I asked my daughter the other day to rank her favorite months of the year (my twins are 14 years old…so our conversations are often super random). She started with July…then December…then her birthday month. To that end, maybe you’ve read this before or you feel this, but January and February (for most people) rarely make the top of the list and are commonly the least popular months of the year. I say that because often in our schools, January and February can be challenging and include some of the toughest weeks. It’s a time of year that is like a full-court press in making sure students are prepared to finish the year strong, there are often intermittent starts and stops (depending on ice and snow), and the gray skies are more common than the bright sunshine of other months. For those of you who can relate to this…we are thankfully rounding the corner into February, and are therefore one month closer to spring! Let’s keep at it!
What I’d like to share with you today are some NEW features getting ready to launch next week within Indiana GPS. When we first launched Indiana GPS in December 2022, we shared that one of the guiding principles of this platform is that it would be nimble and constantly improving based on feedback.
We received feedback from educators about the desire to be able to dig into and learn from other schools’ data about what’s working and where…and how their own students might benefit from implementing similar strategies. From parents and families, we heard a similar desire to be able to easily see multiple schools and the assets of each school.
When considering how we might deliver this, a “Zillow-esque” map feature for schools continued to come up in feedback. I can totally relate to this interest (and maybe this happens to you as well) because sometimes I use my downtime wisely, and sometimes I open an app on my phone and what feels like 10 minutes of scrolling has actually been an hour. I find myself looking at homes in places that I’ve never been and may never visit. Most recently, Montana has been my frequent search (random, right?!). Now, I will likely never live in Montana, but I sure enjoy looking at lodge-like homes with beautiful scenic views (just to dream…). All this to say, our latest enhancements to Indiana GPS function similarly to Zillow, which expands the accessibility and utility to even more Hoosiers. While these new features will be released publicly next Tuesday (schools currently have it embargoed), as always, we will continue to make improvements over time. Here’s a quick preview of the new features to be released within Indiana GPS next week…
- An additional filter for third grade reading data.
- Users may select “tested location” or “majority enrolled” on the 3rd grade literacy indicator.
- “Tested location” is where students were attending when they took the test. This is how Indiana has historically displayed IREAD data.
- “Majority enrolled” refers to the school where students spent the majority of the school year.
- New badges that schools can earn and display when they reach or surpass the statewide goals.
- For each year that a school meets or exceeds one (or more) of the statewide goals, a new badge will be available that can be downloaded and displayed in a number of ways (i.e., on a school website, newsletter, etc.) to celebrate this achievement.
- A new “Zillow-esque” map feature aimed at helping educators and families locate schools in a defined geographical area and/or a particular area of interest.
- Users may search for schools by zip code, address, or city, and filter by additional categories such as grade levels served, school type, etc. By clicking on the star to the right of each school name, users can also “favorite” a school.
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A new comparison tool to learn more about the strengths of each school.
- Once a user has selected two or more schools as “favorites,” they will be able to view and compare those schools’ performance on each of the indicators currently available on the dashboard.
These enhancements are all about using data to empower our educators and support families as we continue to work together to make it better for students. Your feedback has been and will continue to be essential to this process, and I am looking forward to continuing to work together to improve Indiana GPS in 2024!
As always, thank you for all that you do for our students.
Reminder: 2023-2024 Petition to Seek Performance-Based Accreditation Submission Window
The submission window for non-public schools to submit a petition for performance-based (state) accreditation closes on Tuesday, April 30. A petition for accreditation must be completed and submitted the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) prior to the school year for which accreditation would begin. The petition for performance-based (state) accreditation may be found here. This petition only applies to non accredited non-public schools that want to apply for performance based (state) accreditation. Schools that already have performance-based accreditation or Freeway accreditation do not need to reapply. Direct questions or submit the completed petition to IDOE's Office of School Accountability.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 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.
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: 2024 Educational Excellence Awards Nominations Open
Up to $5 million in awards will be granted to schools supporting the expansion of initiatives aimed at advancing opportunities for students and educators. Award winners will be honored at the third annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala in Indianapolis on Friday, September 6. To be considered for an award, schools should complete the application by Friday, February 16. Contact the Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 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 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.
REMINDER: Nominations Open for Distinguished Educators Recognition
IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent is looking for confidential recommendations of teachers representing the very best educators in Indiana. These emerging leaders must have between five and 15 years of experience, demonstrate leadership beyond the classroom, and positively impact school culture and student achievement. Superintendents and principals may submit recommendations here. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, May 24. Contact Rebecca Estes with any questions.
