People often ask, “what keeps you up at night?” While there are several topics that I could certainly name, one that always makes the list is ensuring all students are able to read by the end of third grade. There’s so much data and research showing how making sure a child can read at this point in time absolutely can impact their life trajectory. One such data point is that when a child can read by the end of third grade, they are 35% more likely to graduate high school. So…as you can imagine, I consumed a lot of coffee this week as we released data from the 2022-2023 IREAD-3 assessment. While results reflect a minimal improvement over the previous school year (0.3 percentage point), nearly one in five students are still struggling to read at the end of third grade.
In total, nearly 15,000 third grade students will need additional support to meet grade-level reading standards. Overall, reading proficiency improved slightly for several student populations, including students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, in special education, English learners, as well as Black students. Just as we saw with ILEARN data, increased, targeted support is still needed to improve reading proficiency for our Hispanic students. Continued improvement for all student populations will be essential to achieving the statewide goal of 95% of students passing IREAD-3 by 2027.
In response to this newly-released data, I penned an op-ed in the Indianapolis Star about the urgency of our work ahead…and how we must ALL work together to move the needle for students. This includes administrators, teachers, parents, community members, business leaders, and more. Schools are a key part of the solution, but we need ALL partners at the table to be a part of the solution. If you haven’t had a chance to read the op-ed, I encourage you to take a moment to do so, but I want to reiterate here as well…Indiana’s current (and historic) third grade literacy rates present a crisis that could have a long-term negative impact on our state’s economy (including our local communities), as well as negative repercussions throughout our society.
We have no time to waste, and together, we must work aggressively to improve reading outcomes for Indiana students, including supporting both current and future educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to teach our students to read using evidence-based literacy instruction, rooted in science of reading.
Today, I’d like to highlight a few local leaders and schools that are really leaning into this work and are seeing progress as a result. Below are three examples of schools showing significant improvement in scale scores for second grade students participating in IREAD-3 in 2022 (prior to the school’s participation in the Literacy Cadre) versus second grade students participating in IREAD-3 in 2023 (following one year of participation in the Literacy Cadre). (Note: a scale score of 405 to 445 is considered On Track, and anything above is considered passing.)
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Benjamin Harrison Elementary School (School City of East Chicago, Interim Superintendent Dr. Marlon Mitchell) grew from an average scale score of 403.66 in 2022 to an average scale score of 443.83 in 2023.
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Liberty Park Elementary (MSD of Warren Township, Superintendent Tim Hanson) grew from an average scale score of 454.1 in 2022 to an average scale score of 484.48 in 2023.
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Lowell Elementary School (MSD of Warren Township, Superintendent Dr. Tim Hanson) grew from an average scale score of 474.34 in 2022 to an average scale score of 503.64 in 2023.
I also want to thank…
- The 242 Indiana elementary schools that achieved a 95% pass rate on this year’s IREAD-3 assessment…meeting, and in some cases, surpassing our statewide goal for 2027;
- The 199 elementary schools that are currently part of the Indiana Literacy Cadre…working alongside instructional coaches to deploy science of reading-based instruction within their classrooms; as well as
- The 771 elementary schools that opted-in to administer the IREAD-3 assessment to their second grade students this spring…providing educators and families an early On Track indicator to determine if students will master foundational reading skills by the end of grade three, as well as new data to identify students who may need additional, targeted support.
To learn more about how you can be a part of this important work, click here. You can also contact the Literacy Center at inlitcenter@doe.in.gov to learn more about joining the Indiana Literacy Cadre, applying for upcoming state grants, and participating in training opportunities.
As always, thank you for all that you do!
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REMINDER: School and Corporation Profile Amendment Window
The school and corporation profile amendment submission window for the 2023-2024 school year is open through Thursday, August 31. In order for IDOE to maintain accurate information, all schools and corporations must provide notice when changes are made that affect school openings, closures, and reconfigurations. Information on the submission process can be found here. Contact IDOE's Office of Accountability with any questions.
REMINDER: 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 the SBOE within six months of receipt of a petition. More information and the third-party accreditation petition can be found on the IDOE Accreditation webpage. Contact IDOE's Office of Accountability with any questions.
NEW: ILEARN & IREAD-3 Test Administrator (TA) Certification Course Now Available
The 2023-2024 TA Certification Course for ILEARN and IREAD-3 assessments is now available on the Indiana Assessment Portal. Staff administering ILEARN or IREAD-3 assessments must complete this on-demand course using their Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) credentials. The course will be unavailable from Sunday, October 1, through Sunday, October 15, during annual TIDE maintenance. The I AM TA Certification Course will be available in January 2024. Contact the Indiana Assessment Help Desk with questions regarding this course.
