Special Education Newsletter from the Indiana Department of Education

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Special Education Newsletter

This monthly newsletter from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Office of Special Education (OSE) includes resources, guidance, and support for special education directors, educators, and administrators who provide essential services that Indiana’s students with disabilities need to learn and thrive.

Data Reporting

Important Data Reporting Change - Student Academic Record Collection to Replace Course Completion Collection 

Changes being implemented for reporting course enrollments and outcomes will impact all schools that report course-level data to IDOE. These updates are occurring to improve the completeness of academic records for each student, to support metrics on the Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed dashboard, and to monitor progress on Graduation Pathways. The full memo is available here and the related frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is available here. Contact IDOE's Data Exchange Team with any questions.

Monitoring

State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) Stakeholder Group

IDOE’s Office of Special Education is seeking SSIP stakeholder group participants. The SSIP is a federally required multi-year plan intended to increase the capacity of school districts to improve outcomes for children with disabilities and their families. Indiana's SSIP includes a State-identified Measurable Result (SiMR) focused on preschool outcomes. The SSIP stakeholder group guides the implementation and evaluation of the plan. The group will meet virtually three times during 2023 and communicate through email with opportunities to provide feedback. Please submit this JotForm to indicate your interest. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.


Update Special Education Director Key Contacts in LINK

The data security coordinator for each school oversees the setup of LINK staff types, including “Key Contacts,” which IDOE uses for communication with schools. IDOE’s Office of Special Education specifically collects and maintains Key Contacts designated as a “Special Education Director” to receive important special education-related communications. When assigning this role, please note that only the first person designated as the Special Education Director Key Contact will receive communications sent by IDOE's Office of Special Education. Please contact osemonitoring@doe.in.gov with any questions.

Fiscal

Submit Completed Part B Grant Data Validation Worksheets by Wednesday, April 5

In mid-March, Part B Grant Data Validation worksheets were emailed to every Special Education Director key contact identified in LINK. Please carefully review this data and submit the completed Part B Data Validation worksheet via the Grant Management System by no later than Wednesday, April 5. Check the OSE Moodle Community for a link to the recorded Data Validation instructions and technical assistance webinar.


Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 American Rescue Plan (ARP) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B Funds

Grant funds provided under IDEA Part B Section 611 and 619 and ARP funds for FY 2022 must be encumbered by Saturday, September 30. Contact your special education fiscal specialist with questions regarding remaining balances. Contact IDOE’s Office of School Finance Special Education Part B reimbursement team to request reimbursement.


Special Education Excess Cost (SEEC) Funding Updates

IDOE will be unable to submit new requests for SEEC funding contracts between Monday, April 3, and the start of the 2024 fiscal year on Friday, June 30. Applications can still be submitted during this period, but will not be processed until after Friday, July 1. Local educational agencies (LEAs) should continue to pay all vendor invoices. Expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the approved contract following execution. LEAs will be notified of contract execution and may then submit invoices for reimbursement. Specific guidance for the 2023-2024 school year is forthcoming. Contact Sarah Fields with any questions.


IDEA Part B Annual State Application

All states applying for funding under IDEA Part B are required to allow public review and comment on the application and proposed budget. The application packet, developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) includes a summary of assurances, certifications, and fund usage descriptions that the state will use to fulfill IDEA Part B requirements. Upon OSEP's approval of Indiana's Part B application, the state will receive a federal grant award to implement necessary services for students with disabilities for July 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025. Indiana’s Part B application and its components have been posted on IDOE’s website for public review and will remain available until Tuesday, May 23. Comments may be submitted here until Sunday, April 23. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.


Indirect Cost Rate Training

In partnership with Crowe, IDOE will host a virtual Indirect Cost Rate Training seminar for LEA personnel at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 29. To attend this seminar, please register here by Tuesday, March 28. Contact icr@doe.in.gov with any questions.


Application for FY 2024 Indirect Cost Rates

The window to submit applications for FY 2024 Indirect Cost Rates closes Monday, May 1. School corporations and charter schools that provided Form 9 financial information for FY 2022 are eligible to apply for restricted and unrestricted rates for FY 2024. 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.

Dispute Resolution

Proposed Education Scholarship Account (ESA) Service Plan Rule

Eligibility for the ESA program requires that a student have an individualized education program (IEP), service plan, or choice special education plan (CSEP). A student who has been identified as eligible for special education and related services under Article 7 (511 IAC 7) and has a current plan in place for the provision of special education and related services can use ESA funds to help pay for services identified in the IEP, service plan, or CSEP. However, after the initial year of ESA eligibility, these plans will lapse and no longer be current. An ESA education service plan will need to be developed for the student. Because the public educational agency is required to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE), an IEP typically provides a greater level of services than either a service plan or CSEP. Therefore, the proposed rule for the ESA education service plan development uses the IEP as the basis for the plan. Additional clarifying language can be found in this memo. Contact the Office of Special Education with any questions.

