Earlier this week, 15 new STEM Certified Schools were announced, bringing our state total to over 100 schools! STEM Certified Schools are examples of highly innovative approaches to education, employing a great deal of inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student-centered classrooms, integration into humanities and related arts, and out-of-school STEM activities.
Over the years, I have had opportunities to visit several STEM Certified Schools, and on Tuesday, I had the chance to celebrate with one of our newest STEM Certified Schools, South Ripley Elementary School. It’s always so special when paths cross multiple times throughout the years and recently, assistant principal Kris Wood reached out to set up a visit at South Ripley. Now…Kris and I go way back…we first worked together at Madison Consolidated Schools over a decade ago and I was thrilled to have the chance to see all the great work she and principal Ryan Lauber are leading at South Ripley Elementary.
As some of you probably know, the process for becoming STEM Certified is a challenging and thoughtful process…in fact, after submitting an application last year and not making the cut, Principal Lauber said they “went back to square one” and rethought their entire program. And let me tell you…it worked! STEM integration is everywhere at South Ripley Elementary. In Mrs. Leslie Rennie’s third grade class, students connected their reading unit to STEM by drawing a scene from the book and then used circuits (from a Makey Makey kit…maybe you’re familiar!) to bring the scene to life with dialogue the students recorded themselves. It was amazing seeing their work come to life and the joy on their faces as they showed me their projects.
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From there, we made a stop in Mrs. Jessica Sell’s fifth grade classroom where I asked the students their favorite thing about their school. The two answers?
“Everyone is kind.”
“We have the best teachers.”
…You would almost think they planned it! I was assured by superintendent Rob Moorhead that it was totally spontaneous (I “fact checked” him and 100% know this to be true! 😊)
Just being in the school and feeling the energy of the students, teachers, and school leaders…it was easy to see why they love it so much! The hands-on learning, STEM integration in classroom lessons, and collaboration between the music and art teachers (Mrs. Kristen Lafary and Mr. Neal Herzog) to incorporate STEM into their lessons makes it clear why South Ripley Elementary not only achieved STEM Certified School status, but also why it is a great place to learn.
South Ripley Elementary School is yet another example of quality educational opportunity happening in Indiana…which only occurs with a team of people focused on making it better for students. Let's always drive towards continuous improvement in our schools and also take time to celebrate the good work!
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NEW: Accountability for the 2021-2022 School Year
State Accountability: Pursuant to House Enrolled Act 1093 and Senate Enrolled Act 290, the state board may not assign A-F letter grades to schools or corporations, including adult high schools, for the 2021-2022 school year. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) will not be calculating A-F grades for schools or corporations for the 2021-2022 school year.
Federal Accountability: As a condition of prior flexibility granted by the U.S. Department of Education, Indiana must issue federal accountability determinations for the 2021-2022 school year. IDOE will be calculating federal ratings for schools and publishing the information in fall 2022. Information on the federal accountability system may be found here. Contact schoolaccountability@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Request for Public Comment on ESSA Addendum Submission
IDOE plans to submit an addendum to Indiana’s state ESSA plan regarding components of the federal accountability system and is currently seeking public comment on the draft addendum. The draft addendum is available for review here. Public comment should be submitted to IDOE via JotForm no later than Friday, June 10. Contact schoolaccountability@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: ILEARN 3-8 Online Testing Window Closes Today, Friday, May 13
All online testing for ILEARN 3-8 in all content areas must be completed today, Friday, May 13. Any forms that are in ‘expired’ status will auto-submit for scoring at the end of the testing window. Corporation Test Coordinators (CTCs) and School Test Coordinators (STCs) should use the Test Invalidation Guidance to resolve any compromised tests. The Invalidation and Discrepancy Window is open through Friday, May 27. Please review the TIDE User Guide for more details. Contact the Indiana Assessment Help Desk with any questions.
NEW: Spring 2022 ILEARN Rescore Request Window Opens Monday, May 16
The Spring 2022 ILEARN Rescore Request Window will be open Monday, May 16, through Friday, June 3. Schools are responsible for communicating the rescore request window with families. Reviews of student responses to consider a rescore request must be performed in person, and cannot be conducted virtually. Preliminary results will be populated in the Online Reporting System (ORS) 12 days after all the student’s tests in that content area have been completed. Please review the following guidance and resources when finalizing plans for supporting this legislated process:
Contact the Office of Student Assessment with questions regarding policy guidance, and the Indiana Assessment Help Desk for technical assistance with rescore requests.
