An Update From the Indiana Department of Education for November 11, 2022

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A Message from Dr. Katie Jenner

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Happy Veterans Day! Each year, on November 11, communities join together in celebration of and gratitude for the brave Americans who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces. Today, many of our schools are serving as the key community convening place for these important, and often very moving, ceremonies.

Looking back at Veterans Day ceremonies from past years, just like the ones that will occur today, the rooms are filled with a level of patriotism, gratefulness, and reflection. These are powerful moments for everyone in attendance, and for the students in particular…the next generation of Hoosiers and Americans…they help to reinforce a deep appreciation for our country and all that it represents.

Across the state and our country, while Veterans Day is one single day…we know that on all days, we have the opportunity to express our thankfulness for our service members. We can pay our respect in multiple ways–whether it’s volunteering at an organization designed to assist veterans and their families, writing holiday cards to our troops, or even just saying “thank you” to our servicemen and women when you see them…just to name a few. Also, as you know, many of our high schools have graduating seniors who consider, and ultimately, pursue a future that includes honorably serving our nation. We are so proud of these students!

Veterans Day ceremony


In recognition of our schools’ commitment to military students and families, yesterday we announced that 20 more schools have earned the Purple Star designation for their significant display of commitment to service members, veterans, and students and families connected to our nation’s military. They join 60 other schools across the state that have also earned this distinction. You can view the full list of schools and learn more about the Purple Star designation here.

Thank you for your work celebrating our veterans…and for your commitment to supporting our students and families who serve our nation in uniform. 

Office of Student Assessment

NEW: Formative Assessment Program Approval Committee

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is seeking committee members to evaluate assessment programs for potential approval within the Formative Assessment Grant for the 2023-2024 school year. Review this memo for details, and refer to IDOE’s Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant webpage for more information. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with questions.

 

NEW: Dyslexia Assessment Program Approval Committee

IDOE is seeking committee members to evaluate dyslexia screener and diagnostic assessment programs for potential approval for the 2023-2024 school year using the Indiana Dyslexia Assessments Evaluation Protocol. More information on this opportunity can be found in this memo, and additional information regarding dyslexia assessments can be found on IDOE’s Dyslexia webpage. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with questions.

 

NEW: 2023-2024 Dyslexia Assessment Program Vendor Guidance

IDOE published the Indiana Dyslexia Assessments Program Approval Process: 2023-2024 as a process document for dyslexia screener and diagnostic assessment vendors seeking approval for the 2023-2024 school year. Refer to this guidance and more information on IDOE’s Dyslexia webpage. The final date to submit a letter of intent via the online Dyslexia Request for Approval Submission Form is Wednesday, November 30. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with questions.

 

NEW: Naturalization Examination Requirements

High schools are required to administer the naturalization examination to Indiana students upon completion of the U.S. Government course. Results are to be submitted for the 2022-2023 school year after each trimester or semester and should be submitted no later than June 30, 2023. Further details can be found in this memo. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with questions.

Office of Information Technology

REMINDER: Student Test Numbers (STN) and School Personnel Numbers (SPN) Transition to State Ed-ID Portal

IDOE is excited to announce Ed-ID, a new system for generating IDs for students and educators. Ed-ID will provide IDs to educators from early childhood settings through secondary settings. This new approach will allow more versatility for the generation and use of IDs across a variety of state agencies involved in student learning and will improve the management of these IDs through a centralized service. The transition will begin on Wednesday, December 14, with the new Ed-ID portal up and running shortly afterwards. IDOE expects the upgrade to take one week to 10 days and will communicate when the new Ed-ID portal is available for use. More information may be found in this memo. Contact link@doe.in.gov with any questions.

 

REMINDER: October Certification

Certification concluded at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12. IDOE will continue to work with schools that had identified data concerns prior to noon on Wednesday, October 12. For those schools with data concerns, certification can be completed once data is considered valid. Data certified for October includes:

  • Pupil Enrollment
  • Staff Employment (CE)
  • Other Staff Personnel (NE)
  • Multilingual Learners
  • Curricular Materials Assistance
  • Graduate ticket concerns have been reviewed and assistance provided from IDOE support specialists. Any remaining GR records not resolved via Data Exchange are to be submitted to schoolaccountability@doe.in.gov through the voluntary audit process. Voluntary audit submissions were due Friday, October 28.

Contact IDOE's Data Exchange Team with any questions.

 

REMINDER: Data Exchange Upgrade Planned for 2024

Data Exchange (DEX) will be moving to Ed-Fi ODS/API for Suite 3 v6.0 (Data Standard for Suite 3 v4.0a) for the 2023-2024 school year. This upgrade includes the latest technical updates provided by Ed-Fi, including enhanced data standards and security advancements. There will be minimal changes to the Data Exchange portal user interface. Additional information regarding project timelines, deliverables, and vendor certification will be provided at a later date. Contact IDOE's Data Exchange Team with any questions.

