There’s nothing quite like kicking off the school year–the energy, passion and excitement to see your “school family” and welcome the students! Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to join faculty and staff at Crawford County Community Schools as they kicked off their 2023-2024 school year. As some schools head toward their first day of classes and as others wrap up their first few days, I want to share a few thoughts that might resonate as you begin the school year.
1. Leave it better than how you found it.
Growing up, my dad would often say this, whether we were out camping, or over at a friend or relative’s house for dinner, and on my professional journey, this is something I’ve found myself repeating nearly every day. As educators, we face challenges both large and small, and yet we are all still here serving students and our communities. We all have a variety of students we serve. Some students come from tough, challenging home lives…and it can often be a teacher who helps to improve their confidence and even persist through the tough moments in their life. To help students truly become their best selves, sometimes, all it takes is one teacher who is bound and determined to leave it better than how they found it.
2. Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Our work cannot be done in a silo. For so long, those in K-12, higher education, and the workforce operated largely independently of one another, yet today, we know that blurring the lines between these areas is the best way to move the needle for our students and to ensure they are best prepared for their next step…whether that is enrollment, employment, or enlistment leading to service. Similarly, so much of our important work requires collaboration with a variety of community partners to maximize impact and create lasting experiences for our students.
3. Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first; it means me too.
Finding the time to relax and recharge is so important in a profession where you give so much of yourself to students each day…it’s little things like this that make a big difference. We all have different ways of relaxing, so I would encourage you to find what fills your cup. Whether it’s getting together with a group of colleagues who build you up after a tough day, a walk around the block with your family in the evening, listening to a podcast, or pulling out a pen and paper to draw or journal, finding a way to take care of yourself means that your cup will be full enough to help take care of others, too.
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And finally, I want to share something that I hope will bring a little levity to your day…you may remember last school year, I shared a back to school video that Dr. Jim Roberts and Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation created…and this year, they have done it again! I 100% laughed out loud multiple times when watching this video…check it out below!
As always, thank you for all that you do for our students, and thank you for all of your time spent planning and preparing to kick off an excellent 2023-2024 school year! Let’s keep it up!
UPDATE: Legislatively-Required and Other Guidance Surrounding Newly-Enacted Legislation
Following the close of each legislative session, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) immediately begins working to implement newly-enacted legislation impacting K-12 education, which includes compiling guidance for educators. Guidance is a product of robust cross-agency collaboration and partnership with countless stakeholders. Any future updates will be added to this comprehensive guidance document and shared via the weekly newsletter.
NEW: Third-Party Accreditation Petition Window is Open
Accrediting organizations for K-12 schools that are interested in being recognized by the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) may submit a petition to IDOE for review. A petition must be submitted by November 30 prior to the school year for which the organization seeks recognition. Pursuant to statute, IDOE will provide a recommendation to SBOE within six months of receipt of a petition. Additional information and the third-party accreditation petition can be found on IDOE's Accreditation webpage. Contact IDOE's Office of Accountability with any questions.
NEW: Required Test Security & Integrity Training Now Available
Corporations and schools must complete annual Test Security and Integrity Training, and all staff must sign the Indiana Testing Security and Integrity Agreement (English | Spanish). Corporation Test Coordinators (CTCs) and School Test Coordinators (STCs) will administer All Staff Test Security and Integrity Training using the following resources:
- All Staff Test Security and Integrity Training: Recording | Presentation
- Supplemental Test Security and Integrity Staff Sheet: Use this resource for ancillary staff (e.g., bus drivers, custodial staff) who are not involved in testing to become aware of potential security instances they may encounter during the school year (English | Spanish).
