At a time in our state and our country when we have countless daily challenges we must overcome, we also must take time to acknowledge the good happening and what’s working. This means lifting up the best of the best in Indiana…those who are seizing the moment, driving the change, and setting the example. The second annual Educational Excellence Awards Gala on Friday, September 8, did just that.
The gala brought together over 500 guests and educators from across the state to celebrate the incredible impact of our schools and educators…and to award nearly $5 million to help them continue to grow their impact for kids! As you may recall, this is an event held for the first time last year, and thanks to your feedback, we did some things differently the second time around. We added a red carpet….and handed out BIG monetary checks to 16 teachers! But the one thing that remained constant was the feeling of pure gratitude and excitement that filled the ballroom as we spotlighted some of our very best schools and educators.
Recognized at the event was our 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year, Tara Cocanower, Indiana’s 2022 Milken Educator Award recipients, Angela Fowler and Brittany Tinkler, and schools excelling in literacy (science of reading), STEM, and rethinking high school. We also incorporated a "people's choice" award, Excellence in Next Level Educational Experiences and Opportunities, recognizing the school or district making significant strides in preparing students for their future, which includes focusing on literacy, STEM, and college and career readiness.
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The three finalists, Linton-Stockton School Corporation, Purdue Polytechnic High School, and Batesville High School, were each tasked with creating a video showcasing their school (be sure to take a moment to click the links to check out their videos!). Live voting began at 9 a.m. Friday morning, and by the time we announced the winner that evening, over 13,000 people had cast their vote! While each finalist school was awarded $250,000, our grand prize winner, Batesville High School, earned an additional $250,000 for their school, for a total of $500,000!
Additional information regarding each of the awards is available here, but I’d like to spotlight our winners below!
2023 Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala school/district awardees include:
Excellence in STEM Award
Guilford Elementary School, Plainfield Schools
Area 31 Career Center, Wayne Township Schools
Beveridge Elementary School, Gary Community Schools
Excellence in Leading and Learning Award
Bluffton-Harrison MSD
Cedar Crest Intermediate, Southeast Dubois County School Corporation
Northview Middle School, MSD Washington Township
Excellence in Early Literacy Award
Forest Glen Elementary, MSD Lawrence Township
Northeast Dubois Elementary, Northeast Dubois School Corporation
Western Primary, Western School Corporation
Excellence in Student Pathways
Perry Central Junior-Senior High, Perry Central Community Schools
Victory College Prep
McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology, MSD Lawrence Township
Excellence in Community Collaboration
White River Valley High School, White River Valley School District
East Allen University High School, East Allen County Schools
Amp Lab at Electric Works, Fort Wayne Community Schools
Excellence in Academic Gains
Chamberlain Elementary, Goshen Community Schools
Ladoga Elementary School, Southmont Schools
Selma Elementary School, Liberty-Perry Community Schools
Excellence in College Readiness
Penn High School, Penn-Harris-Madison Schools
Columbus North High School, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
21st Century Charter School
Signature School
Excellence in Next Level Educational Experiences and Opportunities
Linton-Stockton School Corporation
Purdue Polytechnic High School
Batesville High School
Promising Educator Excellence Award
Emily Dobson, Grades 1-3, South Bend Community School Corporation
Brandon Porter, Fine Arts Magnet Resource, Fort Wayne Community Schools
Dedicated Educator Excellence Award
Ben Neilson, 8th Grade U.S. History, Mill Creek Community School Corporation
Briana Temple, Instructional Coach, Indianapolis Public Schools
Lifetime Educator Excellence Award
Alan Burrell, 6th Grade Science, Franklin Township Community School Corporation
Kristy Stephens, 8th Grade English/Language Arts, MSD Boone Township
Early Childhood Educator Excellence Award
Mindy Sendelweck, Pre-K, Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools
Erin Day, Pre-K Special Education, Greenfield Central School Corporation
Digital Innovator Excellence Award
Matthew Rodney, History, Purdue Polytechnic High School
Allison Waitt, Business, Sheridan Community Schools
English Learner Educator Excellence Award
Rebecca Schroeder, English as a New Language, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
Kathryn Watts, English as a New Language, MSD Pike Township
Exceptional Learner Educator Excellence Award
Kalvin Miller, Special Education, Frankton-Lapel Community Schools
Amy Hallam, Special Education, MSD North Posey
Collaborative Educator Excellence Award
Daniel Walsh, STEM, Elkhart Community Schools
Meaghan Krukemeier, Director of Counseling, Center Grove Community Schools
Congratulations to our 2023 winners! I would also be remiss not to thank our philanthropic sponsors. We do not use any state dollars to put on the actual event…this is all done via sponsors…in addition to the $2,500 checks for the 16 teachers, as you read about above. I am already looking forward to next year and the chance to spotlight even more schools and teachers who are leading great work for our students.
