. Click here to register. Contact Nextech with any questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA CTO COUNCIL: CTO Clinic Thursday, May 12, and Friday, May 13
Technology leaders and enthusiasts are invited to join the Indiana CTO Council at their return to an in-person CTO Clinic, Thursday, May 12, through Friday, May 13. Dr. Anthony "Sonny" Magana and Jimmy Casas will provide keynote addresses and follow up sessions, and spotlight speakers include Dr. Katie Jenner, 2022 Candice Dodson EdTech Trailblazer award-winning superintendent Dr. C. Todd Cummings, and the Purdue CyberTap group. Sessions will focus on leadership, cybersecurity, digital learning, and equity and accessibility. For more information and registration, click here. Contact info@indianactocouncil.org with any questions.
UPDATE FROM THE NATIONAL COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION: Application Deadline Extended for 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 through Sunday, May 15. Contact in.cspdweek@gmail.com with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (INDOT): Helmets Available Through The Bike IN Safe Program
INDOT wants to make sure every kindergarten, first, and second grade student in Indiana who needs a bike helmet has one. The Bike IN Safe program is a way for elementary schools to partner with INDOT to help make bike safety information and gear available for students, because with proper safety gear comes bicycle safety knowledge. For more information or to register for helmets, visit bikesafeindiana.com or call the INDOT customer service line at 1-855-463-6848.
REMINDER 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 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.
All Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) newsletters are located in one convenient location. Please find past issues here.
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