CTCs may also access and distribute these resources from the Moodle Test Coordinator Corner. All Test Security and Integrity Training is due Friday, September 29. Refer to the Indiana Assessments Policy Manual for additional assessment guidance. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: IREAD-3 Spring and Summer Retest 2023 Final Results Now Available
Schools can access final IREAD-3 Spring and Summer Retest results and reports in the Centralized Reporting System (CRS). Pass percentage calculations will be published by Wednesday, August 16. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: Digital PSAT and SAT Redesign Resources
The full SAT Suite of Assessments will undergo a drastic transformation this school year from a fixed-form design to an adaptive, fully-digital model. Although Indiana has tested digitally on SAT School Day for the last two years, this has been a digital version of the fixed-form assessment. The new design will leverage the power of a digital assessment to provide adaptive testing, resulting in fewer questions, more time per question, and shorter testing time overall.
College Board hosted in-person and remote presentations this summer over these changes. A recording and the presentation is available here. Additional information on this redesign can be found in these resources:
Please communicate this information to any high school staff who will be counseling or preparing students for the SAT, including those teaching college entrance exam preparation courses. Contact College Board with any questions.
NEW: Nominations Now Open for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors outstanding high school seniors and encourages high attainment among all students. This memo outlines the required qualifications and nomination process. The rubrics for general and career and technical education (CTE) applications are now available here. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 27, in order to be considered. Contact Emily Black with any questions.
REMINDER: Register Now for Indiana Educator Talent Marketplace Webinars
Learn more about how you can use Indiana Educator Talent Marketplace to find great candidates for your open roles. This webinar will walk through the marketplace's newest offering, share tips about how to attract the best talent, and answer your questions.
- Tuesday, August 15, at 1 p.m. ET
- Thursday, August 24, at 1 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, September 12, at 3 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, September 26, at 3 p.m. ET
Click here to register. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Level Up Leadership Participant Application Open Through Monday, August 14
The 2023-2024 Level Up Leadership series is an opportunity for emerging leaders to engage in innovative and relevant professional development in order to "level up" the leadership capacity of educators across the state. Educators (teachers, instructional coaches, deans, etc.) with a desire to expand their capacity as emerging leaders can learn more here. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Staff Performance Evaluation Plan Submission
Senate Enrolled Act 486 (2023) requires each school corporation to develop or adopt a plan for annual performance evaluations for each certified employee. Staff performance evaluation plans must be submitted via JotForm by Friday, September 15. Evaluation plan cover sheets are no longer required as part of the submission. For more information, click here. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) Policy Submission Required
Information regarding the TAG policy submission can be found here. Local educational agencies (including charter and virtual charter schools) must submit the TAG policy for approval via JotForm by Friday, September 16, to be eligible to receive TAG funding. Contact tag@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana STEM (I-STEM) Educator Expansion Program 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.
NEW: Resolution of Conflicts for Membership 2023
Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, IDOE will no longer be brokering the resolution of conflicts after the certification date. If, after the certification date, schools are unable to resolve an outstanding conflict, schools may petition the State Board of Education for an adjustment in their average daily membership (ADM) count by providing the Board with evidence supporting an adjustment in their membership claim. The process for petitioning the board will be made available this fall and communicated in Dr. Jenner’s Weekly Update. IDOE wants to make sure each school receives full funding for the students they are serving and completes the Membership count within two to three weeks of the count date. This process will help achieve both of these goals. See the attached memo for a more complete explanation of this change. Contact the Data Exchange Team with any questions.
REMINDER: Ed-Fi Upgrade Complete
This week, IDOE launched an upgraded version of the Ed-Fi technology and data standard for the 2023-2024 school year. School personnel and their vendors have been participating in training and will continue to be trained in the weeks ahead. While the changes in this upgrade will be transparent to schools, Indiana will benefit from the many improvements to the data standard which have occurred since Ed-Fi was first implemented in the 2019-2020 school year. These changes include improvements in the data model and increased efficiencies in the Ed-Fi technology platform. Contact the Data Exchange Team with any questions.
REMINDER: LINK Portal Setup and Review of Security Coordinators
The LINK Portal is able to recognize all public, charter, and accredited non-public schools’ local Google G-Suite or Microsoft 365 accounts. IDOE configures the organization’s leader as the first account, and the organization leader must log in to designate up to two security coordinators responsible for overseeing the setup of roles for others in the organization. All superintendents and leaders of non-public schools should log in to the LINK Portal and review/update their security coordinator information.