As always, thank you for the important work you lead daily for our students, our communities, and our state!
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: 2023 Federal Accountability Now Available
2023 Federal Accountability will be released to all public schools in the accountability portal, today, Friday September 15, which will start the three week review period. Issues should be submitted through a data audit. Information regarding submitting a federal accountability audit can be found on Moodle in the school Accountability & Accreditation Community in the Federal Accountability System/Audit Information folder. The deadline to submit a Federal Accountability audit is Friday, October 6. Contact IDOE's Office of Accountability with any questions.
UPDATE: School Performance Report Requirements
In lieu of issuing letter grades for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1591 requires IDOE to develop a school performance report for public and state accredited non-public schools to post on their websites by Sunday, October 15, 2023. IDOE is also required to provide the Indiana General Assembly with future accountability recommendations by December 1, 2024. The school performance reports will provide additional transparency around key data points, helping parents, families, and communities to better understand the work happening in our schools. Initial guidance was shared earlier this summer via this memo.
In response to this legislation, IDOE has developed a school performance report for each public and state accredited non-public school, which will be available beginning today, Friday, September 22, via Indiana GPS. Additional guidance, including instructions for schools to embed the school performance report on their school website, will also be released on this date. Schools will have one month to post their performance report (developed by IDOE) on their school website in order to meet the statutory deadline of October 15, 2023. Contact IDOE's Office of Accountability with any questions.
NEW: IREAD-3 Grade Two Administration Opt-In Now Available
IDOE is committed to supporting early literacy by providing an early indicator of reading, allowing schools to respond quickly and provide targeted support for students who need it most. Schools may opt in to administer IREAD-3 to grade two students for the spring 2024 administration. More information on this opportunity can be found here. Some benefits to administering IREAD-3 to grade two students include:
- Reduced testing at grade three for students who pass in grade two.
- Early reading support may lead to higher rates of reading success and fewer Good Cause Exemptions (GCEs) in grade three.
The deadline for schools to opt in is February 10, 2024. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: 2023-2024 Formative Assessment Distributions
The Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) approved 2023-2024 Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant distributions. Review this memo for details. Access this spreadsheet to confirm your corporation’s approved distribution.
IDOE is scheduled to distribute funds to schools by Saturday, September 30. IDOE provides funds to schools via electronic deposit into fund 3028. Funds are tagged with the memo line “FY24 Remediation Testing 3028-3199'' to reflect current Indiana Code naming conventions. Schools are not required to take any additional action to receive funds. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: 2025-2026 ILEARN Through-Year Test Blueprints Now Available
Test blueprints for the redesigned ILEARN through-year assessment (beginning school year 2025-2026) are now available. View the ILEARN Through-Year folder within IDOE’s ILEARN Moodle course to access test blueprints and additional resources to support implementation of the new ILEARN model. These test blueprints provide information on when specific Indiana Academic Standards will be assessed throughout the school year to assist with instruction and class pacing. More information to support implementation will be provided in upcoming newsletters. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: PSAT/NMSQT Deadlines & Reminders
As schools prepare for fall PSAT/NMSQT testing from Tuesday, October 10, through Friday, October 27, staff should refer to the PSAT/NMSQT Milestones resource and College Board’s Best Practices Timeline for guidance. Testing on Monday, October 9, will not be available because College Board is closed for the federal holiday. Note the following deadlines:
- Monday, September 18: SAT Suite Data Coordinators for schools must upload the initial student registration files no later than three weeks prior to testing. Registration should be validated two to three weeks prior to testing.
- Monday, September 18: Deadline to order tests for schools to begin testing on Monday, October 16. (Test orders must be submitted five weeks prior to testing.)