NEW: SAT Scores Available to Indiana Educators on Friday, May 20
Educators may access students’ SAT School Day scores through College Board’s K-12 Assessment Reporting Portal beginning Friday, May 20. To access scores in the K-12 Assessment Reporting Portal, users must have a College Board Professional Account and permission from their institution’s Data Access Manager. More information for the Data Access Manager will be provided in next week’s listserv from the Office of Student Assessment. Contact College Board with any questions regarding the upcoming educator score release.
REMINDER: Participation Requested: IREAD-3 Policy Committee
IDOE invites school administrators of K-3 schools and special education directors to participate in the upcoming IREAD-3 ‘On-Track’ Cut Score Policy Committee for grade two students. Two meetings will be held virtually for this committee. A two-hour meeting, determined by participant availability, will be held in early June followed by a second meeting at the end of July. Interested applicants should complete this JotForm. Contact the Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: 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.
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: Indirect Cost Rate Training
In partnership with Crowe, IDOE will host a virtual Indirect Cost Rate Training seminar at 9:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 19. To attend this seminar, please register here by Wednesday, May 18. Contact icr@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Summer School Estimated Distribution
This memo includes information regarding the 2022 summer school estimated distribution amounts. School corporations and charter schools included in this memo are eligible to submit a Final Costs Report during the submission period which will open on Monday, July 25, and close Thursday, September 15. The final distribution amounts will be determined when actual expenditure data is received this fall. Contact Teresa Hemmerle or Joe Engelstad with any questions.
NEW: Annual Financial Report
Indiana Code 5-3-1-3 requires the secretary of each public school corporation to publish an Annual Financial Report (AFR). The AFR must be published annually during the publishing window which will open Monday, August 1, and close Monday, August 15. Guidelines are available here and can also be found in Moodle Finance. All AFRs must be submitted by Monday, August 15. Contact afr@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Indirect Cost Rates
The Office of School Finance is accepting applications from local education agencies (LEAs) 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 250 high schools across the state have enrolled more than 1,750 students through the initiative this year. Here are Indiana’s current top ten schools for Crossing the Finish Line enrollments:
1. Munster High School (58 students)
2. East Central High School (56 students)
3. Elkhart High School (55 students)
4. Hobart Senior High School (43 students)
4. Batesville High School (43 students)
5. Maconaquah High School (39 students)
6. Floyd Central High School (33 students) (tied)
6. Jeffersonville High School (33 students) (tied)
7. Early College High School (Evansville) (32 students)
8. New Albany High School (31 students) (tied)
8. Forest Park High School (31 students) (tied)
9. Wayne High School (29 students) (tied)
9. Penn High School (29 students) (tied)
10. Connersville Senior High School (26 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.
REMINDER: IDOE Explore, Engage, and Experience (3E) Grant Applications Close Today, Friday, May 13
Applications for the new Explore, Engage, and Experience (3E) Grant close at 11:59 p.m. today, 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. Contact StudentPathways@doe.in.gov with any additional questions.
NEW: English Learner (EL) Office Hours on Wednesday, May 18
Join the English Learners and Migrant Education team virtually for EL Office Hours from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 18, for discussion surrounding the topic Secondary ELs. Submit any questions regarding this topic through the IDOE EL Office Hours Interest Survey. For more information about how to join the virtual meeting, visit the Indiana EL Professional Development Opportunities Calendar. No registration is required. Contact Jen Hernandez-McDuell, IDOE English Learner Specialist, with any questions.
NEW: Aspiring Special Education Leaders Institute (ASELI) Cohort III Applications
ASELI is accepting Cohort III participant and mentor applications for a one-year leadership development program designed to improve outcomes for all students by preparing a diverse group of educators for leadership roles in special education. The collaborative program involves monthly meetings that aim to increase the capacity and network of aspiring diverse special education leaders at LEAs to serve children with disabilities and their families. Applications for this opportunity can be found here, and more information is available here. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Updates to Special Education Excess Cost (SEEC) Funding
In accordance with contract processes, IDOE will be unable to process new requests for contracts beginning Friday, April 1, through Friday, July 1. Applications may be submitted during this period; however, notifications of approved funding and requests for contracts will not be processed until after Friday, July 1. In preparation for the upcoming fiscal year end on Thursday, June 30, IDOE has provided the following guidance on future use of SEEC funding. Contact IDOE Senior Fiscal Specialist, Sarah Fields, with any questions.