- Instructions for organization leaders on how to review/designate the security coordinators can be found here.
- New public and Choice schools registration process for the LINK Portal can be found here.
- New superintendents or organization leaders of non-public schools who need the first account configured should email link@doe.in.gov.
REMINDER: Designation of Key Contacts
Security coordinators for all traditional public, charter, and accredited non-public schools are responsible for ensuring their organization’s key contacts for the 2023-2024 school year are set. Key contacts including the roles of Superintendent, Financial Contact, Special Education Director, Principal, Data Exchange Contact, etc. are needed for the 2023-2024 school year even if those contacts were provided last school year.
For school corporations that have an Ed-fi student information system (SIS), key contacts and other staff role assignments should be entered and managed in the local SIS and then provided to Data Exchange/LINK for the new school year. However, all three options below are available:
- Provide staff classifications in the local SIS per vendor’s instructions,
- Add a staff type manually for the 2023-2024 school year via the Security Portal, or
- Upload templates 008_StaffAssociation_StaffEdOrgAssignmentAssociation and 0009_StaffOrganizationContactAssociation into Data Exchange.
Schools utilizing options two and three may cause overriding or loss of data. Schools should connect with their SIS vendor to better understand how to avoid data loss when providing data via multiple methods.
IDOE will recognize active staff assignments/roles during the summer months from the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years and will begin recognizing only the 2023-2024 school year assignments beginning Friday, September 1. Security coordinator instructions can be found here. Contact the Data Exchange Team with any questions.
REMINDER: SIS Vendor Changes
IDOE-issued Data Exchange credentials (key and secret) are tied to the supporting SIS vendor. If your corporation will be changing or adding an SIS vendor for the 2023-2024 school year, please email link@doe.in.gov with these changes. Your organization will receive a new set of credentials for the new vendor. Please note that participation in the 2023-2024 school year Kick-off Sessions is required in order to receive and activate the credentials. A SIS vendor certification status list can be found here. Additional information on the implementation of Data Exchange can be found on the Data Exchange webpage. Contact the Data Exchange Team with any questions.
REMINDER: Kick-off Session Participation Required to Receive Data Exchange Credentials
Schools are expected to join the 2023-2024 school year Kick-off Session that is specific to their SIS. The session schedule can be found in the Moodle Data Exchange Training and Community and should be attended by at least two individuals from each school corporation – the individual in the lead data role and the superintendent, assistant superintendent, chief financial officer, chief information officer, or director/head of school. Schools will gain access to Ed-Id API after the completion of the Kick-off Session. Please allow up to three business days for IDOE to confirm attendance and update access for organizations, after which schools will be able to submit data to IDOE. Schools will continue to have access to the Ed-ID Portal Interface to assign STNs and SPNs. The 2022-2023 school year data collection closed on Wednesday, July 12, and no further data changes will be allowed. Contact the Data Exchange Team with any questions.
REMINDER: Summer School Final Cost Report
The Summer School Final Cost Report submission window is now open. Information regarding the summer school program can be found in Moodle. Contact Teresa Hemmerle or Alex Waite with any questions.
REMINDER: Next Generation School Improvement Grants (NextGen SIG)
The Office of School Support and Transformation is now accepting applications for planning grants as part of the NextGen SIG program through today, Friday, August 4. This is a competitive grant to aid in school transformation. Eligibility for this grant extends to all schools currently identified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) under Indiana’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan. Interested school officials can read more about the grant program in the NextGen SIG overview. A list of eligible schools can be found here.
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Application window
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Review period (tentative)
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Finalist interviews (tentative)
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Announcement (tentative)
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Friday, June 9, through Friday, August 4
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Tuesday, August 8, through Friday, September 1
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Wednesday, September 6, through Friday, September 8
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Friday, September 15
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The scoring rubric used to evaluate the application is found here. Contact IDOE's Office of School Support and Transformation with any questions.