- Monday, September 25: A digital readiness check must be conducted to ensure that devices are prepared for testing no later than two weeks prior to testing.
- Wednesday, September 27: Register for College Board’s Technical Readiness Webinar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. ET to review technical requirements, application installation, and more.
- Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinators should request any relevant accommodations as soon as possible, as the recommended deadline has passed.
Contact College Board with technical questions and IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with policy and participation inquiries.
NEW: 2023-2024 Naturalization Examination Reporting Now Available
Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-30-5-7(d), students must take the naturalization examination from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during the student’s high school U.S. government course. Corporations must report data from this testing to IDOE annually by June 30 for the previous school year. More information on this requirement can be found in this memo. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with additional questions.
REMINDER: Application Center Reporting - Educator Evaluation Rating (ER) 2023
The ER2023 data reporting guidance layout for educator staff employed in the 2022-2023 school year is posted to the Data Exchange Moodle Community under resources and in the Data Exchange Knowledge Hub at School Support Hub > Reporting Guides > Staff Employment > References > ER (Educator Rating) Data Layout 2023. ER data will be submitted via the STN Application Center. The Application Center reporting window is now open and will close Friday, October 27, at 4 p.m. ET. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Talent 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, 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 today, 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 15, 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: Data Collection from Career and Technical Education (CTE) Centers
For the 2023-2024 school year, CTE centers are expected to submit the same data to IDOE as was submitted in the 2022-2023 school year. CTE centers will do this via Data Exchange. This memo explains how the various types of CTE programs should be reporting data in concert with local high schools. As new expectations come online for course-based data including graduation plans, course enrollments, and course outcomes, it is even more critical that the entire student academic record comes directly to IDOE from the source data systems. IDOE and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) will continue to work together to improve the integration and streamlining of data collection from schools and CTE centers. Finally, IDOE has produced extensive documentation to support the accurate submission of required data elements. This documentation is available on the Knowledge Hub. Contact the IT helpdesk with any questions.
REMINDER: Cybersecurity for Education Toolkit 2.0 Now Available
Developed by the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity (IECC), with support from IDOE, the Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS), the updated Cybersecurity for Education Toolkit 2.0 is filled with a wide range of cybersecurity best practices, resources and tips for everyone in your K-12 school community. Visit Indiana’s Cybersecurity Hub webpage for additional resources for inside and outside of the classroom.
REMINDER: 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: School Resource Officer Reporting
By law, school corporations and charter schools are required to annually report the number of school resource officers employed. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) has opened the portal to report the data for the 2022-2023 school year. Data must be submitted by Friday, October 6. For safety, IDHS is required to keep the data confidential and not release it for public disclosure. See this link to report. Contact Rusty Goodpaster with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy – Fall Advanced Training
Registration is now available for the Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy Fall Advanced Training. Training will take place Thursday, October 12, and Friday, October 13, at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown (350 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis). School Safety Specialists can register for the training here. Contact Stephen Balko 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 less than five minutes to complete and should be filled out at the building level by the school administrator. The survey, which will close on Friday, September 22, can be accessed by clicking here. Contact Stephen Balko with any questions.
REMINDER: Curricular Material Memo
Please read this memo regarding submission of the curricular material cost report which opens Monday, October 2, and closes Tuesday, October 31. The JotForm link to submit curricular material costs will be shared at a later date. Contact doetextbooks@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Funding Floor
Just a reminder that if your school corporation did not meet the funding floor requirement for FY 2023, waiver forms are available in Moodle Finance under Teacher Salary. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Indirect Cost Training
In partnership with Crowe, IDOE will host a virtual Indirect Cost Rate Training seminar at 1:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 28. To attend this seminar, please register here. Contact icr@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Preparing for Post-ESSER Operating Budgets
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress appropriated three rounds of financial relief through
the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). ESSER regulations provided greater flexibility than those of the last major federal stimulus program in 2009, allowing more opportunity to supplant existing funding sources, not just supplement them. As a result, there is now a greater risk of a “fiscal cliff” where ESSER dollars spent on ongoing operations will need to be replaced by other funding sources when the project period ends for ESSER dollars on September 30, 2024. This memo provides additional information to help schools develop financial forecasts to project revenues, expenditures, and cash balances beyond the life of ESSER. Contact indicators@duab.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Summer School Final Cost Report
The Summer School Final Cost Report submission window closes today, Friday, September 15. Information regarding the summer school program can be found in Moodle. Contact Teresa Hemmerle or Alex Waite with any questions.