REMINDER: Office Hours with IN*SOURCE
Join the Office of Special Education and IN*SOURCE during office hours from noon to 1 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 17. Join the office hours for both sessions here. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Upcoming Learning Lab Presentation - The Knowledge Gap
Join IDOE in the Learning Lab for a presentation provided by Natalie Wexler, education writer and the author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—and How to Fix It, to discuss ways to help students improve reading comprehension in the general education classroom. This presentation will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Monday, May 23. Register for this presentation here. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: IDOE Announces STEM Certified Schools
This week, IDOE announced the 15 schools that recently received the distinction of being named one of Indiana’s 100+ STEM Certified Schools, with three additional schools receiving recertification. STEM Certified Schools exemplify a highly-innovative approach to education, employing a great deal of inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student-centered classrooms, integration into humanities and related arts, and out-of-school STEM activities. View a complete list of Indiana STEM Certified schools here. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Engaging Kids with Rigorous Problem-Based Projects in the Indiana Learning Lab on Thursday, May 19
Indiana’s Priorities for STEM Education seeks to provide students with an engaging, integrated STEM education experience that prepares them for emerging STEM careers and educational opportunities. In STEM classrooms, educators should include problem solving tasks that include productive struggle, rich tasks, modeling, inquiry- and project-based learning. IDOE invites educators to attend Engaging Kids with Rigorous Problem-Based Projects in the Indiana Learning Lab, hosted by 2022 Indiana Teacher of the Year, Sharita Ware, as she shares insight and best practices for how to engage our students with rigorous, problem-based projects. The live presentation will be from 4 to 4:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 19. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: 2022-2023 Digital Learning Leadership Cadre Members Announced
The Office of Digital Learning is pleased to announce the twelve members of the 2022-2023 Digital Learning Leadership Cadre. This cadre will partner with IDOE to inform support for educators' efforts on topics specific to blended, virtual, and digital learning initiatives. Read more about the project and the members here. 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. A Spanish version is also now available. Educators fielding questions from parents and families can also access vetted resources to share. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Research Findings on Parent Engagement in Online Learning
IDOE has recently published the results of a research project investigating the most impactful strategies schools can use to develop meaningful parent engagement for students learning in virtual and blended environments. Printable tools for schools and parents are included. View the research findings or video preview of this research in the Indiana Learning Lab. For an even more in-depth look, join the live Professional Development (PD) with IDOE session, Supporting Online Learners & Family Engagement, at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 11. View the May PD with IDOE flyer for more information regarding upcoming sessions. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: May PD Playbook Now Available in the Indiana Learning Lab
IDOE’s May PD Playbook: What Your Tech Department Wants You To Know is a collection of curated resources that focuses on FERPA, CIPA, COPPA, eRate, DigCit, and more. This collection shares resources to bridge the gap between the technology department and instructional staff. Use these resources to help guide conversations with educators around keeping students and their online data safe. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana Course Access Portal (iCAP) Reimbursement Deadline Extended
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. The application deadline has been extended to Friday, May 20, and can be found here. Contact the Office of Digital Learning with any questions
REMINDER: Federal Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 2023) Pre-Application
The FFY2022 (FY2023) Pre-Application is now available to LEAs. All resources related to the Pre-Application and the Pre-Application document are available on the IDOE Moodle site through the Title Grants Pre-App course. In order to download the Pre-Application itself, a required training video must be completed first. Moodle does require a free login. Contact your designated federal grants specialist with any questions.
REMINDER: Coffee Chat with the Title Grants and Support Team
Join the IDOE Title Grants and Support team for a Coffee Chat at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 25, for a look at commonly found errors submitted on the Pre-Application and tips on how to avoid these errors. This will also be a time for LEAs to ask the Title Grants and Support team questions regarding the Pre-Application. Join this Coffee Chat on Microsoft Teams using this link.
REMINDER: 2022 Title I and ESSER I Applications Amendments Due Monday, May 30
All amendments to 2022 Title I and ESSER I (CARES) applications must be submitted no later than Monday, May 30. Contact your designated federal grants specialist with any questions or to open an ESSER I application amendment.
REMINDER: ESSER Year Two Second Data Set Due Today, Friday, May 13
The ESSER year two data collection spreadsheet must be submitted via JotForm by today, Friday, May 13. LEAs received this ESSER year two data collection spreadsheet in April which includes five tabs where data covering all three ESSER grants will be submitted. Contact Frank Chiki with any questions.
NEW FROM BALL STATE UNIVERSITY: The Indiana School Counselor and Administrator Collaboration Institute (ISCACI)
School leaders, school counselors, and graduate students/alumni in school counseling and educational leadership programs are invited to join the inaugural ISCACI Conference, Monday, June 14 through Tuesday, June 14 at Ball State Alumni Center in Muncie. Breakout session presenters are from a variety of organizations including IDOE, Standard for Success, local Indiana school districts, Indiana Online, and others. Breakout session topics include student success, community engagement, college and career readiness, principal/counselor relationships and more. Additional information and registration information can be found here. Contact Dr. Rachel Geesa and Dr. Theresa Kruczek with any questions.