NEW: IREAD-3 Spring and Summer Retest 2023 Results Presented to SBOE
Final aggregate results for the 2023 IREAD-3 Spring and Summer Retest administrations were presented to SBOE on Wednesday, August 16. The aggregate results include state, corporation, and school level performance, student group performance, and changes in performance from last school year. Schools can view a recording with supporting materials here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: Educators Needed - Asynchronous ILEARN Content & Fairness Committee
IDOE is seeking English/language arts and mathematics educators for grades three through eight to participate in the asynchronous ILEARN Content and Fairness Committee for new items created specifically for the upcoming through-year assessment. Participants will meet for virtual training from 4 to 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 24, to review committee goals and the process. The committee will complete asynchronous work from August through early December (as items are assigned), reviewing ILEARN assessment items to ensure content alignment and fairness. Educators can apply via this form through Friday, August 18. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: 2023-2024 Assessment Resources Available
IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment provides the following resources as schools prepare for the 2023-2024 school year:
*Dates identified in IDOE’s Assessment Milestones are subject to minor changes, and staff should remain diligent with sharing announced updates. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: 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: 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.
NEW: Adjunct Teacher Permit Reporting
The Indiana General Assembly authorized local governing bodies to hire adjunct teachers and issue adjunct teacher permits in 2022 and added authority for hiring adjunct teachers and issuing local adjunct permits to charter schools and non-public schools during the 2023 legislative session. Schools hiring adjunct teachers on locally-issued adjunct teacher permits are required to report certain information to IDOE at the time of employment. Fill out this JotForm to report adjunct teacher permits.
To be included in statewide educator workforce data, each adjunct permit holder must also create an account in the Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS) if they do not already have one, and each permit holder needs a school personnel number (SPN). If the permit holder does not already have an SPN, the school employer must request one via the LINK Portal’s Ed-ID system. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Licensing with any questions.
NEW: 2024 Indiana Teacher of the Year (INTOY) Top 10 Finalists Announced
The Indiana Teacher of the Year Screening Committee is excited to announce the 2024 INTOY Top 10 finalists. The Top 10 candidates will be considered by the selection committee as they select the top three finalists. Details on the Top 10 Finalists can be found here. For more information on the INTOY program, contact Rebecca Estes.
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.
- 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: 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: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Offers Free Cybersecurity Resources for K-12 Schools
As shared in early February, CISA released “Partnership to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats,” with an accompanying toolkit to provide schools targeted resources to improve their cybersecurity posture. These resources call out very specific actions that schools can take to drastically reduce their cybersecurity risk. Schools are strongly encouraged to review and implement these recommendations as we begin the 2023-2024 school year. Also, the Free Cybersecurity Services and Tools link below provide access to many great resources that will assist schools as they implement the recommended actions.
REMINDER: 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 this memo for a more complete explanation of this change. 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: Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Survey for School Administrators
As required by Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 369, IDOE is conducting a statewide survey of public schools, charter schools, and state-accredited non-public schools to determine the number of AEDs and AED-related school policies currently in use. The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete and should be filled out at the building level by the school administrator. Click here to access the survey. Contact Stephen Balko with any questions.
REMINDER: Resources for School Nurses
In order to assist school nurses with their questions and practice, IDOE has identified and created multiple resources specifically for school nurses. These resources include IDOE's health webpage, IDOE's School Nurse Newsletter, and Moodle, which contains 10 online courses, the school nurse community of resources, and the Indiana School Nurse Manual. Please share these resources with your school nurses. Contact Jolene Bracale with any questions.
REMINDER: Membership and Enrollment
As the membership census date approaches, enrollment questions have increased. Please read the following memos regarding residency requirements, out of state enrollment, and enrollment denial. Contact Cathy Danyluk 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: 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.
UPDATE: Student Pathways Fall Virtual Conferences
IDOE’s Student Pathways and Opportunities team will be hosting virtual conferences this fall to support school districts in the areas of alternative education, homeless children and youth, high ability, and graduation pathways. Please see this flyer for additional information on each of the conferences. All virtual conference agendas and attendee links to join the conferences can be found here. Contact IDOE's Office of Student Pathways with any questions.
REMINDER: McKinney-Vento Subgrant Application Due Friday, August 25
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: 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: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training
IDOE's Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement is offering free in-person QPR suicide prevention training. QPR is an evidence-based program that ensures every participant will be able to recognize the signs of someone in distress who is possibly having suicidal thoughts, engage, and work to deescalate the crisis. This training is two hours in length and can count toward professional growth plan (PGP) points for licensure renewal. Contact Jason Murrey if you are interested in having this training at your facility.