REMINDER: School Year 2023-2024 Average Daily Membership (ADM) Count Dates
The fall 2023 ADM count date of the eligible pupils enrolled in each school corporation and charter school is Monday, October 2. Please read this memo regarding the count date. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Teacher Compensation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please see this updated Teacher Compensation FAQ which provides guidance to assist school corporations with review and implementation of the provisions regarding teacher compensation, funding floor, and minimum expenditures. Definitions may differ between teacher compensation, funding floor, and minimum expenditures, so please review questions specific to each category of question. All changes are effective beginning July 1, 2023, for school year 2023-2024 expenditures. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Teacher Compensation Waiver Form
If your school corporation does not believe it can comply with the 62% expenditure requirement for teacher compensation for 2023-2024, the school corporation shall file a waiver with IDOE. The deadline to file the waiver form, memo/letter, and supporting documentation for the 2023-2024 school year is Friday, September 15. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Membership and Enrollment
As the membership census date approaches, enrollment questions have increased. The memos can be found in Moodle Finance under Membership. Contact Cathy Danyluk 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.
NEW: Advanced Placement (AP)/Cambridge International Exam Funding
IDOE continues to support Indiana students through AP and Cambridge International exam funding. The state’s biennial budget provides funding to cover the exam fees for AP and Cambridge International exams taken by Indiana students in grades nine through 12 who are enrolled in an accredited public or non-public school. A maximum of three exams per student, per year may be funded. Additional information can be found in this memo. Contact studentpathways_highability@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Guidance Letter for Final Year of American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth Funding (ARP-HCY)
The U.S. Department of Education released a guidance letter to chief state school officers on the final year of ARP-HCY that provides clarifications on allowable uses of funds for grantees including the use of prepaid debit or store cards, providing school of origin transportation, and short-term temporary housing in emergency situations. It also covers a range of ways ARP-HCY funds can be used to support school attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism among students experiencing homelessness, provide them with physical and mental health support, and facilitate connections to early childhood education and transitions to post-secondary education. All ARP-HCY grantees are encouraged to read this letter. Contact Mckinneyventopoc@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: 2023-24 Alternative Education Program Renewal
Each IDOE approved alternative education program must complete the annual renewal application by Saturday, September 30, in order to remain an approved program, eligible for alternative education funding. 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: Family Friendly Schools 2024-2025
The 2024-2025 Family Friendly Schools Designation process is now open. Please review the Family Friendly Schools Handbook for additional information. The process for renewal has changed for the 2024-2025 school year. Please access the applications below:
Contact FamilyFriendlySchool@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Sign Up for Breaking Down Barriers Virtual Fall Symposium on Tuesday, September 19
The Indiana Council for Exceptional Children and IDOE’s Office of Special Education are hosting Breaking Down Barriers Virtual Fall Symposium on Tuesday, September 19, which is focused on providing early career special education professionals with the best pedagogical strategies and practices to utilize in today's classrooms. Registration is free, but sign up is required to reserve a spot. All sessions will be recorded, and registrants will receive a free t-shirt. Session topics include: Universal Design for Learning, legal compliance, high-leverage practices, literacy strategies, small group instruction, early childhood, and more. Visit the Breaking Down Barriers Fall Symposium website to register. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with questions.
NEW: Parent Survey Office Hours on Tuesday, September 26
Join IDOE and INSOURCE for office hours for parents and families on the importance of the annual parent survey for students with disabilities. Join the session on Tuesday, September 26, from noon to 1 p.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with questions.
NEW: Guidance on Form 16 and the Rights of Students with Disabilities Now Available
IDOE’s Office of Special Education developed a resource containing information regarding Form 16 and the rights of students with disabilities. This document should be reviewed by both special education administrators and administrators in charge of student discipline. For additional information, please contact either Zoretta Ward-Holloway or Dana Long with IDOE’s Office of Special Education.
NEW: WIDA Standards Spotlight Session: Assessing Academic Language Growth
IDOE will host a WIDA Standards Spotlight session in the Indiana Learning Lab on Tuesday, September 19, from 3:30 to 4 p.m. ET. The session will focus on the Proficiency Level Descriptors of the WIDA Standards framework, which detail how English learners develop language across the proficiency levels as they progress to fluency. Registration is required, and the session is open to all educators. Review the August WIDA Standards Spotlight session on Academic Language here. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with any questions.
UPDATE: 2023-2024 Parent Survey Support Resources
IDOE encourages parents and families to complete the annual parent survey following the student’s annual case review (ACR). The following resources and translations are available to assist with distributing the survey:
Paper versions of the survey are available in the Office of Special Education Moodle course. Parents/families needing assistance with the survey are encouraged to contact IDOE at (317) 232-0570 or via email.
REMINDER: Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Part B and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Deadlines
IDOE records indicate that local educational agencies (LEAs) currently have significant unspent FY 2022 Part B and ARP grant balances. These funds may already be encumbered, but the LEA has not requested reimbursement from these grant funds. There are 11 instructional days remaining to spend FY 2022 Part B funds prior to encumbering these four active grants (611, 619, ARP 611, and ARP 619) on Saturday, September 30. LEAs should note the following:
- All FY22 Part B and ARP modification requests must be emailed to IDOE’s Part B grant team by today, Friday, September 15.
- Following waiver approval, a Part B grant budget modification request is required to transfer funds among budget scopes and must be submitted by today, Friday, September 15.
Contact IDOE’s Part B grant team with any questions.
REMINDER: Upcoming Special Education Excess Cost (SEEC) Invoice Office Hours
IDOE’s Office of Special Education will hold office hours to support schools in navigating the SEEC invoice process. Office hours allow schools to receive guidance on submitting invoices, required documentation, and additional questions. No registration is needed; join the sessions below.
Contact IDOE’s SEEC team with additional questions.
NEW: Competitive Science of Reading Grant Applications Due Friday, October 6
Applications for the 2023-2024 Competitive Science of Reading Grant are now open through 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, October 6. This competitive grant opportunity for schools is funded through appropriations by the Indiana General Assembly in HEA 1001. This grant is designed to support state-accredited schools that serve K-3 students and whose educators are interested in implementing evidence-based practices aligned with science of reading and Indiana’s Priorities for Early Literacy. More information regarding the Science of Reading Grant application process can be found here. Join IDOE’s office hours on Thursday, September 21, at noon ET, to review the grant guidance and ask questions. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with any questions.
NEW: K-12 Robotics Competition Grant Question and Answer (Q&A) Sessions
IDOE is hosting two opportunities to answer questions from eligible schools over the K-12 Robotics Competition Grant prior to the application deadline on Friday, September 29. The K-12 Robotics Competition Grant is designed to support state-accredited schools in establishing or maintaining robotics competition programs to provide opportunities to increase interest and improve skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Join one of the Q&A sessions using the links below:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning grants team with additional questions.
NEW: 2022-2023 Early Intervention Grant (EIG) End-of-Year Report Form Coming Soon
Corporations and schools must encumber all distributed EIG funds by Friday, September 29, and return any unused funds to IDOE by Friday, December 15. Guidance regarding the 2022-2023 EIG and end-of-year report will be available later this month. This grant was discontinued after the 2022-2023 school year, as it was not included in the biennial budget passed during the recent legislative session. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Blended Learning with Dr. Catlin Tucker - First Session
Join Dr. Catlin Tucker, a renowned expert on blended learning strategies, for the first of 13 sessions exclusive to Indiana educators on Tuesday, September 19, at 4 p.m. ET in the Indiana Learning Lab. The Why, How, & What will explore the value of a shift from teacher-led, whole-group lessons to blended learning models. Register for the series here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: August Professional Development (PD) with IDOE Available On-Demand
PD with IDOE from August are now available to view on-demand in the Indiana Learning Lab:
Attend future live sessions and view other on-demand content in the Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: Preschool and Early Education Support PD Series
Join IDOE in the Indiana Learning Lab for a targeted learning series to support success in preschool and early education. The series kicks off Wednesday, October 4, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. ET with a session on employer-sponsored childcare grant opportunities. View this flier for information on following sessions! Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
REMINDER: Dyslexia Screening Office Hours on Thursday, September 21
IDOE’s Literacy Center and Office of Student Assessment offer office hours to support schools with completing universal dyslexia screening for students in kindergarten through grade two within the 90 calendar days of the start of the school year. The requirements and list of approved screeners can be found in Appendix A of the 2023-2024 Dyslexia Programming Guidance for Schools. The sessions will start with a brief overview of the screening process followed by time for individual questions. Join the next session on Thursday, September 21, from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with any questions.
REMINDER: Apply to Serve on a High-Quality Curricular Materials Review Committee
IDOE seeks qualified educators and other stakeholders to serve on high-quality curricular materials review committees in the areas of K-8 science/engineering, 9-12 science, K-8 technology (computer science), and K-12 mathematics. 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: September PD with IDOE
September PD with IDOE continues Wednesday, September 20, at 4 p.m. ET with Fostering Early Literacy: The Role of Reading Aloud in Young Children’s Educational Journey – For Parents and Families led by the Indiana State Library and IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness. View a full list of the September 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: Tips from the Field Series Continues Thursday, September 21
The Digital Learning Leadership Cadre’s series Tips from the Field continues this month, featuring educators from across the state. Join Shannon Quigley, Manager of Learning Technology at Fort Wayne Community Schools, on Thursday, September 21, at 4 p.m. ET for Building Routines for Interaction with the 4 C’s. View previous Tips from the Field sessions in this Learning Lab collection. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Summer of Learning 2024 Grant Application Now Open
The Summer of Learning Grant for 2024 is now available. This grant launches the eleventh year of this conference series. Public school corporations and public charter schools may apply to be one of several host sites throughout the state for the summer of 2024. School corporations must have completed the 2023 School Tech Plan Survey to be eligible to apply. For more information and to apply, see this memo. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: September PD with IDOE
September PD with IDOE continues next Wednesday, September 13, at 4 p.m. ET with Academic Impact: Stabilizing for Many Indiana Students, but Targeted Support Still Needed led by Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Charity Flores. View a full list of the September 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: Required Cursive Writing Survey Due Sunday, October 1
Pursuant to IC 20-19-3-30, IDOE shall conduct a statewide survey to determine whether and in which grade levels schools are providing cursive writing instruction. A designee from each public school, public charter school, and state accredited non-public school must complete this survey by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 1. If a school corporation maintains consistent cursive writing instruction across schools within the corporation, then only one submission for the corporation is required. Note that the results of this survey will be used for informational purposes only, and responses will not result in any punitive measures. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Imagination Library Family Resources
Each month, Imagination Library mails participating children ages birth to five a free book. To support a love of reading and increase enjoyment, these family resources provide music, activities, vocabulary, and connecting book and read-aloud ideas. To access these resources, register for a free account to the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
REMINDER: Fostering Early Literacy PD Session in the Indiana Learning Lab
Join representatives from the state library, Imagination Library, and IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness in a session on the role of read-alouds in the Indiana Learning Lab. Families are invited to attend Wednesday, September 20, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. ET. Educators are encouraged to join the session on Wednesday, September 27, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. ET. To register, please create a free account to the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
NEW: ESSER II/GEER II Late Liquidation
The U.S. Department of Education released a FAQ document regarding the late liquidation extension request template for grantee use for the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA)/Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) Fund, and the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER II) Fund. A flowchart of the submission process may be found at this link. Please view this process flowchart for information on how to apply for a late liquidation approval. Use this JotForm to submit necessary information. Contact esser@doe.in.gov or geersupport@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW FROM TEACHINDY: Teacher Appreciation Day Presented by the Indianapolis Colts and Meijer
The Indianapolis Colts and Meijer want to thank all Indiana educators for supporting our students! The Indianapolis Colts are offering specially discounted tickets to the Sunday, October 1, game and Meijer is offering one $20 gift card for each teacher to purchase supplies for their classroom! After you purchase your tickets, be sure to check out additional resources for educators from our friends at Teach Indy! Teach Indy is a local non-profit that works to support, retain, and develop outstanding educators in Indianapolis. View full details and buy tickets here. Contact Mark Carter with any questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (IDOH): Emerging Drug Threat in Indiana
IDOH has issued an alert about an emerging drug called bromazolam. Bromazolam is a novel or designer benzodiazepine and is being found on the street under other names. According to the World Health Organization, bromazolam is sold as tablets, powders and gummies, and is frequently mixed with opioids. Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose may include troubled breathing; small pupils; unconsciousness or unresponsiveness; snoring, choking, or gurgling; cold or clammy skin; pale or blue skin; and discolored lips or fingernails. If an overdose is suspected, call 911 and administer naloxone right away, if available. More information can be found here. If your school(s) do not yet have access to naloxone and you are interested in obtaining naloxone training for emergency administration, please email backtoschool@health.in.gov.