REMINDER: Additional Opportunities to Recognize Indiana Educators
Throughout the year, numerous opportunities arise nationwide to acknowledge the incredible work of Indiana educators. IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent has developed this document which will be updated periodically with external opportunities to recognize educators. To submit an educator recognition opportunity not listed, contact Anne Marie Milligan.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 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: Child Nutrition Program Information Sessions
Join the Office of School and Community Nutrition for informational sessions about child nutrition programs available for schools to operate.
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Monday, February 5, at 10 a.m. ET - Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Info Session: Learn the ins and outs of operating under the Community Eligibility Provision.
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Wednesday, February 7, at 2 p.m. ET - Summer Meal Program Options: Learn about meal service options when school is out and decide which program would be best for your school.
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Tuesday, February 13, at 2 p.m. ET - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) Info Session: Learn what FFVP is and how to operate the program before the application for school year 2024-2025 opens in March!
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Thursday, February 15, at 10 a.m. ET - After School Snack and Meal Options: Learn what programs can be offered to your students after the school day ends. We will discuss the After School Snack Program and At-Risk Snacks and Meals through CACFP.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: February Membership Count Date
Please read this memo regarding the February membership count date. Please contact the Office of School Finance with any questions.
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: Updated High School Transcript Guidance
Updated High School Transcript Guidance can be found here. Please contact the Office of Student Pathways & Opportunities with any questions.
REMINDER: 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: Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) Grant - Sources of Strength High School Program Selections
Congratulations to MSD of Martinsville and South Newton High School on winning this MHAT Grant! All schools that applied for this opportunity demonstrated a great commitment to implementing robust Student Leader and Adult Advisor Student peer-to-peer programming, and while only two winners can be selected at this time, the Office of Student, School and Family Engagement will promote future opportunities for similar funding in this newsletter.
NEW: Indiana Statewide Family Engagement Center
The following five local education agencies (LEAs) have been selected to work with the newly-created Indiana Statewide Family Engagement Center.
- Gary Community School Corporation
- Goshen Community Schools
- MSD Warren Township
- Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
- Perry Central Community Schools
Each of the selected LEAs will develop into a model site where other school corporations can learn from the development of best family engagement practices. Thank you to all LEAs who applied for this partnership.
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: Apply for Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) Stakeholder Group
IDOE is seeking applicants for an SLP stakeholder group to explore solutions to address the specialist shortage. Interested SLPs can apply for this opportunity here by Friday, February 2. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
NEW: Assistive Technology (AT) Guidance from U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology and the Office of Special Education Programs released comprehensive guidance designed to increase understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s (IDEA’s) AT requirements, dispel common misconceptions regarding AT, provide examples of the use of AT devices and services for children with disabilities, and highlight different AT requirements under Part C and Part B of IDEA. Access the Dear Colleague Letter, Myths and Facts Surrounding AT Devices and Services, and more here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
NEW: January Part B Grants Question-and-Answer (Q&A) Office Hours
IDOE will host office hours to assist LEAs with completing the new Semi-Annual Proportionate Share Monitoring Reports for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 611 and 619 Part B grants. There will be no formal presentation, and attendees are invited to join with questions or issues concerning reimbursements, modifications, reports, etc. for any Part B grants. Join the sessions below:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
NEW: FY 2024 Proportionate Share Monitoring Reports Due Date Extended to Thursday, February 15
IDEA Part B FY 2024 proportionate share semi-annual monitoring reports for the period of July 1 through December 31, 2023, have been extended to Thursday, February 15. The proportionate share report 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 additional questions.
NEW: February New English Learner (EL) Director Professional Learning Community (PLC)
Join us for the next PLC meeting for new directors of EL programs on Tuesday, February 6, at 9:30 a.m. ET. The PLC is a place to network with other EL leaders, access timely program information, and bring questions and discussion topics. February’s meeting will feature educator, consultant, and coach for working with multilingual learners, Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld. Access the EL PD Opportunities Calendar for the meeting link. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.
NEW: Save the Dates - Dual Language In-Person Professional Development
Join IDOE for two upcoming events to support dual language programming. On Tuesday, March 5, WIDA will facilitate a one-day bilingual workshop to serve as an introduction to their new Marco DALE Spanish language development framework. On Wednesday, March 6, IDOE will host a Dual Language Networking and Collaboration Day, where dual language educators can share ideas and engage with colleagues to build and sustain dual language educational models. Both events will be held in Franklin Township. For more information on timing and how to register, view the event flyer. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.
