Over the years, as a high school teacher and administrator, I have been to dozens and dozens of athletic signings, but just this week (during Teacher Appreciation Week), I had the opportunity to attend my first (ever) “future teacher signing!”
Center Grove Superintendent Richard Arkanoff and Director of Human Resources and Student Services Krista Nelson, were inspired to host a “future teacher signing” as a way of celebrating both current and future teachers. As part of the program, each of these students are encouraged to come back to Center Grove to do their student teaching and are guaranteed interviews for open teaching positions in the district.
Each of the high school seniors who were being honored as “future teachers” were able to invite a past teacher who impacted their path…and who inspired them to carry forward the impact by choosing the educator profession. These teachers were honored at the highest level, as they saw and heard from students who are forever impacted by one special person–a teacher. It is difficult to sum up in words the excitement and pride that was in the room, so I encourage you to check it out for yourself through this video!
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While Teacher Appreciation Week may be coming to a close, in Indiana, we must continue to elevate the teacher profession and celebrate the difference educators make each and every day. As you know, IDOE continues to partner with Get Your Teach On’s Hope and Wade King…who have been all around our state to celebrate teachers. Next Saturday, May 20, they’ll be in Indianapolis for a statewide (free!) educator celebration, which will include giveaways, keynote speakers, special guests, (of course!) food, and so much more! While the in-person portion is completely sold out, you can still register to attend virtually. For those of you planning to attend, I look forward to seeing you there!
This Teacher Appreciation Week, and always, thank you for all that you do for students!
NEW: May Office Hours
Please join the Office of Accountability to discuss the following topics:
- Wednesday, May 17, at 1 p.m. ET: Cohort Exits
- Wednesday, May 24, at 1 p.m. ET: Signing off on Your Data (This presentation will also be given during Data Exchange Office Hours during the week of May 15.)
The link to the Microsoft Teams meeting, question form, and presentation handout can be found in the Accountability & Accreditation Community in Moodle (Enrollment key is AccountabilityCommunity). Contact the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE's) Office of Accountability with any questions.
NEW: ILEARN 3-8 Testing Window Closes Today, Friday, May 12
The ILEARN 3-8 testing window closes today, Friday, May 12. IDOE recommends reviewing post-testing guidance to ensure the results and rescore request window are communicated to students and families. Preliminary results have begun populating within the Centralized Reporting System (CRS) and will be available on a rolling basis. Refer to the CRS User Guide and the Indiana Interpretive Guide for Statewide Assessments for more reporting information.
The rescore request window opens on Monday, May 15. Schools may utilize the ILEARN Rescore Request Guidance and ILEARN Rescore Request Parent Letter Template to assist with communicating this information to students and families. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment or the Indiana Assessment Help Desk with any questions.
NEW: ILEARN Biology & U.S. Government End-of-Course Assessment (ECA) Paper-and-Pencil Testing Window Closes Today, Friday, May 12
The ILEARN Biology and U.S. Government Spring 2023 paper-and-pencil testing window closes Friday, May 12. Schools should ensure that online testing is completed by Friday, May 19. Refer to the ILEARN and I AM ECA Participation Guidance for additional information. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment or the Indiana Assessment Help Desk with any questions.
NEW: Apply for ILEARN Blueprint Committees
IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment seeks educators/instructional coaches, special populations educators (special education and English learners), and curriculum-focused administrators for the upcoming ILEARN Blueprint Committees. ILEARN blueprints will be updated to include streamlined standards and assessment redesign features. There will be one committee for English/language arts (ELA) and another for mathematics.