REMINDER: School Improvement Plans
The submission window for Comprehensive Needs Assessment/School Improvement Plans (CNA/SIP) is now open. Use of the state CNA/SIP template fulfills all requirements under state law and ESSA for schools identified for CSI, 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. Contact IDOE’s Office of School Support and Transformation with any questions.
REMINDER: 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: McKinney-Vento Subgrant Application Now Open
The 2023-2024 McKinney-Vento Subgrant application is now open in JotForm. This year’s application is available for both individual LEAs and consortiums. The application deadline is Friday, August 25. Contact Mckinneyventopoc@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: TransAct Homeless Information Management System (HIMSS) State Contract Ends Thursday, August 31
Indiana’s contract with TransAct HIMSS will end on Thursday, August 31. Any schools that have used HIMSS and would like to continue this partnership will need to fund this system in the 2023-2024 school year and beyond by including the cost of HIMSS in the McKinney-Vento subgrant budget when the application opens on Friday, July 28. Contact Mckinneyventopoc@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Grad Pathways Employability Skills Course Codes Required for 2023-2024 School Year
Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, schools will be required to use the course codes to designate completion of the graduation pathways employability skills experiences.
The following course codes are included in the 2023-24 Course Titles & Descriptions:
- 0539 Service Based Learning (SBL),
- 0543 Work Based Learning Level 1 (WBL Lvl 1),
- 0544 Work Based Learning Level 2 (WBL Lvl 2),
- 0545 Work Based Learning Level 3 (WBL Lvl 3),
- 0546 Work Based Learning Level 4 (WBL Lvl 4), and
- 0547 Project Based Learning (PBL).
Contact DOEgradpathways@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: 2023-2024 Alternative Education Program Renewal
All approved alternative education programs must complete the annual renewal application by Saturday, September 30. In order to remain an approved program eligible for alternative education funding, this renewal must be submitted by the September deadline and approved by IDOE's Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities. Upon submission of the JotForm, a confirmation email with a copy of the responses will be sent to the superintendent. Contact studentpathways_alted@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Project AWARE Opportunity for Charter Schools
IDOE, in partnership with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA’s) Division of Mental Health & Addiction (DMHA), wrote a competitive proposal in 2021 and was awarded the Project AWARE fiscal year 2021 Grant released and funded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). IDOE is seeking letters of interest (LOI) from charter schools seeking funding to support the development of sustainable school-based mental health infrastructure. Please see this memo for more information. Project AWARE will host office hours on Wednesday, August 16, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET to answer questions about Project AWARE. LOIs are due Friday, August 18. Contact Turkesha Poindexter-Mosby with any questions.
NEW: Indiana Education Scholarship Account Education Service Plan
Per Indiana Code (IC) 20-51.4, Indiana students with disabilities may be eligible for an Educational Scholarship Account (ESA). As required by code, the Indiana State Board of Education has filed a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Rule (LSA #23-504) regarding the development of the educational scholarship account service plan (ESA-SP). To provide clarification on ESA-SP statutory and regulatory requirements, the Office of Legal Affairs-Dispute Resolution has released this guidance memo. Contact IDOE’s Dispute Resolution Team with any questions.