NEW: 2024-2025 K-5 Reading High-Quality Curricular Materials Advisory List
Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-31-3-2(b), the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) conducted a review of vendor-submitted curricular materials to develop an advisory list of high-quality curricular materials aligned to the future-focused 2023 Indiana Academic Standards and science of reading. Curricular materials meeting all required evaluation criteria as affirmed by committee consensus can be found here. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with additional questions.
NEW: Support Workshops - Integrated STEM and Indiana Academic Standards
In partnership with IDOE, the Educational Services Centers of Indiana (ESCI) will present a full-day workshop to include exploration of hands-on activities for deeper academic impact using the 2023 Integrated STEM Standards and Indiana Academic Standards. Join the Future-Focused Learning Series for the Integrated STEM Standards School Year Support Workshop on Tuesday, February 13, to explore integrated STEM concepts across content areas and the Future-Focused Learning Series for the Leadership, Coaching, and Effective Teaming School Year Support Workshop on Tuesday, February 27, designed to help teachers translate standards into practice. All are invited to register for these opportunities at no cost via the Future-Focused Learning Series webpage. Contact ESCI or IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: January Professional Development (PD) with IDOE Continues Wednesday, January 31
January PD with IDOE continues Wednesday, January 31, at 4 pm ET, with New Year, New You: Tech Tools for 2024 - AI Edition. 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.
NEW: Digital Learning Day 2024 Invitation - Deadline Monday, January 29
Thursday, February 15, is Digital Learning Day 2024, and IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning is celebrating with our third annual Digital Learning Day Double Down at 4 p.m. ET. We will feature teachers across the state who are using educational technology to engage, extend, enable, and elevate student learning. Any teachers interested in sharing can apply by completing this form by Monday, January 29. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital 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 Tuesday, January 31, at 4 p.m. ET with How to Support Disconnected Learners in Asynchronous Environments. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: Blended Learning Series with Dr. Catlin Tucker Continues Thursday, February 1
Dr. Catlin Tucker, a renowned expert on blended learning strategies, will present the next of 13 sessions exclusive to Indiana educators on Thursday, February 1, at 4 p.m. ET in the Indiana Learning Lab. Honoring Learner Variability with Student Agency will explore how Universal Design for Learning principles can empower students in blended environments. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Register Now for Digital Learning Coach Camp on Friday, March 8
Digital learning coaches are invited to attend the Digital Learning Coach Camp on Friday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET at CIESC. This professional learning opportunity, specifically for those in educational technology coaching and leadership roles, is a round-table style, one-day conference. This event is free, and participants will break at lunch. Register for this opportunity here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: 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.
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.
NEW: Charter School Programs Quality Counts II Peer Reviewers
IDOE is searching for peer reviewers to review our newly awarded Charter School Programs Quality Counts II grant. This grant supports Charter Schools throughout Indiana to provide high quality programming for students. If you have Charter Program knowledge and are interested in this opportunity, please fill out this form. Contact Abby Littrell with any questions.
REMINDER: 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 professional growth plan (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 THE GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: 2024 Snack Chats
The Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities is hosting “Snack Chats” to help the community prepare for March Developmental Disability Awareness Month. The chats will be thirty minute virtual meetings for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more here. Contact the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities with questions.
NEW FROM INDIANA MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION AND KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: MidCon24 Summer Conference
Middle school educators are encouraged to save the date for MidCon24, a two-day conference held in Westfield on Wednesday, June 26, and Thursday, June 27. Counselors, administrators, classroom teachers are invited to register now for the early bird price discount and access to the four virtual Road to MidCon events. Contact Keep Indiana Learning with questions.
NEW FROM THE WELL-ROUNDED COURSE ACCESS (WRCA) PROJECT: WRCA Teacher Participants Needed
The WRCA project is seeking innovative educators to design and teach new virtual courses that will be available to students statewide in the fall of 2024. Participants will:
- learn new pedagogical strategies;
- build courses that increase educational access to students; and
- receive a generous stipend while engaging in this virtual professional development.
Contact Dr. Rebecca Itow with any questions.
NEW FROM THE IRIS CENTER: New and Updated Modules Available
The IRIS Center has released a new module, Behavior Principles: The Basics of Understanding Student Behavior, which lays a conceptual foundation for one of IRIS’ more popular modules, Functional Behavioral Assessment: Identifying the Reasons for Problem Behavior and Developing a Behavior Plan. In addition, IRIS has made significant revisions to four of its existing modules:
These self-paced, online modules can be embedded in educator preparation courses and school or corporation professional development activities, and learners can earn a free Certificate of Completion for each one. Contact the IRIS Center with additional questions.