Participants focusing on mathematics will meet on Wednesday, June 14, and those focusing on ELA will meet on Thursday, June 15, for in-person meetings in Indianapolis. Committee meetings are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, but may conclude earlier based on blueprint finalization. Stipends and Professional Growth Plan (PGP) points will be awarded for involvement. Interested participants may apply here by Friday, May 19. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: Summer 2023 IREAD-3 Retest Window Opens Monday, May 22
Students in grades three and above who still require a passing score for IREAD-3 should participate in the summer retest window, open Monday, May 22, through Friday, June 30. Schools are encouraged to work with parents when scheduling the retest for students. Corporation Test Coordinators (CTCs) must ensure that all Test Administrators (TAs) have the appropriate materials the day of testing, including the IREAD-3 Test Administrator’s Manual (TAM) and Secure Segment 1 Script for all students. TAs must use the IREAD-3 Read Aloud Scripts for fixed-form paper-and-pencil assessments for any students whose formal plan requires a human reader and paper test. These scripts are available in the CTC’s Secure Inbox in the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE). Review the IREAD-3 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) prior to administration and contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: 2023-2024 Approved Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant Programs
The Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) approved assessment programs and specific dyslexia universal screeners for use with the 2023-2024 Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant. Schools can now access the 2023-2024 Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant Guidance on the Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant DOE webpage. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: Approved List of Dyslexia Screener and Diagnostic Assessments Now Available
The approved list of dyslexia screeners and diagnostic assessments is now available. The updated list includes two new screeners and one new diagnostic assessment. An amendment to House Bill (HB) 1590 now allows two of the screeners to be provided using funding under the Formative Assessment Grant. The list can be found in Appendix A of the 2023-2024 Dyslexia Programming Guidance for Schools. Schools are required to select one vendor to administer the universal dyslexia screener to ensure students are identified using a research-based measure. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with any questions.
NEW: Literacy Remediation and Support for Students Who Did Not Pass IREAD-3
IDOE strongly encourages corporations to consider summer remediation programs for grade two and grade three students who did not pass IREAD-3 during the spring administration. Students who did not pass IREAD-3 this spring should receive additional support on foundational reading skills and reading comprehension to ensure lifelong access to other content prior to consideration for Good Cause Exemptions. Please review this memo for remediation guidance, Good Cause Exemption (GCE) considerations, and science of reading resources. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with any questions
REMINDER: Applications for Purple Star Schools Now Open
Applications for the 2023-2024 Purple Star Designation Program are now open through Friday, September 1. The Purple Star Designation Program recognizes Indiana schools for their significant display of commitment to our service members, veterans, and families connected to the nation’s military. Purple Star designations are available for three years. Additional information regarding application requirements and the award notification timeline can be found here. Contact Emily Black with any questions.
REMINDER: Updates to the Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS)
This summer, the LVIS online licensing system will be upgraded and become LVIS360. The system will have all the same–but improved–functionality with a new look and navigation. Training opportunities will be communicated to licensing advisors in educator preparation programs and approvers in schools and corporations prior to the launch this summer. More information will be released as it becomes available. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Licensing with any questions.
NEW: Annual Principal Survey Regarding Initial Educator License Holders
Indiana Code 20-28-11.5-9 requires a principal at each school corporation, charter school, and virtual school to complete an annual survey for any teacher employed in the building who was initially licensed in Indiana during the previous two years. The purpose of the survey is to assess the quality of preparation provided by the Indiana educator preparation program the teacher completed for licensure. A survey is not required for those who completed an out-of-state program for initial licensure. More information and the 2023 survey can be accessed here. Select “Complete the Survey” and enter the access code provided via email. The survey will remain open until Monday, August 1. Contact Scott Bogan with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana STEM Educator Expansion Program (I-STEM) Registration Now Available
IDOE is partnering with Educational Service Centers (ESCs) of Indiana to launch the I-STEM partnership. I-STEM provides support for both currently licensed teachers in non-STEM areas and prospective teachers who are not licensed and hold a bachelor’s degree to become licensed to teach in a STEM content area. IDOE has identified eligible STEM content areas as life science, chemistry, earth/space science, physics, physical science, computer science, technology education, and mathematics. Click here for more information and registration. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Nominations Now Open for the 2023 Educational Excellence Awards
Up to $5 million will be awarded to schools across the state to celebrate their progress and achievement in supporting student excellence and growth. Award winners will be honored at the second annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala in Indianapolis on Friday, September 8. More information can be found here. To be considered for an award, schools and educators can complete a nomination form here by Friday, June 9. For more information, contact the Office of Educator Talent.
REMINDER: Nominations Open for Distinguished Educators Recognition
IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent is looking for confidential recommendations of teachers 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.
REMINDER: Additional Opportunities to Recognize Indiana Educators
Throughout the year, numerous opportunities arise nationwide to acknowledge the incredible work of Indiana educators. IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent has developed this document which will be updated periodically with external opportunities to recognize educators. To submit an educator recognition opportunity not listed, contact Anne Marie Milligan.