Office of School Finance

REMINDER: Form 9 Financial Data Reporting System

IDOE has modernized the Form 9 Financial Data system utilizing newer technologies. Please read this memo regarding the update. As a part of this upgrade, IDOE will release the new Form 9 system within the IDOE LINK Portal, which recognizes all local schools' Google G-Suite or Microsoft credentials. This increased security means that financial staff will no longer need an IDOE username/password for this site. Chief financial officers and business managers are encouraged to work with the local LINK security coordinator to make sure that the financial administrator LINK role is configured appropriately. Please note that most financial staff already have this role set, as it was used in conjunction with Data Certification for sign-off within the Data Exchange system. Upon login to LINK, a new tile entitled Form 9 Financial Data will be available on Wednesday, December 28. Contact IDOE’s Office of School Finance with any questions.

 

REMINDER: November Tuition Support Payment Update

On Tuesday, November 15, the Office of School Finance will release an updated Form 54 Basic Grant monthly distribution payment detail in state aid. Updated state tuition support worksheets are currently available. Please read this memo regarding the November payment update. Contact IDOE’s Office of School Finance with any questions.

Office of School Support and Transformation

REMINDER: Next Generation School Improvement Planning Grants

The Office of School Support and Transformation is now accepting applications for planning grants as part of the Next Generation School Improvement Grant (SIG) program. This is a competitive grant to aid in school transformation and eligibility extends to all schools currently identified as Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) and Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) under Indiana’s ESSA Plan. View the grant overview here and a list of eligible schools here. The Title 1 SIG Application will remain open through Monday, December 5. The scoring rubric that will be used to evaluate the application can be found here. Contact IDOE's Office of School Support and Transformation with any questions.

Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities

NEW: November Graduation Pathways Webinar

IDOE’s Student Pathways and Opportunities team will host the Graduation Pathways November webinar on Thursday, November 17, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET via Microsoft Teams. Please use this link to join. Contact DOEGradPathways@doe.in.gov with any questions.

 

REMINDER: November McKinney-Vento Liaison Webinar

IDOE’s Student Pathways and Opportunities team will host the McKinney-Vento November webinar on Tuesday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to noon ET via Microsoft Teams. Please use this link to join. Contact Mckinneyventopoc@doe.in.gov with any questions.

 

REMINDER: High Ability Program Grant Final Report 

The 2021-2022 (fiscal year 2022) High Ability Program (HAP) Final Report is due Saturday, December 31. All schools that received FY22 High Ability funds must complete this report via JotForm. Contact studentpathways_highability@doe.in.gov with any questions.

Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement

NEW: Upcoming PREPaRE Workshops

IDOE, in collaboration with Project AWARE, is providing training opportunities for school personnel using the National Association of School Psychologists's PREPaRE model. These workshops will provide school personnel with comprehensive training on how to establish and serve on school crisis response teams. Four regional workshops will be offered, with the first being held in Bedford on Thursday, December 1, and Friday, December 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants must be able to attend both days. Please click here for more information on this training, and click here to register. Registration will close on Monday, November 22. For questions or inquiries about future training opportunities, please contact tcgmiller@gmail.com or info@projectawarein.org.

Office of Student Support and Accessibility/Special Education

NEW: Indiana Launches New Platform to Connect Eligible Students and Families with Math, Reading Tutoring

Eligible families can now access the Indiana Learns family platform, an online portal where they can view their grant funds, see Learning Partner vendors, and schedule tutoring services for their qualifying student. Indiana Learns is a new statewide grant program that provides families, demonstrating both financial and academic need, with up to $1,000 to spend on math and reading high-dosage tutoring and approved out-of-school academic programs for their students. Families can visit the Indiana Learns website to check eligibility and log in. Please contact Seana Murphy from Indiana Learns with any questions.

 

NEW: PATINS Project Opportunities and Resources for Indiana Educators

The PATINS Project offers a number of opportunities and resources for educators across the state. These opportunities and resources can be found at the following link. Contact the PATINS Project or IDOE’s Office of Student Support and Accessibility with any questions. 

 

NEW: Science of Reading Office Hours with IN*SOURCE

Join IDOE and IN*SOURCE on Tuesday, November 22, from noon to 1 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m ET for support related to the science of reading deployment in your school. Join both sessions via Zoom here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.

 

NEW: 2022-2023 Refugee Student Data Collection for Refugee School Impact Grant

IDOE is collecting information on refugee students enrolled in public school corporations as of Friday, October 1, to determine funding allocations for the 2022-2023 Refugee School Impact Grant (RSIG). RSIG is a voluntary federal grant program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee and Resettlement. More grant details and instructions for submission can be found within this JotForm. Submissions are due by Wednesday, November 23. Only local educational agencies with enrolled refugee students seeking funding must submit this form. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.

 

NEW: WIDA Standards Rollout Levels I and II Recap Session Next Week

IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education is hosting a professional development session on the 2020 edition of the WIDA English Language Development Standards framework. The session will cover Level I and II of the IDOE WIDA Standards 2020 Edition - Rollout Outline and will be held virtually on Tuesday, November 15, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET. No registration is required. Additional details, including the access link, can be found on the IDOE English Learner PD Opportunities Calendar. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.