REMINDER: Indiana Career Explorer (INCE) – The New Digital Graduation Plan and K-5 Career Exploration Features Webinar
In partnership with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), IDOE will be hosting a free webinar on Monday, August 21, at 3 p.m. ET to demonstrate how to use the new Digital Graduation Plan that is now live and ready to use in INCE. There will also be a preview of the new grades K-5 career awareness and career exploration dashboard that will be available in late August. Contact IDOE's Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement with any questions.
NEW: Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Part B 611 Application Now Available
Part B 611 grant applications for FY 2024 are now available in the Moodle Office of Special Education Community, and submissions are due in IDOE’s Grant Management System by Friday, September 15. Application workbooks for FY 2024 include a checklist to address common errors, and documents with instructions for each budget category are available in Moodle. New charter schools open for the 2023-2024 school year will be eligible for Part B funding in January 2024, and IDOE will contact them at that time. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Reimbursement Updates
In preparation for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), IDOE requests that local educational agencies (LEAs) submit separate reimbursement requests for June and July 2023 per requirements from the State Comptroller’s Office. Doing so will assist in avoiding potential delays in reimbursement. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Resource for Building Community Partnerships
The Community Partnership Engagement Quick Start Guide was developed to support schools in expanding community partnerships. The guide includes steps to initiate community partnership engagement and links to IDOE contacts that may offer support in this area. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Support and Accessibility with any questions.
NEW: Technical Assistance (TA) Support: Upcoming Training from IEP TA Center
The IEP TA Center has a variety of upcoming, no-cost workshops for Indiana educators. For additional information on each session, view the training catalog. Register today for relevant sessions, as space is limited. Find additional TA resources on IDOE’s Office of Student Support and Accessibility webpage. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Support and Accessibility or the IEP TA Center with any questions.
NEW: FY 2024 Part B Office Hours
IDOE is offering office hours to assist LEAs with applications for FY 2024 Part B 611 and 619 grants. Each session is structured as a time for individual questions concerning Part B grants; there will be no formal presentation. Joining the sessions below:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
REMINDER: August Special Education Excess Cost (SEEC) Office Hours
IDOE’s Office of Special Education will continue to hold office hours to support schools in navigating the SEEC fund. This is an opportunity for schools to ask questions regarding excess cost procedures or situations specific to their district. No registration is needed, and you may join any of the sessions below.
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: 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: FY 2022 IDEA Part B Grant & FY 2022 ARP IDEA Grant Periods Close Saturday, September 30
Refer to the following deadlines regarding the IDEA Part B grant and ARP IDEA grant for FY 2022:
- Part B proportionate share semi-annual monitoring reports for 1/1/23 – 6/30/23 are due Saturday, September 30.
- FY 2022 611, 619, and ARP 611 and 619 expenditures must be encumbered by Saturday, September 30.
- LEAs must submit budget modification requests for FY 2022 grants by Friday, September 15, to ensure sufficient time for modification, review, and approval by IDOE.
- Reimbursement requests for the FY 2022 and ARP grants must be submitted by Friday, December 15.
Additional guidance is available under Part B Grants for Special Education in the Office of Special Education Moodle Community. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
REMINDER: 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. Join the final session of open office hours on Thursday, August 24, from 9 to 10 a.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
NEW: Indiana Academic Standards for Science Frameworks Now Available
IDOE has developed new frameworks in alignment with the streamlined 2023 Indiana Academic Standards for kindergarten through grade 12. Frameworks are designed to support educators in standards implementation, providing key areas of focus such as academic vocabulary, clarification statements, and instructional resources. Frameworks for additional grade levels and courses will become available in the coming weeks. View frameworks for K-8 Science, Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Chemistry, Physics, Physics I, and Earth and Space Science in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Learning Lab Parent and Family Support Hub
The Parent and Family Support Hub is now available in the Indiana Learning Lab. This site features resources to support parents and families of students in preschool through high school. Schools are invited to share this informational flier with their community. For a more detailed tour of the platform, view the recording of Introducing: The Learning Lab Parent and Family Support Hub. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Platform Pilot Grant Application Now Open
IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning invites school corporations and charter schools to apply for a one-time competitive grant opportunity to fund a pilot implementation of an AI-powered platform of their choosing. Corporations will select a vendor that meets the criteria outlined in the memo. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. ET on Friday, August 25. See this memo for more information and join the grant support session here on Tuesday, August 15, at 2 p.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 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.