NEW: RoboKind Grant Opportunity
Applications are now available for corporations and schools to apply for grant funds to purchase robotic technology and professional development to improve the social and behavioral skills for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). RoboKind is endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) to serve these students with educational technology. Recipients will receive the curriculum, educational robot, applicable training, and infrastructure support. Information regarding applications and the funding process can be found here. To apply for this opportunity, complete the JotForm with the budget form by Friday, September 1. Contact robokind@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Virtual Workshop Series, Rethinking Transition to Employment: Facilitating Individualized Work Experiences for Students with Disabilities
IDOE and the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) are collaborating on a free TransCen virtual workshop series. According to research, children who have meaningful work experiences in high school, including those with disabilities, have better career outcomes as adults. This webinar series is designed to provide secondary transition experts and vocational rehabilitation and community partners with the tools to facilitate community-based transition services. This three-part series includes coaching calls following each webinar for participants more time to ask questions and share successes and challenges. Additional information and registration for each session can be found here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Paraprofessional Training Grant Application & Office Hours
IDOE is offering a grant opportunity to school corporations, charter schools, state schools, and special education cooperatives, joint services, and interlocals to guarantee that paraprofessionals, as defined in 511 Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) 7-32-69, receive training to assist students with disabilities. The grant application closes Friday, September 1. IDOE will host three open office hours to assist the field in completing these grant applications. Join the sessions below for assistance:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
REMINDER: English Learner (EL) Exit Criteria Change Proposal - Open for Public Comment
IDOE is seeking to adjust the state’s exit criteria for ELs, and the drafted proposal - which includes the possibility for additional evidence review in determining proficiency as well as WIDA Alternate ACCESS exit criteria - is now open for public comment. Review the details of the Indiana Exit Criteria Change Proposal and provide feedback via this JotForm. Public comment closes at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, August 28. IDOE will then review and respond to comments, finalize changes, and submit a state Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan amendment to the U.S. Department of Education. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with any questions.
REMINDER: FY 2022 & American Rescue Plan (ARP) Part B Grant Proportionate Share Waiver Request Form Now Available
The FY 2022 Part B 611, 619, ARP 611, and ARP 619 Grant Proportionate Share Waiver Request Form and instructions is now available in the Office of Special Education Community in Moodle. Completed requests with supporting documentation must be submitted to partbgrants@doe.in.gov by Thursday, August 31. Following waiver approval, a Part B grant budget modification request is required to transfer funds among budget scopes and must be submitted by Friday, September 15. Contact IDOE’s Part B Grants team with additional questions.
REMINDER: Annual August EL Directors’ Meetings
The dates and times for the Annual EL Directors’ Meetings for the upcoming school year have been set. Meetings for new EL directors will be held on Wednesday, August 9, and will cover the basics of compliance, grants, and programming. Meetings for all directors, both new and returning, will be held on Thursday, August 10, and will cover timely EL topics and updates for the upcoming school year. The meetings will be held virtually and consist of a morning session from 9:30 a.m. to noon ET, and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. ET. Visit the EL PD Opportunities Calendar for meeting links and contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with any questions.
NEW: Future-Focused Learning Series Regional Summits
The Future-Focused Learning Series, a collaborative effort with IDOE and the Educational Service Centers of Indiana (ESCI), was developed to support Indiana educators in the implementation of the streamlined and prioritized 2023 Indiana Academic Standards, Early Learning Standards, and Integrated STEM Standards. The series kicks off with regional, one-day summits taking place in September. Visit the Future-Focused Learning Series website for more information and to register. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: 2023-2024 Digital Learning Parent and Family Support Grant
Applications for the 2023-2024 Digital Learning Parent and Family Support Grant are now open. This grant allows school corporations to design a plan to support parents with topics related to educational technology and blended/virtual learning environments. The grant application window closes Friday, September 15, at 5 p.m. ET. See this memo for additional information and to apply. Join the grant information session on Thursday, August 10, at 11 a.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: K-8 Indiana Academic Standards for Computer Science Course Now Available
IDOE and Nextech are offering Indiana Academic Standards for K-8 Computer Science: Demystifying the Core Concepts, a free self-paced professional development opportunity in the Indiana Learning Lab for educators to learn more about the progression of each core concept and standard for mastery, explore instructional activities, and reflect on best practices for implementation. This course is intended for educators with a primary focus in K-8, but it may be helpful for 9-12 teachers to dig deeper into the five core concepts within the 2023 Indiana Academic Standards for K-8 Computer Science to determine how these concepts can translate into high school learning experiences. Educators earn three Professional Growth Plan (PGP) points for completing the course. For more information or to enroll in the free course, view this resource in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: High-Quality Curricular Materials Advisory Lists Guidance
Guidance is now available for prospective curriculum providers to apply for inclusion on IDOE’s advisory lists of high-quality curricular materials for Early Learning (infant/toddler, preschool, and mixed age groups) pursuant to the Indiana Early Learning Standards, as well as content areas aligned to the future-focused 2023 Indiana Academic Standards. These areas include K-8 Science/Engineering, 9-12 Science, K-8 Technology (Computer Science), K-12 Mathematics, and K-5 Literacy aligned with the science of reading. The vendor submission guide, evaluation tools, and other key resources can be found here. Prospective vendors must submit the JotForm indicating intent to apply by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, August 21. Questions regarding the process may be submitted through the JotForm or directed to IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning.