NEW: Fall Average Daily Membership (ADM) Count Set to Monday, October 2
House Bill 1001 moved the fall ADM count day to October 1, or a date determined by SBOE, to align with the federal pupil enrollment count, eliminate redundant counting of students, and reduce administrative burden on schools. In response to this statutory change, SBOE has set the fall 2023 ADM count day to Monday, October 2.
The Data Exchange system will begin to accept data at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. Schools should work to review and correct data prior to the October certification. Additionally, IDOE is moving all data certifications previously due in September to October. As a result of this legislation, the complete list of data certifications for October 2023 will be:
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1. Other Personnel
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4. Staff Employment
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7. Membership (ADM)
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2. Pupil Enrollment
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5. Multilingual Learners
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8. Calendar
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3. Curricular Materials Assistance
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6. Graduation
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Contact the Data Exchange Team with any questions.
REMINDER: School Financial Reports Now Available Through EdData
Schools can now access seven financial reports, including the Summary of Receipts and Expenditures and Expenditures by Object reports via IDOE’s EdData platform. The reports are available under the Finance Dashboard tile. Please note the content of these reports has not changed. Contact form9@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Student Academic Record Collection
Changes implemented for reporting course enrollments (student academic record replacing course completion collection) 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 Graduation Pathways progress. The full memo is available here and the related FAQ document is available here. Contact IDOE's Data Exchange Team with any questions.
NEW: Summer School Reimbursement Estimates
This memo includes information regarding the 2023 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 open Monday, July 24, through Friday, September 15. The final distribution amounts will be determined when actual expenditure data is received this fall. Contact Teresa Hemmerle with any questions.
NEW: May Tuition Support Payment - Medicaid Update
Please read this memo regarding the Medicaid rate change that applies to the May tuition support payment. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
NEW: School Improvement Plans
The submission window for Comprehensive Needs Assessment/School Improvement Plans (CNA/SIP) opens Monday, May 15. Use of the state CNA/SIP template fulfills all requirements under state law and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI),Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), and/or Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ASTI). Submissions are due by Friday, October 6. This memo provides additional information, including links to the CNA/SIP Google doc and CNA/SIP template. Please contact IDOE’s Office of School Support and Transformation with any questions.
NEW: Student Learning Recovery Grant - Expanding What Works
The Expanding What Works program promotes regional partnerships between community organizations, local non-profits, municipal partners, and/or local school corporations to replicate the successful Indy Summer Learning Labs at a regional level. This competitive grant program will prioritize applicants that demonstrate a commitment to partnering with the Lavinia Group to implement a high-quality, research-based summer learning curriculum and fidelity to the core design principles of the Indy Summer Learning Labs. More information and applications are available here. Contact CommunityLearningGrant@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. Flexibility through waivers is offered to help support schools in their design efforts to improve student performance and outcomes, help to improve the efficiency of school operations, and to help promote innovative educational approaches to student learning. Interested officials can read more about the opportunity in this memo and the Flexibility Guide for Indiana's K-12 Schools document. Additionally, a recording of the informational webinar can be found here, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found here. Applications are now open and will be accepted on a rolling basis through Friday, June 2.
Applications will be reviewed in three rounds:
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Review period
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Request for information timeline
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Recommendation sent to the State Board of Education
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Round One
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Friday, February 10, through Friday, March 17
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Monday, March 13, through Wednesday, March 29
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May
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Round Two
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Monday, March 20, through Friday, April 28
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Monday, April 24, through Wednesday, May 10
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June
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Round Three
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Monday, May 1, through Friday, June 2
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Tuesday, May 30, through Wednesday, June 14
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July
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Contact Georgia Watson with any questions.
NEW: Crossing the Finish Line – Top 10 High Schools for Enrollments
For the third consecutive summer, high schools across the state are partnering with IDOE, the Commission for Higher Education (CHE), Governor's Workforce Cabinet (GWC), and higher education institutions to help more students earn a credential of value. Research shows that increased levels of educational attainment positively impact students’ future quality of life, health, living wage, employment, and sustained earning. Through the Crossing the Finish Line initiative, eligible students can receive free tuition and books at Ivy Tech or Vincennes University (fees are also covered). To date, over 2,500 students have registered for classes this summer…and this number continues to grow by the day! Here’s a look at the top 10 schools across the state with students participating, in proportion to their overall student population.
- Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation Virtual Academy
- BELIEVE Circle City High School
- Batesville High School
- Rising Sun High School
- GEO Next Generation Academy
- East Central High School
- Wapahani High School
- Silver Creek High School
- South Dearborn High School
- Madison-Grant Jr./Sr. High School
NEW: 2023-2024 School Year Graduation Pathways Eligible Certification List
The updated list of industry certifications eligible for Graduation Pathways for the 2023-2024 school year has been published by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) in partnership with IDOE, GWC, and CHE. The approved list can be found on IDOE's Graduation Pathways webpage and is available for download here. Contact DOEGradPathways@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: American Rescue Plan-Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) Remaining Balance
As the second anniversary of the $800M set aside from ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund for Homeless Children and Youth approaches, please remember:
- Funds appropriated under the ARP-HCY I & II will be available for obligation until September 30, 2024.
- The deadline for the drawdown of the obligated ARP-HCY I & II funds is 120 days, or January 30, 2025 (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.344(b)).
- As of January 25, 2023, Indiana shows an available ARP-HCY balance of $11,230,750.17, which is 86% of the total Indiana's ARP Homeless I and II allocations combined.
- Indiana school districts must report expenditures monthly in order for IDOE to maintain accurate reporting of dollars spent and dollars available.
Contact McKinneyVentoPOC@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: May Graduation Pathways Webinar
IDOE’s Student Pathways and Opportunities team will host the final Graduation Pathways webinar of the 2022-2023 school year on Thursday, May 25, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET via Microsoft Teams. The topic of this important meeting is Graduation & INTERS End of Year Reporting requirements and deadlines that you must know to ensure your data is accurate and your school is compliant. Please bring questions to the meeting for the IDOE Accountability and Student Pathways Teams and the Office of CTE. Please use this link to join. Contact DOEGradpathways@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Family Friendly Schools Designation
Congratulations to the schools that participated in the 2023-2024 Family Friendly School Designation process. The Family Friendly Schools designation recognizes and honors schools that prioritize family involvement within their school community. This year, IDOE designated 91 schools as 2023-2024 Family Friendly Schools. Statewide, 30 newly-designated schools join the 61 additional Indiana schools that renewed their Family Friendly School designation for the 2023-2024 school year. The full list of recipients can be found here. Contact FamilyFriendlySchool@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Final PREPaRE Workshop 2 Training
The final regional PREPaRE Workshop 2 Training will be Monday, June 12, and Tuesday, June 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day in Ossian. Attendance on both days is required. The National Association of School Psychologists's PREPaRE model provides school personnel with comprehensive training on how to establish and serve on school crisis response teams. The curriculum is the only research-based crisis prevention and response model developed by and for school personnel to meet the unique mental health needs of school safety and crisis teams. More information can be found here. Register here by Friday, May 19. Contact Terri Miller or info@projectawarein.org with any questions.
REMINDER: Youth Emerging Stronger (YES) Summit
The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, IDOE, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's Division of Mental Health and Addiction, North Central Health Services, and the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte will host the first YES! Summit on Wednesday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Noblesville. Mental health and substance use challenges are on the rise among young people, and their emotional well-being is on the decline. COVID-19 exacerbated these trends, which have developed over the last decade. The YES! Summit will address these challenges by bringing together hundreds of Indiana school leaders, education stakeholders, and funders to develop a roadmap for expanding evidence-based prevention and mental health support within K-12 schools. Find additional information and register to attend the YES! Summit here. Contact IDOE's Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement with any questions.
REMINDER: Project AWARE Goes to the Park
During the month of May, Hoosier students and families can prioritize their mental wellness by participating in Project AWARE Goes to the Park at any local Indiana State Park! Visit your nearest State Park's Visitor Center to pick up a self-led activity guide and complete a short, fun activity. Once completed, participants can enter for a chance to win park swag. Contact info@projectawarein.org with any questions.
NEW: Register for Get Your Teach On Summer Teacher & Leader Conferences
IDOE and Get Your Teach On are offering four free conferences at locations throughout Indiana this summer! Conferences will take place at the following locations:
- Monday, July 10, and Tuesday, July 11: Jasper High School, Jasper
- Thursday, July 13, and Friday, July 14: Decatur Central High School, Indianapolis
- Monday, July 17, and Tuesday, July 18: Southside Middle School, Muncie
- Thursday, July 20, and Friday, July 21: Washington High School, South Bend
Educators will attend a Two-Day Teacher Experience from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET each day. Leaders will attend a One-Day Administrator Experience from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET on the first day of the conference. All locations have a maximum capacity of 500 educators and 250 leaders. Register before they fill up! Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Support and Accessibility with questions.