 

UPDATE: Training Session on Parentally-Placed Students in Non-Public Schools

IDOE, in conjunction with Accountability, Delivery, Access, and Community (ADAC) and the Indiana Non-Public Education Association, will conduct a training session regarding the provision of special education to students with disabilities parentally-placed in non-public schools in Indiana. The final session will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, November 14. The intended audience for this session are public and non-public education leaders, as well as homeschools across the state. Topics will include overviews of child find and educational evaluations requirements, the consultation process and Service Plans, and the expenditure of federal and state proportionate share. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.

 

REMINDER: Appeal Non-Compliant Transition Individualized Education Program (IEP) Findings by Friday, November 25

IDOE allows for an appeal process related to Transition IEPs that may have been found noncompliant and/or were unable to be corrected as part of the technical assistance process to ensure that RDA determinations accurately represent performance and compliance under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B. This appeal process is open through Friday, November 25. Submit appeal requests here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education monitoring team with any questions.

 

REMINDER: Special Education Excess Cost (SEEC) Office Hours

IDOE’s Office of Special Education will continue to hold office hours once a week throughout November to support schools in navigating changes to the SEEC fund. This is an opportunity for schools to ask questions regarding new information or situations specific to their district. No registration is needed, and you may join any of the sessions below. 

Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.

 

REMINDER: Results Driven Accountability (RDA) Release Tuesday, November 29

IDOE’s Office of Special Education will release the 2022 RDA Determinations through the LINK Portal. View this information for information about the RDA determination process. Specific information related to the application, staff types (roles), and resources will be shared prior to release. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions. 

Offices of Teaching and Learning, Digital Learning, and Kindergarten Readiness

NEW: Register Now for Next Week’s Disciplinary Literacy Series

IDOE will deliver a series of presentations related to disciplinary literacy in science and social studies classrooms next week in the Indiana Learning Lab. This five-day series will take place at noon ET from Monday, November 14, through Friday, November 18. Find more information and links to join each session here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.

 

NEW: Public Comment Now Open for Indiana Academic Standards for Fine Arts

The Indiana Academic Standards for Fine Arts are available for public comment now through Friday, December 16. Please click here to access links to the public comment forms for specific grade levels, grade bands, and content areas. IDOE invites all stakeholders to share their feedback during this time. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.

 

NEW: K-8 Computer Science Frameworks Now Available

The K-8 Computer Science Standards Framework is a collection of resources in the Indiana Learning Lab designed to assist teachers in designing grade-level instruction of the computer science standards. Explanations of the standards, including connections to the computer science core practices, are included along with lesson resources. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.

 

NEW: On-Demand Professional Development (PD) with IDOE

IDOE hosts PD with IDOE every Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET on a variety of educational topics. October sessions are now available for on-demand viewing: 

Attend future live sessions and view other on-demand content in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.

 

NEW: Creating an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Mindset in the High School Classroom Through Innovate WithIN

High school administrators, teachers, and leaders are invited to join IDOE in the Indiana Learning Lab at 4 p.m. ET on Monday, November 21, to learn about the 2023 Innovate WithIN High School Pitch Competition. This competition allows high school students from every region of the state a chance to pitch their entrepreneurial idea for a chance at $25,000 and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class innovators to help turn their business from a dream into a reality. Register to attend here, and contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.

 

UPDATE: November PD with IDOE

No Mode of Communication (MNC) and Supports for Indiana Schools will be led by IDOE Special Education Specialist Jennifer Spencer and PATINS State Director Daniel McNulty at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 16. View a full list of November sessions on our flier. To register for workshops, create a free Learning Lab account by visiting the LINK Portal or the Indiana Learning Lab website directly and use your school email to log in. All previous PD sessions are available for on-demand viewing. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.

 

REMINDER: 2022-2023 Digital Learning Parent and Family Support Grant 

Applications for the 2022-2023 Digital Learning Parent and Family Support Grant are now open. The grant allows a school or corporation to design a plan to support parents with topics related to educational technology and blended/virtual learning environments. The grant application window will be open until 5 p.m. ET on Friday, December 2. A grant support session will take place on Tuesday, November 15, at noon ET. See this memo for additional information. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.

 

REMINDER: IDOE Accepting Applications for U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools’ Nomination

IDOE is accepting applications for nomination to the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) program for 2023. The ED-GRS program is a federal recognition award for school sustainability. Interested corporations and schools are encouraged to review this memo for additional information and submit their applications no later than Friday, December 2. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.

News From Our Partners

NEW FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY: Grant Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced more than $80 million in grant opportunities to make clean energy improvements in public K-12 schools. Eligible projects for the Renew America’s Schools grant will include energy improvements that reduce building operating costs, such as new HVAC and ventilation systems, building envelope and lighting projects, and alternative fuel and renewable energy technologies. The Energy CLASS Prize program will provide awards for local educational agencies to staff and train select administration and facilities personnel as energy managers. More information on these opportunities can be found here. Contact schoolsfoa@doe.gov with any questions.


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