Indiana IEP (IIEP)

IIEP March Release Notes

IIEP releases monthly updates impacting navigation and use of the IIEP system. View the March Release Notes here, in the Office of Special Education Moodle community, as well as in IIEP. Updates to accommodations, IEP creation, and reevaluation referrals are outlined. Please contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions regarding these changes.

Technology and Materials for Students with Disabilities

New from PATINS Assistive Technology Lending Library

Indiana educators can now borrow the Phonak Roger On microphone from PATINS Assistive Technology Lending Library. Phonak Roger On is an intelligent microphone for hearing aids, designed for difficult and ever-changing listening situations in noise and over distance. It automatically adapts to the listening situation and switches modes depending if it is on a table, clipped on clothing, or held by hand. Complete the Loan Request Form to borrow one at no cost. Please contact the PATINS Project with any questions.


New Combined Accessible Educational Materials Form to Assist CCCs

Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) provides the Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Instructional Guide and ICAM/IERC NIMAS (Indiana Education Resource Center National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standards) Forms to help a student’s CCC determine a print disability and decide appropriate accommodations. During this process, the ICAM/IERC NIMAS Forms should be filled in and uploaded to the IIEP. These forms can be used independently or the CCC may use the new combined forms PDF that contains all student data in one document. In either case, the completed form(s) must be shared with the Digital Rights Manager (DRM) to add/update students and place orders in ICAM Web Ordering. Please contact the PATINS Project or ICAM for assistance.

Special Educator Licensure, Recruitment, and Recognition

Aspiring Statewide Special Education Teacher (ASSET) Application Now Open

ASSET is an approved alternative licensure Transition to Teaching program through IDOE and the Indiana State Board of Education. ASSET is offered through the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE) for currently-licensed Indiana educators to add a special education teaching credential. Successful completion of the ASSET program coupled with passing the appropriate licensing exams enables educators to add either the Mild or/and Intense Interventions endorsement to their existing license. Access the ASSET program application here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education or ICASE with any questions.


Webinar on Leveraging Social Media in K-12 Recruitment

Social media as a recruitment tool can often be underutilized in K-12 for a number of reasons—school systems may not always have the dedicated budget or staff to create a comprehensive strategy or the time needed to see that plan through. Join Nimble and school partners on Wednesday, April 12, at 2 p.m. ET to discuss the markers of a successful campaign/brand and how to create engaging social media content despite these constraints. Register here. Contact Rebecca Estes with any questions.


Educator Pipeline Strategies

The Office of Educator Talent is collecting information about existing Grow Your Own, Teacher Residency, and Registered Teacher Apprenticeship partnerships across the state. If your school has an established program or would like to learn more about how to get started, please complete the following survey. Contact eel@doe.in.gov with any questions.


Nominations Open for Distinguished Leaders Recognition

IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent is looking for confidential recommendations of 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 impact school culture and student achievement. Superintendents and principals may submit recommendations here. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, May 26. Contact Rebecca Estes with any questions.

Technical Assistance and Professional Development

IEP Technical Assistance (TA) Center Special Education Directory and Upcoming Live Workshops

An updated Indiana Special Education Directory is available from the IEP TA Center, formerly known as the Indiana IEP Resource Center. The searchable directory and a downloadable PDF are available at the IEP TA Center website. Check the IEP TA Center training catalog for a list of April workshops, and register for upcoming workshops here. Contact Marcee Wilburn from the IEP TA Center or IDOE’s Office of Student Support and Accessibility with any questions.


TA for Annual Goal Writing and More

The IEP TA Center is available to provide school corporations or transition cadres with in-person or virtual technical assistance regarding annual goal writing. View the full catalog of events available throughout the year and a Padlet for writing skill-based annual goals best practices. Additional resources can be found on the IEP TA Center website. Request TA for annual goal writing and more using the Technical Assistance Request Form. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.


Office Hours with IDOE and IN*SOURCE

IDOE partners with IN*SOURCE to present free monthly webinars on special education topics. Office Hours are offered from noon to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. ET. Use this link to join any session. On Tuesday, March 28, IN*SOURCE office hours with IDOE will feature IDOE Special Education Specialist Jennifer Spencer presenting on Autism Special Education Identification under Article 7 versus a medical diagnosis. For more information and upcoming topics, call 800.332.4433 or email insource@insource.org.


Tech Expo 2023 Registration Open 

Join the PATINS Project and IN*SOURCE for Tech Expo 2023 on Thursday, April 20, in Carmel to preview assistive and accessible technologies and services, meet with vendors and experts of resources designed to promote inclusion and to comply with federal and state mandates, and learn about accessibility and technology supports for all students and families. Open to all interested Indiana education administrators, teachers, family members, advocates, students, and pre-service teachers/grad students. For more details and to register, visit the expo website or contact the PATINS Project.


Office of Student Support and Accessibility (OSSA) Monthly Technical Assistance Office Hours

IDOE’s OSSA hosts Technical Assistance Office Hours from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. ET on the first Thursday of each month for targeted support on a need or issue. The first 20 minutes will cover a relevant topic of choice, and the remaining time will be available for questions and discussion. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Support and Accessibility with any questions.