NEW FROM INDIANA FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (FSSA): Proposed Medicaid Waiver Changes Public Comment Period Now Open
To address a projected $900M variance from its forecasted Medicaid expenditures, Indiana FSSA plans to implement program policy changes, including proposed amendments of Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Specific changes are highlighted in this “Medicaid Forecast Updates and Initiatives” document, which is available on the FSSA public website (click “Medicaid Strategies” at left side of the Home page). Stakeholders may send specific questions regarding the Medicaid strategies to medicaid@fssa.in.gov. To maintain transparency, FSSA plans to update this site over the coming weeks.
Proposed amendments to the impacted Medicaid HCBS waivers are posted on FSSA’s website for public review and comment from 1/17/24-2/16/24. Public comment on the proposed changes to the Health and Wellness Waiver (H& W, also formerly Aged & Disabled Wavier for 59 and under), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver, Family Support Waiver (FSW), and Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver (CIH) may be provided via email to DDRSwaivernoticecomment@fssa.IN.gov or mailed via United States Postal Service (USPS) to: FSSA Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitative Services RE: [Insert Amendment Name] Public Comment, 402 West Washington Street, Room W453, P.O. Box 7083, Indianapolis, IN 46027
Additionally, after reviewing many questions about proposed waiver changes that relate to provision of paid support through Attendance Care (ATTC) by a Legally Responsible Individual (LRI), FSSA has published and asked IDOE to share the following points of clarification:
- Who is an LRI?
- A parent of a minor child or a spouse providing an HCBS waiver service.
- Do LRIs need to stop providing attendant care services now?
- No. There will be a transition period.
- Can LRIs continue to provide paid care to their loved one?
- Yes. Members will have the choice to have an LRI provide paid care through Structured Family Caregiving beginning in July.
- If I provide paid care to my adult child, and I am not their legal guardian do I have to stop?
- No. This is not considered an LRI.
- I’m enrolled in the CIH/FSW waiver—does this change affect me?
- No. The LRI changes primarily impact Aged & Disabled waiver members.
- When will LRIs need to stop providing services on Attendant Care and transition to an alternative?
NEW FROM THE INDIANA ARTS COMMISSION (IAC): Fellowship Opportunity for Classroom Educators to Bring Arts and Creativity into the Classroom
Looking to find new ways to engage students in learning? IAC and IDOE have partnered to provide robust training, funding, and a community of experts to inspire and implement creativity-centered innovation in the classroom through a new program, the Indiana Educator Fellowship for Creative Teaching. Selected Creative Teaching Fellows will gather with their like-minded educator peers who are also looking to grow their teaching practice in innovative ways. After exploring what creativity in education can be in theory, all Creative Teaching Fellows will be able to bring a professional, in-person artist residency in their classroom in the Fall semester to see the work in a real classroom setting. The application deadline is Thursday, February 22. Learn more and apply here.
NEW FROM THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA): Youth Preparedness Council Application Period is Open Until Sunday, March 4
The FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Division is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council. The online application process is open to students in grades eight through 11. Students must apply by Sunday, March 4. Students interested in applying for the Council can learn more about the process and have their questions answered at the following webinar:
The webinar will walk students through the application process and give applicants a glimpse of what it’s like to be on the Youth Preparedness Council. During their one-year term, council members collaborate virtually with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local and national scale. Members will also attend the council summit in July 2025, and engage with top leaders within FEMA, the federal government and national non-profit organizations. If you know a teen interested in preparedness and community service, encourage them to apply. Learn more here.
REMINDER FROM THE INDIANA COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (CHE): The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship Application is Now Available
CHE is accepting applications for the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship and the Next Generation Hoosier Minority Educators Scholarship, which provide up to $40,000 of financial aid to aspiring teachers. High-achieving high school and college students who plan to teach in Indiana for at least five years can receive up to $10,000 per year of college (up to $40,000 total) from the scholarship. Current college students who apply must be able to use the scholarship for at least two full academic years. Students must apply by Wednesday, January 31, at ScholarTrack.IN.gov. Students who apply for both the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship and the Next Generation Hoosier Minority Educators Scholarship can only be selected for one of the awards. Please contact NextTeacher@che.in.gov for more information.
REMINDER FROM TEACH INDY: Register for the 2024 TEACH Indy Educators Conference
Join the TEACH Indy Team at the 2024 TEACH Indy Educators Conference at the Ivy Tech Community College Culinary and Conference Center on Saturday, March 2. Join us to enhance teachers’ expertise, share best practices, and network. All current and aspiring educators are welcome! Register here. Contact TEACH Indy with any questions.
REMINDER 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. ET. 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 Thursday, 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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