NEW: Elevating Education - Improving Outcomes for All Statewide Conference
Registration is now open for Elevating Education: Improving Outcomes for All, a new statewide conference from IDOE and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Technical Assistance (TA) Center. The conference is intended for general educators, special educators, and administrators and will take place at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis and the Indiana Convention Center on Tuesday, November 28, and Wednesday, November 29. Register here, as space is limited. IDOE and the IEP TA Center are seeking educators to showcase their knowledge and success during the conference. Submit proposals via this form by Friday, May 19. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Support and Accessibility with questions.
NEW: Assistive Technology Success Video from the PATINS Project
Journey to Independence: How Assistive Technology Transformed His High School Years illustrates how assistive technology devices and software for speech-to-text and word prediction gave one high school student independence with his school work and future career plans. Like the district highlighted in the video, acquiring assistive technology with the support of the PATINS Project can increase accessibility in your district. Contact the PATINS Project or IDOE’s Office of Student Support and Accessibility to learn about support for your school.
NEW: Special Education Excess Cost (SEEC) May Office Hours
IDOE’s Office of Special Education will continue to hold office hours to support schools navigating the SEEC fund. Office hours are an opportunity for schools to ask questions regarding excess cost procedures or situations specific to their district. No registration is required. Join the sessions bellow:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
UPDATE: Nominate Students with Disabilities for Student Transition Cadre
IDOE’s Office of Special Education is seeking youth with disabilities between 14 and 22 years old to join in providing feedback and improvement strategies for graduation, transition planning, and transition IEPs for the Student Transition Cadre. Students will meet once prior to the end of the 2022-2023 school year and throughout the 2023-2024 school year. To nominate a student for the Indiana Student Transition Cadre, please complete this Jotform by Friday, May 26. Students will be contacted directly by IDOE for next steps. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
UPDATE: Join the Parent Special Education Stakeholder Meeting on Monday, May 15
IDOE’s Office of Special Education is holding a parent stakeholder meeting to analyze data and identify improvement strategies for Graduation Rate (Indicator 1), Dropout Rate (Indicator 2), and Transition IEPs (Indicator 13) on Monday, May 15, from 6 to 7 p.m. ET. There is no registration required for this meeting. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Upcoming Evaluation Roster (EV Roster) Office Hours
IDOE’s Office of Special Education will host office hours for local education agencies to receive assistance with ensuring that Data Exchange information for the upcoming EV submission is accurate. Select the link below to join a specific session.
- Monday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to noon ET
- Tuesday, May 16, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET
- Thursday, May 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET
- Monday, May 22, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET
- Wednesday, May 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. ET
- Wednesday, May 24, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, May 30, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET
- Thursday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to noon ET
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Dual Language Program Grant Application Open through Friday, May 19
Applications for the 2023-2024 Dual Language Program grant will be open through Friday, May 19. This competitive grant is intended for corporations or charter schools interested in starting a pilot or expanding an existing dual language program. The grant now includes two different application types: one for newer programs (implementation year through grade two) and one for established programs (grades three and above). For additional information on program requirements, funding amounts, and how to apply, see IDOE’s Indiana Dual Language webpage. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with any questions.