NEW FROM THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTERS OF INDIANA: Indiana High Ability & STEM Day Events
Join the Educational Service Centers of Indiana, IDOE’s STEM team, along with schools that have recently experienced the STEM School Certification process for an in-depth look at STEM Certification and integration. During each High Ability & STEM Day, IDOE will provide an overview of the STEM Certification process and the revised rubric and schools will share their certification journey. In the afternoon, school teams will be provided the opportunity to network with other schools and work on school-wide STEM goals and associated plans. Four High Ability & STEM Day events will take place throughout Indiana during the month of June for K-8 schools interested in learning more about furthering High Ability and STEM in their schools or pursuing STEM School Certification. Information regarding each of these events can be found in this flyer and schools may sign up for these events here. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW FROM THE PATINS PROJECT: 2022-2023 School Year Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Grants
The PATINS Project is offering AEMing for Achievement Grants to help up to 15 (10 returning and five first-time) Indiana schools realize improved student performance with AEM through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Full details are available here, including success stories that illustrate how the grant could help school districts. Applications can be found here and will close on Monday, May 30. Contact the PATINS Project with any questions.
NEW FROM THE LEXILE & QUANTILE ACADEMY: Lexile and Quantile Certification Courses Available to K-12 Educators
The Educator Academy was developed to provide meaningful instruction through self-paced, online courses that help educators use Lexile and Quantile measures to differentiate instruction, communicate effectively with parents and peers, and improve student learning. Participants will complete real-world performance tasks that can be immediately implemented in the classroom and collaborate with an online professional learning community through interactive forums. Each course is $99, and educators will be considered certified in the Lexile and/or Quantile Frameworks and eligible for one Continuing Education Unit (CEU) upon course completion. Learn more on the Educator Academy here. Contact the Educator Academy with any questions.
NEW FROM THE U.S. DISTRICT COURTS: 2022 Bill of Rights Day Student Contest
Indiana students in grades five through 12 are invited to participate in the 2022 Bill of Rights Day annual student contest, sponsored by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, for a chance to win up to $500. The submission deadline for the art and essay contest is Sunday, October 30. Students will respond to specific prompts by age group when crafting their entry. Prompts and complete contest information can be found here. Contact Mary Giorgio at mary_giorgio@insd.uscourts.gov with any questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA ARTS COMMISSION: Arts Integration Learning Labs
Looking to find new ways to engage students in learning? The Indiana Arts Commission and IDOE have partnered to provide a hands-on learning experience designed to empower classroom educators and teaching artists to partner together on a meaningful arts integration experience for their students. These free, in-person Arts Learning Labs will expand teachers’ and artists’ tools in creative teaching approaches and offer ways to connect teachers and artists together to support student success in the classroom. Following the Learning Labs, classroom educators will be eligible to apply for up to $3,000 to put their learning into practice. These trainings are in-person and PGP eligible. The application, available here, is due on Friday, June 3. Contact Stephanie Haines with any questions.
NEW FROM PILOT LIGHT: Pilot Light Food Education Fellowship
Pilot Light seeks highly-motivated Pre-K–12 teachers across the country with an interest in implementing Pilot Light food education lessons consistently with their students. Fellows will be supported with Pilot Light resources while helping to refine and evaluate food education in classrooms (virtually and/or in-person!). Click here for more information and to apply. Applications are due Monday, May 23.
NEW FROM THE PROMOTING ACHIEVEMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH SENSORY LOSS (PASS) PROJECT: 2022 Indiana Deaf Educators and Educational Interpreters Conference
The 2022 Indiana Deaf Educations and Educational Interpreters Conference will be held in Plainfield on Thursday, June 16, and Friday, June 17. Register online here. Contact Jennifer Mesanovic, PASS Project Director at Indiana State University, with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE NATIONAL COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION: Application for Computer Science Professional Development (CSPD) Week 2022 Closes Sunday, May 15
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 CODEHS: Free PD Educator PD Opportunities
CodeHS is proud to partner with IDOE to offer various free Indiana PD Workshops for teachers throughout the summer. Workshops will cover computer science curriculum, pedagogy, instructional strategies, and teacher tools and resources. CodeHS is offering both virtual or in-person PD workshops this summer to meet all individual needs.
Professional development topics include:
- Java Bootcamp
- Python Bootcamp
- Javascript Bootcamp
- Cybersecurity Bootcamp
- Lower-Elementary Computer Science
- Upper-Elementary Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
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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