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: August Professional Development (PD) with IDOE
PD with IDOE continues with Introducing: The Learning Lab Parent and Family Support Hub on Wednesday, August 16, at 4 p.m. ET. 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.
NEW: Rural and Low-Income Schools (RLIS) Program Application Information
RLIS allocations and links to application information will be sent out before the close of business today, Friday, August 18. Contact TitleIV@doe.in.gov with any questions.
UPDATE: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act: Stronger Connections (BSCA: SC) Grants
All BSCA:SC grant awards will be posted to the Title IV Moodle by close of business Monday, August 21. Contact TitleIV@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: FFY2023/FY2024 Title IV-A Budget Application
The FFY2023/FY2024 Title IV-A Budget Application is available in Moodle (Title IV Application). Due date for submission is Thursday, August 31. Contact TitleIV@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Charters Facilities Incentive Grant (CFIG) Cohort 4
The due date for submission of CFIG Cohort 4 has been extended. Applications are due Friday, August 25. The hub for all CFIG Cohort 4 documents, including application, allowability, and budget template can be found on the Charter Moodle page. Contact CharterPrograms@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: 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 FROM KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: Assistant Principal (AP) Cadre
APs fill a unique role in schools, but there is little PD and support geared just for them. Registration is now open for APs to join Keep Indiana Learning’s new AP Cadre for the 2023-2024 school year. Contact Keep Indiana Learning with questions.
NEW FROM INDIANA CONNECTED EDUCATORS: 2023 Conference
Don't miss out on the Indiana Connected Educators Conference at Franklin Central Junior High on Thursday, October 5. immerse yourself in over 60 informative sessions on topics like AI in the classroom, digital literacy, blended learning, and accessibility. Register by Friday, September 29, to secure your spot. Contact Indiana Connected Educators with any questions.
NEW FROM NEXTECH: Fall Cohort Computer Science (CS) Licensure Prep with WeTeach_CS
Nextech is partnering with WeTeach_CS to deliver a prep course that develops educator competencies necessary to become certified in CS, including the Praxis Computer Education (5652) test. This workshop is intended for teachers for grades nine through 12. Kindergarten through eighth grade teachers will be accepted based on availability. Any Indiana teacher interested in becoming certified to teach CS is eligible to attend. Attendees should have at least some prior experience in coding or programming to maximize their participation in this workshop. Nextech will have a fall, winter, and spring cohort. Learn more and apply here. Contact stephanie@nextech.org with any questions.
NEW FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME: Advanced Placement Teacher Investment Program (AP-TIP) Remote Teacher Collaborative
AP-TIP will host the year’s first round of remote teacher collaboratives on Wednesday, August 23, at 7:30 p.m. ET to provide live, discussion-based professional workshops. Here, participants delve into high-impact practices that facilitate the instruction of AP content and empower students. Registration for these sessions is now open. Learn more about AP-TIP's Remote Teacher Collaboratives, review August’s topics, and register online here.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (FSSA): Back-to-School Mental Wellness Resources Available Through the Believe In You Campaign
FSSA’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) has expanded its mental wellness focus through the Believe in You campaign. This expanded campaign is designed to further support Hoosier youth in building a stronger sense of self. The resources focus on specific topics and behaviors that have been identified as risk areas for alcohol and substance misuse, such as developing mental strength, positive thinking, coping techniques, and self-control. Please see this memo to learn more about the campaign and how you can access resources to leverage this program in your community. Contact Amber Becker with any questions.
NEW FROM ROSE-HULMAN: Homework Help-Line
Free Homework Hotline and Video chat for students in grades six through 12 covering math and science is provided by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Rose-Hulman has provided this service for more than a decade and asks that the link and homework hotline be shared with math and science departments, students, and parents. Call the Homework Hotline: 1-877-275-7673 or visit http://askrose.org to get started.
NEW FROM THE READING LEAGUE INDIANA: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
The Right to Read shares the stories of those who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. Join The Reading League Indiana for a live screening of this powerful documentary, followed by a panel discussion about the ongoing efforts to improve literacy outcomes for Indiana students and how you can get involved.
- Wednesday, August 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET at the Central Library in Indianapolis
- Tuesday, September 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET at Ivy Tech in Sellersburg
Contact The Reading League Indiana with questions.
REMINDER FROM THE INDIANA STATE LITERACY ASSOCIATION (ISLA): 2023 Fall Literacy Conference
ISLA is excited to host educators for the Fall Literacy Conference in on Saturday, October 28, at Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis. 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 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. Contact Lilly Endowment staff at teachercreativity@lei.org with any questions.
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