REMINDER: High-Quality Curricular Materials Review Committee Applications Now Open
IDOE seeks qualified educators and other stakeholders to serve on high-quality curricular materials review committees in the areas of Early Learning (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, and Mixed Age Groups), K-8 Science/Engineering, 9-12 Science, K-8 Technology (Computer Science), K-12 Mathematics, and K-5 Reading aligned with the 2023 future-focused Indiana Academic Standards aligned to the science of reading. View this flier for more information and apply using the educator JotForm or community member JotForm. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Release Timeline for 2023 Indiana Academic Standards Resources
A comprehensive set of resources and support opportunities aligned to the 2023 future-focused Indiana Academic Standards and related statewide assessments will be released throughout the 2023-2024 school year. A high-level schedule can be found here. Contact IDOE’s Offices of Teaching and Learning or Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: August Professional Development (PD) with IDOE
IDOE has new PD sessions for August, including sessions on supporting parents with the Indiana Learning Lab, LVIS 360, and resources for attracting, preparing, and retaining educators. View a full list of the August 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 directly and use your school email address to log in. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Early Learning Standards PD Sessions
IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness is hosting three training sessions on the new Early Learning Standards in the Indiana Learning Lab. Learn about the standards, ideas for implementing them, and ways to assess learning in all settings on Tuesday, August 8, Tuesday, August 15, and Tuesday, August 22, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with questions.
NEW: Title Grants and Support Quarterly Meeting Schedule for the 2023-2024 School Year
The Title Grants and Support Team will continue hosting a meeting each quarter to provide updates regarding federal grants. The quarterly meetings, however, will be hosted on Thursdays instead of Wednesdays this year. The meetings will begin at 10 a.m. EST and will be hosted on the following dates:
The Microsoft Teams links for each meeting are embedded in the dates above, each link is unique. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Request for Class Size Reduction Using Title II-A Funds
Schools interested in implementing class size reduction (CSR) methods can use Title II-A funds for the FFY2023 school year. Please submit the request to begin the approval process. After the request is submitted, the school’s assigned federal grant specialist will send follow-up documentation. Please refer to the resources in the Title Grants and Support Moodle webpage for more information. Contact title2a@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: FFY2023/FY2024 Title II-A Budget Application
The FFY2023/FY2024 Title II-A Budget Application, along with a guidance presentation, is now available in Moodle (Title II Application) and is due Thursday, August 31. Contact title2a@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
While LEAs operating under CEP do not require individual income verification, to support cross-agency data sharing and fulfill statewide reporting requirements, schools are strongly encouraged to have each student submit the 2023-2024 Household Application for Curricular Materials form. This form is no longer a requirement for curricular material reimbursement, however, this form provides the state with pertinent student information and serves as a measure for identifying students of poverty, essential for Title I schools. Further, please be mindful that CEP counts are not a factor in determining LEA Title I allocations and this form is essential to accurately determine Title I allocations. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana Program Administrators Leadership Institute (INPALI) Applications Close Today, Friday, August 4
INPALI pairs experienced program administrators with new program administrator cohorts to mentor and support their school’s federal Title and charter school grant practices. This is a no-cost program that includes a one-day, in-person orientation, along with quarterly virtual check-in meetings and monthly communication with IDOE staff. Mentors are available for phone calls, e-mails and video conferencing and are provided a stipend to connect, support, and meet with new program administrators. Mentors must have a minimum of five years of experience working with Title I. Preference is experience in Title I and other federal grants. Applications are available via JotForm for both mentees and mentors. An assurance form, signed by both the applicant and the applicant’s supervisor, is required for the application. Both the assurance form and a current resume are required to be uploaded via the JotForm when the application is submitted.