NEW: Computer Science Catalyst Grant Application Now Open
Applications for the 2023-2024 Computer Science Catalyst Grant are now open through 4 p.m. ET on Friday, June 2. This competitive grant opportunity for schools is funded through appropriations by the Indiana General Assembly in the Next Level Computer Science Fund. This grant aims to spark innovation in computer science education by accelerating pedagogical knowledge of educators, increasing the number of PK-12 students who have access to high-quality computer science learning experiences, and promoting the use of computer science in authentic problem solving. More information regarding the Computer Science Catalyst Grant application process can be found here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Required STEM Curriculum Survey Now Available
Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-20-5.5-2(h), IDOE will conduct a statewide survey to determine what curricular materials have been adopted for teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in each state-accredited school. A designee from each public school corporation, public charter school, and state-accredited non-public school is required to complete this survey by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, June 16. If a school corporation maintains consistent curriculum adoption across grade levels and schools within the corporation, then only a single submission for the corporation is required. Please contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Indiana Course Access Network
The Indiana Course Access Network is a collection of projects with the goal of providing students with flexible coursework options and expanding course offerings. These projects include the Indiana Course Access Portal (iCAP) and Well-Rounded Course Access (WRCA) platforms. iCAP and WRCA offer supplementary online high school, dual enrollment, and advanced placement courses for students across the state. Visit IDOE’s Indiana Course Access Network webpage for more detailed information and current courses. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: Dyslexia Reporting Requirements
School corporations and charter schools are required to report dyslexia information for the previous school year on their website by Saturday, July 15. This information should include 1) the dyslexia intervention programs that were used during the previous school year to assist students with dyslexia, 2) the number of students during the school year who received dyslexia intervention, and 3) the total number of students identified with dyslexia. Reporting criteria can be found on page 7 of the 2023-2024 Dyslexia Programming Guidance for Schools. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with any questions.
REMINDER: Implementation Timelines for Instruction and Assessment of Updated Standards
Pursuant to IC 20-31-3-1, IDOE convened a variety of stakeholder committees (e.g., educators, parents, community members) to review standard revisions and/or prioritizations of the Indiana Academic Standards for kindergarten through grade 12. Please review this guidance that outlines implementation timelines for the instruction and assessment of updated and prioritized Indiana Academic Standards. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: 2023-2024 Reading Plan and Dyslexia Reporting Submissions Due Friday, June 30
511 Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) 6.2-3.1 requires all public and accredited non-public schools with students enrolled in kindergarten through grade three to complete and submit an elementary reading plan to IDOE by close of business on Friday, June 30. IDOE’s Literacy Center released the new Reading Plan Guidance to assist with this requirement.
- Public schools will use this form.
- Accredited non-public schools will use this form.
In addition to the reading plan, IC 20-35.5 requires all public schools to report dyslexia screening data from the 2022-2023 school year. Accredited non-public schools are not required to submit data, but have the option to report. Charter schools will use this form for dyslexia reporting dyslexia screening data. The submission window is open through Friday, June 30. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with additional questions or for additional guidance.
REMINDER: May PD with IDOE
May PD with IDOE continues next week with Summer of Learning 2023: It’s the Place to Be! led by IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning and Summer of Learning Conference Coordinators. View a full list of the May sessions here. To register for workshops, or view on-demand sessions, 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. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 (FFY23) Federal Grants Pre-Application
The FY24 Federal Grants Pre-Application is now available via Moodle. Please ensure that you are enrolled in the "Title Grants Pre-App" course to access the Pre-Application document, as well as several key resources including required consultation forms. The Title Grants and Support team is updating Pre-Application resources including section guidance videos, disparity reports, and the April 2023 Coffee Chat recording. Upon opening the Pre-Application Microsoft Word document, you will be prompted to enter a password. Please open the “read only” version and save the document using the requested naming convention. This will allow you to edit all necessary sections. The FY24 Pre-Application should be submitted via JotForm no later than Saturday, July 1. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act - Stronger Connections Grant (BSCA - SCG)
IDOE will release the application for BSCA:SCG funds by end of day on Monday, May 15. Eligibility for this grant is determined by Title IV eligibility and abides by the same guidelines as Title IV. For more information on BSCA:SCG funds and the application process, please visit the Title IV Moodle page. Contact TitleIV@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Title Grants and Support Monthly Coffee Chats
Grab your favorite cup of coffee and join the Title Grants and Support team for monthly Coffee Chats. Chats have moved to the last Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. ET. The link will always be the same. Join us via Microsoft Teams here. This month’s topic covers the Next Gen SIG Grant with a question and answer session at the end. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions or suggestions for topics.
NEW FROM THE LILLY ENDOWMENT: Renewal Grants for Indiana K-12 Educators
The Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce the 37th round of its Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program (TCFP). This program supports educators throughout Indiana by providing resources for them to take time for meaningful renewal. The Endowment believes that through new experiences, exploration, and reflection educators can generate renewed energy in their careers, innovative approaches to teaching and educational leadership, and thoughtful ways to encourage students’ creative thinking. The Endowment expects to award approximately 100 grants, each totaling up to $15,000, in 2024. The application deadline is 5 p.m. ET on Monday, September 11. Four information sessions will be held on:
- Thursday, May 18
- Wednesday, May 31
- Tuesday, August 8
- Thursday, August 10
To learn more or register for one of these sessions, visit the Lilly Endowment website. Contact Lilly Endowment staff at teachercreativity@lei.org with any questions.
NEW FROM THE NATIONAL ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (NAEA): 2023 Annual Conference
The NAEA will host its 29th Annual National Alternative Education Association conference from Monday, October 16, through Wednesday, October 18, at the Marriott Tampa Water Street in Tampa, Florida. Registration is now open. NAEA is a 100% volunteer organization dedicated to information sharing, professional development practice, public policy, and advocacy for alternative learning and teaching. Contact executivedirector@the-naea.org with any questions.
NEW FROM THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION'S HOMELESS YOUTH LEGAL NETWORK: Art Project for Young People With Lived Homeless Experience
The American Bar Association's Homeless Youth Legal Network is leading the drafting and publication of a resource for state-level advocates with model state statutes supporting youth and young adults experiencing housing instability. This second edition will be drafted in collaboration with national, state, and local partners, and will be available in October 2023. Submissions are now open for cover designs and cover art from youth advocates with lived experience of housing instability up to age 25. Please encourage youth advocates to submit their very own cover design/art by Saturday, July 1. One design will be chosen for the publication's cover, and the artist will receive a $200 gift card. Submissions and questions should be sent to Kelly Russo.
REMINDER FROM THE NATURAL RESOURCES FOUNDATION: Grant Available for Field Trips to State Parks
Indiana schools are invited to apply for Discover the Outdoors grants, from the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, which financially supports school field trips to Indiana State Parks. These grants provide students with hands-on activities to learn about natural resources and explore Indiana’s unique natural and cultural areas. Educators work directly with interpreters at properties to develop a curriculum for the visit that benefits their students. Applications are open through June 30. All school types and grades are eligible for this grant. Contact DiscoverOutdoorsGrants@dnr.IN.gov with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE HIGH ABILITY EDUCATION TEACHER BOOT CAMP: Professional Development Available
Dr. Kristie Speirs Neumeister and Dr. Virginia Burney invite teachers of students identified as high ability to attend their Annual High Ability Education 2 Day Teacher Boot Camp. The boot camp is being offered in person as well as virtually. In-person participants will visit Conner Prairie for the Boot Camp on Tuesday, August 29, and Friday, September 15. Virtual attendee districts can specify a two-week window to access materials. The workshop will provide 12 professional growth plan (PGP) points and the registration fee is an allowable expense through the High Ability Program Grant. For more information or to register, use this link. Contact consultantsforhighability@gmail.com with any questions.
REMINDER FROM INDIANA FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (FSSA): Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (PEBT) Eligibility
Families who meet certain income requirements and have chosen home or virtual school for their children due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for PEBT (federal food assistance), but they must act quickly. Families must apply for this benefit before Monday, May 15. Families who meet the qualifications below are encouraged to visit FSSA’s PEBT webpage to apply. (Scroll down the page to find the green button to apply.) The PEBT Home or Virtual School Program provides benefits for:
- Students in kindergarten through grade two:
- Who are attending home or virtual school for COVID-related reasons
- Who are determined to be eligible for free/reduced-price meals due to their family’s income
- Students in grades three through 12
- Who were enrolled at an NSLP (free/reduced lunch) eligible school and switched to home/virtual school after the Federal Public Health Emergency began on January 27, 2020, and
- Who are attending home or virtual school for COVID-related reasons
- Who are determined to be eligible for free/reduced-price meals due to their family’s income
Families can find the application and other information about PEBT here. More information about FSSA and all its divisions and programs is available at www.IN.gov/FSSA.
REMINDER FROM THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEACHER INVESTMENT PROGRAM (AP-TIP): 2023 Summer Institute
AP teachers are invited to register for the AP Summer Institute sponsored by the University of Notre Dame’s Advanced Placement Teacher Investment Program (AP-TIP). At AP-TIP’s Summer Institute, teachers will engage in hands-on workshops and labs focused on exemplary instructional strategies ready to be implemented in their own classrooms. The 2023 AP Summer Institute will be held Tuesday, July 11, through Friday, July 14, at Pike High School in Indianapolis. Sessions will be held daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. To view the full list of sessions and to register, click here. Contact Karen Morris with any questions.
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