Updates from the U.S. Department of Education

From the U.S. Department of Education OSEP: A Guide to Noticing STEM Learning

All children can develop the foundations for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning from infancy, and noticing is an important foundational skill. In this document, OSEP  operationally defines noticing and provides examples of different ways young children, including children with disabilities, may show us how they have noticed something or someone in their environment.


OSEP Reminders Regarding Response to Intervention Process and Special Education

OSEP recently recommended that state education agencies share these memoranda with LEAs, with a reminder that the content of each reflects IDEA statutory and regulatory requirements that are still in effect. 

  • OSEP Memorandum 11-07-- A Response to Intervention (RTI) Process Cannot Be Used to Delay-Deny an Evaluation for Eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (January 21, 2011); and 
  • OSEP Memorandum 16-07 -- A Response to Intervention Process Cannot be Used to Delay-Deny an Evaluation for Preschool Education Services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education  Act (April 29, 2016).

Indiana 1% Waiver Extension Request Approved 

Indiana requested and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education granted a one-year extension (school year 2022-2023) of the State’s waiver of section 1111(b)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the ESEA. While the State may assess more than 1% of the total number of students in the State who are assessed in reading/language arts, mathematics, and science using an alternate assessment aligned with alternate academic achievement standards (AA-AAAS) in 2022-23, LEAs must continue to provide justification for exceeding the 1% cap.  

Additional Resources Opportunities

Call for Proposals: Elevating Education - Improving Outcomes for All

IDOE seeks proposals from Indiana educators willing to make presentations showcasing their knowledge and success at a November conference for all Indiana educators. IDOE is collaborating with the IEP TA Center to hold the statewide conference, “Elevating Education 2023: Improving Outcomes for All,” on Tuesday, November 28, and Wednesday, November 29, in Indianapolis. To submit a proposal, please complete and submit this JotForm by no later than 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 27.


Standards Prioritization Public Comment Open

Pursuant to IC 20-31-3-1, IDOE convened a variety of stakeholder committees (e.g., educators, parents, community members) to review recommended prioritizations of the Indiana Academic Standards for kindergarten through grade 12 with the goal of defining no more than 75% of these standards. Committees also defined recommendations for no more than 33% of the standards as “essential” for mastery by the end of each grade level or course. View the full public comment schedule here. Access this Jotform for more details and links to view and comment on the prioritized standards. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.


From the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA): Medicaid Eligibility Changes

As many as 500,000 Hoosiers could be impacted by upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes required by federal law, which ends pandemic-related eligibility provisions on Friday, March 31. This means regular determinations for coverage will begin again, and actions to adjust, reduce, or eliminate coverage will be allowed beginning in April. FSSA sent communications to Medicaid-covered individuals explaining the actions they need to take to maintain their eligibility. Flyers, social media toolkits, and other resources to explain the change and next steps here. A poster with a QR code that can help individuals quickly update their contact information can be found here and is available in multiple languages. Contact FSSA with any questions.


From Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield: Classroom Quarterbacks

The Indianapolis Colts have teamed up with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to recognize school teachers, administrators, nurses, and staff members who go above and beyond for their students, schools, and communities. Ten finalists will be selected by a panel of educational professionals, the Indianapolis Colts, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. One finalist will be named the Classroom Quarterback of the year and receive a $2,500 donation for their school. Nominations for the 2023 Classroom Quarterbacks program are open though Wednesday, April 12, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Contact the Indianapolis Colts with any questions.


From Teach Plus Indiana: Policy Fellowship Application

Teach Plus Indiana is currently accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Indiana Policy Fellowship. Application deadline is Sunday, April 16. This highly selective leadership opportunity is a paid fellowship for outstanding Indiana teachers looking to expand their influence without leaving the classroom. It spans the 2023-2024 school year and offers selected teachers a generous stipend for their time and effort. Teach Plus Indiana will host three virtual information sessions prior to the application deadline:

Contact Kimberly Nguyen with any questions.


Upcoming Dates

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Tuesday, March 28, 1 to 2 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.

IN*SOURCE Office Hours, featuring IDOE Special Education Specialist Jennifer Spencer

Wednesday, March 29, 1 p.m. ET

Indirect Cost Rate training

Friday, March 31

Pandemic-related Medicaid eligibility provisions end

Wednesday, April 5

Completed Part B Grant Data Validation worksheets due

Thursday, April 6, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. ET

Monthly OSSA Technical Assistance office hours

Thursday, April 20

PATINS Project Tech Expo 2023 in Carmel

Sunday, April 23

Final day for public comment on Indiana's IDEA Part B Application

Thursday, April 27

Final day to submit proposals for the IEP TA Center's conference, "Elevating Education in 2023: Improving Outcomes for All"

Monday, May 1

Final day to submit applications for FY 2024 Indirect Cost Rates

Friday, May 26

Nominations Due for Emerging Leaders Recognition

 

Additional Resources