The first half of the 2024 legislative session will be wrapping up over the coming days. As I reflect on the progress made in just the past four weeks, it is exciting to see that K-12 continues to be at the table. I’ve seen educators, parents and families, students, and other advocates at the Statehouse, all advocating to continue strengthening and supporting K-12 education in Indiana. Like every legislative session, there are some bills that you may love and others that you may not care for…yet, that is all part of the process. Once we officially reach the halfway point (next week), any bills that have not received a hearing are considered dead, however ideas and concepts from those bills can always be amended into other bills during the second half. So please, stay engaged and continue to share your thoughts and feedback so that we can end this session strong for our students!
While the legislative session is active and involves long hours at the Statehouse, what really fills my bucket is being in our Indiana classrooms. On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to visit two schools alongside my colleague Chris Lowery, Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education (CHE). Together, we talked to educators and students at a couple of Early College High School programs at Center Grove High School and Ben Davis University High School.
The Early College High School model, recognized by CHE and sponsored by the University of Indianapolis's Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL), is a systematic approach allowing students to earn both their high school diploma, plus either an associate degree or up to two years of college credit towards a bachelor’s degree. Currently, 44 Indiana high schools partner in this effort. While this is one important way to open future doors of opportunity for students, many other schools are actively increasing access to college credit (through dual credit and AP classes) and ultimately, providing an affordable pathway for students to earn a credential before high school graduation. When talking to the students on Tuesday about why they chose to participate in the Early College model, the most common response we heard is, “I want to get an early start on college”…then a number of reasons followed. Sometimes it was for financial reasons, other times it was for career aspirations. Ultimately, this contributes to increased educational attainment…which we know matters for our students and our state, with research showing a direct link between a student’s educational attainment and their quality of life, civic engagement, health, employment, and future earning potential.
By hearing straight from the students and educators who are making this happen, it further emphasizes the value of opportunities like the Early College model. Check out the short video below to learn more about the impactful work happening at Center Grove and Ben Davis University high schools.
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As a state, we must continue to empower every high school in Indiana to offer access to credential completion opportunities, as well as continue increasing high-quality work-based learning opportunities. Thank you to our educators who are leading the way in this effort, and as always, thank you for all that you do for Indiana students. Have a great weekend, and enjoy the sunshine (finally!)!
NEW: 2025 Cohort
The SAT roster is created from the 2025 cohort. Review your 2025 cohort now, paying close attention to any student with a ‘Retained’ or ‘Unknown’ cohort status. Also identify any student who is in grade 11, but not on the 2025 cohort. Contact School Accountability immediately if you notice any issues or have any questions.
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: ILEARN Checkpoint Pilot Opt-In Opportunity
Schools can opt in to the ILEARN Checkpoints Pilot for the 2024-2025 school year through today, 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.
REMINDER: IREAD-3 Grade Two Opt-In Opportunity Closes Saturday, February 10
Schools may opt in to administer IREAD-3 to grade two students for the spring 2024 administration to provide an early indicator of reading proficiency through Saturday, February 10. More information on this opportunity can be found here. Benefits to administering IREAD-3 to grade two students include reduced testing in grade three for students who pass and obtaining data to provide early reading support to students who need it. Refer to IDOE’s IREAD-3 FAQ resource and IREAD-3 webpage for more information. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment 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.
NEW: Elevating the Teaching Profession
Our 2023 and 2024 Indiana Teachers of the Year are spotlighted in a new video elevating and celebrating the teaching profession. Watch here and join them in celebrating the critical role of educators in communities. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to help celebrate teaching and uplift the profession by inviting the Teacher of the Year to be a guest speaker at your next event. Requests may be submitted here. For more information on the Indiana Teacher of the Year program, contact intoy@doe.in.gov.
REMINDER: 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: E-Rate Match for Fiber Construction Now Available
IDOE is once again participating in the E-Rate Match Program for special fiber construction projects. Available to any Indiana public school for fiscal year (FY) 2024 (Monday, July 1, to June 30, 2025), the program increases the discount rate for special construction charges for high-speed broadband that meets the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) long-term connectivity targets up to an additional 10% to match the state funding on a one-to-one dollar basis. