It has been an active week at the Statehouse with various bills being heard. One of my favorite parts about this time of year is that the Statehouse goes from pretty quiet to VERY active (and, as an extrovert, I love this increase of people and energy). There are often opportunities to meet with various groups as they visit to speak about bills or showcase their work.
Just a few examples of visitors this week include the First Robotics teams across Indiana (the students had a showcase open for all to stop by), as well as a group of students visiting with RISE Indy (representing multiple schools). After taking some time to answer questions from students, several of them beelined right after the full group discussion to ask the question that we often get as educators, “do you remember me?” Seeing their Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School logo on their shirt, I immediately remembered why they were asking. So, yes, I remembered them…and their incredible principal who was recently named a Milken educator!
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This update is long overdue, so before we get too far into 2024, I want to take a look back at one of the highlights of 2023. In November, over the course of two days…and less than 24 hours, we had the opportunity to celebrate not one, but TWO outstanding Indiana educators by helping present them with the prestigious Milken Educator Award. Every day, these educators are hard at work making a difference in the lives of their students and making an impact on the educator profession.
The Milken Educator Award is a closely guarded secret up until the time it is announced and at both Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School and Plymouth High School, only a few people knew why we were really there.
At Emma Donnan, Principal Kendra Randle led her students into a convocation that she thought was celebrating their dedication to literacy and using instructional strategies rooted in science of reading. She received the surprise of her life when she was named a 2023 Milken Educator Award winner in front of her students and staff. With a focus on science of reading to increase growth in foundational literacy and using family engagement to raise the student attendance rate, Ms. Randle is committed to ensuring that her students are in school and receiving instruction that will make a difference for them now and in the future.
The following day at Plymouth High School, English/language arts teacher Josh Dingeldein sat in the gymnasium bleachers, taking in an event celebrating educators, not realizing he would soon be the focus of the gathering! Mr. Dingledein’s drive to see his students learn and grow is propelled by data and the use of differentiated instruction to best support students who need it most. He also incorporates technology, allowing him to teach more efficiently and allowing his students to access learning in new and innovative ways.
Check out the video below to see just how surprised Ms. Randle and Mr. Dingeldein were to hear their names announced as Indiana’s newest Milken Educator Award winners!
 As we continue to elevate the educator profession and celebrate all of the people who serve in our schools, we would love to hear about this great work happening in your community. Please continue to share these stories!
Congratulations, Kendra and Josh! And thank you for all that you do!
NEW: ILEARN Biology End-of-Course Assessment (ECA) Winter 2024 Testing Window
The ILEARN Biology ECA Winter 2024 testing window is open Monday, February 5, through Friday, February 23. Students must participate in the assessment upon completion of the high school biology course. Information regarding participation can be found here. Refer to the ILEARN 2023-2024 Milestones and ILEARN Biology ECA Test Window Checklist for an overview of deadlines. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: 2024-2025 Indiana Assessment Windows Now Available
The 2024-2025 Indiana Assessment Windows have been posted to IDOE’s Assessment webpage. Administrators should review and account for these dates when coordinating next year’s schedule. Please contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with questions.
NEW: ILEARN Hand-Scoring Applications Now Open
Educators are invited to apply to score open-ended student responses for ILEARN assessments this spring. This opportunity will be remote and will occur from Monday, April 15, through Friday, May 24, during the ILEARN hand-scoring window. Applications are due by Friday, March 15. More information can be found in the frequently asked questions (FAQ) resource, webinar, and educator hand-scoring opportunity flier. Contact the Indiana Assessment Help Desk with any questions.
REMINDER: Apply for the ILEARN U.S. Government Standards/Cut Score Confirmation Committee
IDOE invites current teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum leaders with expertise in required content and skills for the high school U.S. Government course to apply for the ILEARN U.S. Government Standards/Cut Score Confirmation Committee. This committee will convene virtually on Thursday, February 22, to review the current cut scores for the ILEARN U.S. Government ECA to ensure alignment to the 2023 future-focused Indiana Academic Standards. Committee participants will receive a $160 honorarium and Professional Growth Plan (PGP) points for their participation. IDOE will follow up with selected participants. Apply for this opportunity by Monday, February 5. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: ILEARN Checkpoint Pilot Opt-In Opportunity
Schools can opt in to the ILEARN Checkpoints Pilot for the 2024-2025 school year through Friday, February 2. Schools can sign up to pilot the three checkpoints included in the ILEARN through-year design, but will still participate in the same statewide summative assessment. Refer to the following resources for an overview of the opportunity, reasons for participating, and how to sign up.
Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: Host a Visiting Teacher from Spain
Join IDOE, the Embassy of Spain, and Sagamore on Wednesday, February 7, at 2 p.m. ET to learn more about hosting a visiting teacher from Spain. Register here. Contact Anne Marie Milligan with any questions.
NEW: Applications for Spanish Visiting Teacher Program
Review details about the 2024-2025 school year Spanish Visiting Teacher Program here and learn more about the responsibilities of being a host school here. Districts can express interest by completing the application form here. Priority will be given to applications completed by Sunday, March 31. Contact Anne Marie Milligan with any questions.
REMINDER: IDOE/Nimble Webinar Series
Learn more about the free offerings of the educator supply and demand marketplace in this webinar series. The webinars will provide an overview of posting jobs, a look at the complete Applicant Tracking System, highlight the Indiana Educator Supply and Demand Marketplace, and answer any questions. For more information, contact Rebecca Estes.
REMINDER: Indiana Teacher of the Year Speaker Request
The Office of Educator Talent invites you to request the Indiana Teacher of the Year to be a guest speaker at your next event. Take advantage of the opportunity to help celebrate teaching and uplift the profession. Requests may be submitted here. Contact intoy@doe.in.gov for more information about the Indiana Teacher of the Year program.
REMINDER: Indiana STEM Educator Expansion Program (I-STEM) Registration Now Available
IDOE is pleased to announce a new partnership with Educational Service Centers (ESCs) of Indiana to strengthen Indiana’s STEM educator pipeline. The I-STEM partnership 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 to register. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Strasbourg Cultural Exchange Opportunities
High school educators interested in learning more about opportunities to partner with Strasbourg schools through linguistic and cultural exchange programs can complete this form to receive more information about the specific opportunities available and how to get connected. Contact IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
NEW: Best Practices in Safe Possession and Storage of Firearms
As required by Indiana Code (IC) 20-19-3-30.4, IDOE and the Indiana State Police developed resources to serve as best practices regarding the safe possession and storage of a firearm in a home with a child. Contact Stephen Balko with any questions.
NEW: Transfer Request Deadline Reporting Process for Out of District Students Closes Friday, April 12
IC 20-26-11-32 requires public school corporations that accept out-of-district students to report to IDOE the date by which transfer requests must be received by the school corporation. School corporations accepting out-of-district students for the 2024-2025 school year must report this transfer request deadline date to IDOE using this form by Friday, April 12. Contact state attendance officer, Catherine Danyluk, with any questions.
REMINDER: 2024 Eclipse Guidance
As was shared in a memo on October 13, 2023, schools across Indiana will experience the eclipse differently, depending on their geographic location, with portions of central and southern Indiana in the path of totality. Any determinations regarding instruction on the day of the eclipse will be a local decision, and local planning should be occurring now. Some schools will be in-person and holding special events this day, others will have virtual learning, and others have already extended spring break so they are not in session on this day. As a reminder, per Indiana Code (IC) 20 -24.2-4-2, schools are required to meet a minimum instructional time threshold, and waivers will not be granted due to the eclipse.
NEW: Nominations for the School Food Service Employee of the Year Due Wednesday, February 14
Help IDOE recognize school food service employees who contribute significantly to the health and learning capabilities of students by nominating them for IDOE's 2024 School Food Service Employee of the Year Award. This award was created to recognize the outstanding achievements of school food service employees who excel in the areas of customer service, attitude, professionalism, and teamwork. Submit your nomination by Wednesday, February 14. Contact Suzette Hartman with any questions.
NEW: February Membership Count Date
Please read this memo regarding the February membership count date. If you have questions, please email us at schoolfinance@doe.in.gov.
REMINDER: Summer School Estimates
The window to submit the Estimated Cost Report for Summer School 2024 will open on Thursday, February 1. Please read this memo for information regarding eligible courses, important dates, and financial provisions. Detailed information about the summer school programs and how to report is included in this presentation. Contact Teresa Hemmerle or Alex Waite with any questions.
REMINDER: Form 9 Financial Reporting for January to June 2024
Beginning in January 2024, the Chart of Accounts will be modified to streamline the transfer reports completed in step four of Form 9 data submissions. Instead of using accounts 60100 and 5200 to indicate every fund transfer, school corporations and charter schools will indicate the funds involved in the transfer by using expenditure and receipt accounts specific to the fund transfers. Please read this memo regarding the changes to fund transfer account numbers. Contact IDOE’s Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Form 9 Financial Reporting for July to December 2023
The deadline to submit Form 9 financial data for July to December 2023 is Wednesday, January 31. The Form 9 application, which includes a link to the financial transparency submission page, can be accessed via the LINK Portal. Once in the portal, the financial administrator will navigate to the “Form 9 Financial Data” tile. Guidance on the submission process can be found in the Public Finance Community in Moodle. Contact form9@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Annual 1003 Flexibility Waivers
IDOE’s Office of School Support and Transformation is now accepting applications for 1003 flexibility waivers. Flexibility through waivers is offered to help support schools in their design efforts to improve student performance and outcomes, help to improve efficiency of school operations, and to help promote innovative educational approaches to student learning. Interested officials can read more about the opportunity in this memo and Flexibility Guide for Indiana's K-12 Schools. Applications are now open and will be accepted on a rolling basis through Friday, April 5. Contact Georgia Watson with any questions.
NEW: Early Release of the 2024-2025 McKinney-Vento Subgrant Application
The 2024-2025 McKinney-Vento Subgrant Application will be open to all local education agencies (LEAs) on Friday, March 15, and will close EOD on Friday, April 26. The McKinney-Vento Subgrant Application will be released early to assist LEAs with 2024-2025 program planning for children and youth experiencing homelessness. This early release will also ensure that LEAs receive their subgrant funding award by the contract start date on Tuesday, October 1. Please contact the McKinney-Vento team with any questions.
NEW: Employability Skills Playbook
IDOE, in partnership with America Succeeds and Learner Centered, recently released the Employability Skills Playbook for district and school leaders seeking to develop and measure students’ employability skills, specifically collaboration, communication, and work ethic. You can also view our on-demand webinar in the Indiana Learning Lab that introduces the new playbook, and shares tips on how to best use the tool. Please contact Michelle Clarke with any questions or feedback.
NEW: Monitoring Reports Due Wednesday, January 31
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B proportionate share semi-annual monitoring reports for the period of July 1 through December 31, 2023, are due Wednesday, January 31. Any outstanding proportionate share and final reports for fiscal year (FY) 22 611, FY 22 619, American Rescue Plan (ARP) 611, ARP 619, FY 23 611, and FY 23 619 are also due Wednesday, January 31. The proportionate share and final reports can be found in the Office of Special Education Community Moodle Course. Submit the completed workbook and signed PDF to IDOE’s Office of Special Education Part B grants team and contact your fiscal specialist with any questions.
REMINDER: Part B Grant Reimbursement Requests Due Month After Expenditures Occur
Part B reimbursements must be requested the month after the expenditures occur. Reimbursement requests may be submitted on the first and 15th of each month. Corporations, cooperatives, and interlocals will no longer be permitted to keep reimbursement requests open until the end of the grant award period. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education Part B grants team or your fiscal specialist with any questions.
NEW: Public Comment for Draft Content Connectors Now Open
Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-31-3-1 requiring the streamlining and prioritization of the Indiana Academic Standards, IDOE convened committees of general and special educators to review proposed revisions to Indiana’s alternate standards, known as Content Connectors. New and updated Content Connectors for six areas (English/language arts, mathematics, science, computer science, social studies, and integrated STEM) are available now through Friday, February 9, for public comment. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Grade 10 English Teachers Needed for English 10 AP Seminar Review Committee
IDOE will convene a committee of grade 10 English teachers to determine whether sufficient alignment exists between the Indiana Academic Standards for grade 10 English/language arts and content expectations of College Board’s English 10 AP Seminar to award English credit for completion of this AP course. Confirmed participants will asynchronously review materials ahead of a brief virtual meeting to be scheduled the second week of February. PGP points will be awarded to participants for their participation. Interested candidates can apply here by Friday, January 26, for this opportunity. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Updated Websites for STEM Education and Computer Science
IDOE has updated the STEM Education webpage with information regarding grant recipients, mathematics modernization, and resources for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Updates to IDOE’s Computer Science webpage share current high school computer science course offerings and information about professional development opportunities, including registration for Indiana CSPDWeek 2024. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Virtual Learning Professional Development Series
Join us for Virtual Learning Essentials, a series of presentations from experts, researchers, and authors, featuring deep dives into essential elements of virtual learning. This series continues Thursday, January 25, at 4 p.m. ET with Reviving Engagement in Online Learning Using Restorative Strategies by Stephanie McGary and Dr. Vickie Echols. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: Blended Learning Series with Dr. Catlin Tucker - Flipped Instruction
Dr. Catlin Tucker, a renowned expert on blended learning strategies, will present the ninth of 13 sessions exclusive to Indiana educators on Monday, January 22, at 4 p.m. ET on the Indiana Learning Lab. Flipped Instruction: Grades 6-12 - All Subjects will explore how secondary teachers can use flipped instruction in a blended learning environment. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: January Professional Development (PD) with IDOE Continues Wednesday, January 24
January PD with IDOE continues Wednesday, January 24, at 4 p.m. ET with Your Brain on Books: Reading in a Digital World. View a full list of January sessions here. To register for workshops or view on-demand sessions, create a free Indiana 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: Apply for Cohort 3 of the Indiana Literacy Cadre Now
Indiana schools are invited to apply for Cohort 3 of the Indiana Literacy Cadre, a collaborative effort designed to develop and implement key professional development for K-3 educators to support literacy and reading instruction aligned with science of reading practices. Learn more about the benefits of participating here. Submit this interest form for additional information on how to join this initiative. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center or the Indiana Literacy Cadre with additional questions.
REMINDER: Digital Learning Day Celebration on Thursday, February 15
IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning is celebrating Digital Learning Day with our third annual Digital Learning Day Double Down at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 15. This session will feature teachers from across the state who use educational technology to engage, extend, enable, and elevate student learning. Any teachers interested in sharing can apply here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Registration Open - Early Learning Standards Workshop
Join the Future-Focused Learning Series for the Early Learning workshop on Thursday, March 7, to explore the new 2023 Early Learning Standards. This full-day workshop will include hands-on activities demonstrating the standards in action and a chance to talk with other early childhood providers. Register for free. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with additional questions.
REMINDER: Showing Up Matters: Learn How Attendance and Healthy Practices Impact Future School Readiness
Join IDOE in the Indiana Learning Lab for sessions on why attendance matters on Wednesday, January 24, and keeping children healthy during the winter months on Wednesday, January 31, geared toward educators and families. Both sessions will be held from noon to 12:30 p.m. ET in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
NEW: January Coffee Chat
The first Coffee Chat of 2024 will be on Thursday, January 25, at 10 a.m. ET. This month's Coffee Chat will discuss changes to the Ed-Flex Waiver application, as well as how Ed-Flex Waiver 1 (Title I carryover) will be applied for FY24. Please join us on Microsoft Teams and contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions or suggestions for future topics.
NEW: Microcredential Spring Program
IDOE's Office of Title Grants and Support is continuing its Microcredential Program for experienced program administrators this spring. This is a no-cost program that allows program administrators to develop their current practices and participate in ongoing learning and reflection by dedicating four to six hours of work per microcredential skill. Two optional checkpoints will be provided and participants will earn five PGP points for each skill, as well as a bonus point on the risk assessment. Orientation for the spring program is on Wednesday, January 31, at 11 a.m. ET. Contact Garrett Wilson for more information.
NEW FROM KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: Understanding Language Access
Keep Indiana Learning is partnering with the National Association of Educational Translators & Interpreters of Spoken Language to host a four-part free, virtual series on how to ethically utilize professional interpreters, build collaboration between schools and interpreters, and enhance learning in the classroom for multilingual students. Learn more and register here. Contact Keep Indiana Learning with any questions.
NEW FROM THE PATINS PROJECT: Assistive Technology in Individual Education Programs (IEPs)
Join the PATINS Project for a five-part series on Assistive Technology in IEPs. These 30-minute sessions review how to navigate collaboration, funding, transitions, and more. Register for the five sessions below:
Contact the PATINS Project with additional questions.
NEW FROM THE SUPREME COURT HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Free Supreme Court Civics Program
The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana has partnered with the Supreme Court Historical Society to offer students an immersive federal court experience this summer. Students will explore the judicial branch through First Amendment case Hess v. Indiana (1973), which started locally and made its way to the Supreme Court of the United States. Throughout the program, students will learn from and engage with federal judges, attorneys, historians, professors, and local community members to investigate the case and gain an in-depth understanding of how cases move through state and federal court systems. They will also have the opportunity to educate their community about the impact of the case and its importance. This free program will take place at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse from Monday, June 24, through Friday, June 28. All students currently in grades nine through 11 (rising grade 10 through 12 students) are eligible to apply. Applications are due Friday, March 1. Learn more and apply here.
NEW FROM AP-TIP: 2024 Mock Exam
AP-TIP will host the 2024 Mock Exam in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 7, Friday, March 8, and Friday, April 12. The Mock Exam is AP-TIP’s highest-rated professional event and provides full-length practice exams (using previously released AP Exams from the College Board) to implement training on scoring in a format similar to an AP Reading. The Mock Exam reflects the full workload of the AP Exam, giving students an idea of the pacing and endurance required for the AP Exam, offering each student practice with testing mechanics, and providing teachers with information on student strengths and areas of growth. Registration is now open. Learn more, review the dates and logistics by subject, and register here.
REMINDER FROM MARTIN UNIVERSITY: College Prep Rally
Martin University is hosting a College Prep Rally on Saturday, January 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Martin University will provide help to complete all the necessary steps to prepare for college including on-site admissions, a financial literacy and college prep panel discussion, and a half-time presentation featuring Brave Majorette and Drumline. This event is geared towards potential students as well as non-traditional students thinking about coming back and finishing their degrees. Visit the Martin University website for more information.
REMINDER FROM WORK AND LEARN INDIANA: The 2024 Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference
The Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference, featuring the 18th Annual Impact Awards, will be on February 22 at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville. The event is a convening of best practices and sharing of ideas toward growth and partnership within workforce and education. Register here or contact Sally Saydshoev for more information.
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