NEW FROM NEXTECH: Computer Science (CS) Coaching Program
Calling all K-12 educators! Are you a novice CS educator in Indiana? Nextech’s coaching program combines individual coaching with cohort model interactions to help educators improve content knowledge, best practices, and/or classroom management. Participants will be assigned a coach (i.e., an experienced Indiana CS teacher) that will be their mentor throughout the year. More information on the coaching program can be found here. Contact kerry@nextech.org with any questions.
NEW FROM NEXTECH: CSforGood Competition
Nextech invites all students statewide to use their imagination, creativity, and computer science to design and create a solution to a problem in their school or local community and participate in the CSforGood Competition. Indiana students compete in teams to submit a CS solution in the form of a software application, website, physical computing device or prototype that solves a specific problem. Projects are due by Wednesday, November 1. The divisional finalists will be announced by Thursday, November 9, and the finalist event at the Statehouse will be Wednesday, December 6, where winners have an opportunity to earn prizes. Register today. Contact sarah@nextech.org for more details.
NEW FROM CODEHS: Registration for Fall Computer Science Workshops Now Open
CodeHS is offering computer science programming bootcamps (Java, Python, JavaScript, Cybersecurity), CS Praxis exam prep, and online PD mini-courses. Indiana K-12 teachers are eligible to participate in these opportunities to expand content knowledge, learn pedagogy, and interact with other computer science educators. Upon completion of these professional development opportunities, each participant will receive professional growth plan (PGP) points and a stipend. Register here and contact CodeHS with any questions.
NEW FROM THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEACHER INVESTMENT PROGRAM (AP-TIP): Fall Conference & AP Computer Science
AP-TIP at the University of Notre Dame sends an update about its annual Fall Conference that impacts teachers of AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) and AP Computer Science A (CSA). In light of College Board’s recent changes to the AP Computer Science Principles exam, the AP-TIP Fall Conference for both CSP and CSA has rescheduled to Wednesday, November 8. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, November 1. If teachers have already registered, they do not need to do so again. Contact Greg Macklem, math content director, with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE PATINS PROJECT: Upcoming No-Cost Trainings from the PATINS Project
Register for no-cost training from the PATINS Project. Visit the training calendar for all opportunities or view the PATINS Professional Development Guide for offerings by request. Find details and registration through the links below.
- Tuesday, September 19:
- Thursday, September 21:
- Friday, September 22:
Contact the PATINS Project with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE WABASH VALLEY EDUCATION CENTER (WVEC) AND THE WEST CENTRAL INDIANA EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER (WCIESC): Fall Literacy Conference
WVEC, in partnership with WCIESC, is excited to host educators for our September Literacy Conference in West Lafayette. Join keynote speakers Jamey Peavler on Thursday, September 21, and Hilary Statum on Friday, September 22. Come join the fun and walk away with next steps to improve your literacy instruction. Click here for additional details and registration. Contact Melissa Gill with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE CENTER FOR GREEN SCHOOLS: Indoor Air Quality Staff Training in October
The Center for Green Schools and the U.S. Department of Energy, in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are hosting a free in-person training session for K-12 school staff focused on developing or strengthening district Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) management plans and sharing the most up-to-date best practices for continuous IAQ monitoring. The training will take place Wednesday, October 18, and Thursday, October 19, in Washington, D.C. Travel stipends are available to support K-12 school staff in attending the event. The deadline to apply for a travel stipend is Friday, September 22. Learn more about the workshop and register for the October event here.
REMINDER FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR TODD YOUNG: Virtual Academy Day
Senator Todd Young will host a virtual Academy Day on Monday, September 18, at 6:30 p.m. 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.
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