Applications close today, Friday, August 4. Contact your federal grant specialist with any questions.
NEW FROM KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: Teacher Evaluation Training & Certification Workshop
The RISE Evaluation & Training Certification workshop incorporates all the key components of the teacher effectiveness rubric and embeds work related to retaining teacher talent through effective feedback, building teacher efficacy, and providing ongoing support through continued reflection and goal setting. Register for this opportunity here, and contact Keep Indiana Learning with additional questions.
NEW FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS (UINDY) CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP OF LEARNING (CELL): Register Today for a Two-Part Financial Seminar
This event features “Unleashing Existing Funds” with keynote speaker Nathan Williamson of Mazi Education and aims to empower educational leaders to explore compensation flexibility and innovative models available to traditional public and charter schools. Join us on:
- Thursday, September 7, (in-person) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET at UIndy
- Thursday, November 2, (virtually) 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET
During this workshop, you will discover the power of optimizing existing funds to create a more efficient and effective financial strategy. By honing in on resource reallocation, streamlining processes, and optimizing financial allocations, your school can better meet the needs and desires of your dedicated educators. This approach leads to immediate teacher support and incentives, all without the burden of seeking additional funding sources.
Superintendents, assistant superintendents, business office representatives, and human resources representatives are invited to register to be part of this unique opportunity and gain the tools to streamline processes, reallocate resources, and provide immediate support and incentives to educators. Register here. Contact Payton Royeca with any questions.
NEW FROM THE SOCIETY OF INDIANA PIONEERS: Apply Now for the John H. Holliday Award
The Society of Indiana Pioneers offers up to two $1,000 grants each year to encourage the study of Indiana pioneer-era history at the K12 level. To be considered for the John H. Holliday Award, educators must complete an application form on behalf of their school system and commit to a project, program, or activity related to Indiana history in the upcoming school year. The application deadline is Saturday, September 30. Preference will be given to projects showing student agency. Teachers of Indiana history, U.S. History, Indiana Studies, and pioneer-related content in any discipline (literature, music, art, etc.) are encouraged to apply. The application can be found here. Contact Andrea Neal with any questions.
NEW FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR TODD YOUNG: Academy Day
Senator Todd Young will be hosting Academy Day on Tuesday, August 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Armory, 9920 E. 59th Street, Indianapolis. This event is for high school students who are interested in learning more about attending one of our nation’s service academies. This meeting is an opportunity for students to learn more about the admissions process and what life is like at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Additional information is available here. Students interested in attending the virtual Academy Day should RSVP to Academy_Nominations@young.senate.gov.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA STATE LITERACY ASSOCIATION (ISLA): 2023 Fall Literacy Conference
ISLA is excited to host educators for the Fall Literacy Conference in Indianapolis on Wednesday, October 18. Keynote speaker and author John Schu will share his expertise in the morning with breakout sessions to follow for the afternoon. Come join the fun and walk away with literacy tips and strategies to grow your literacy community! Click here for additional details and registration. Questions can be directed to Dr. Ryan Eckart.
REMINDER FROM TEACH INDY: Teacher Appreciation and Back to School Night at Indy Eleven
Teach Indy is excited to invite students, families, and educators to Back to School Night at Indy Eleven. Tickets are free for students and $11 for adults. Come join the fun in the free kids zone, check out the family-oriented community organization booths, and enjoy a great night of soccer. Families, students, and staff are all welcome. Click here for details and ticket sales. Questions can be directed to mark@teachindynow.org
REMINDER 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. Three information sessions will be held on:
- 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.
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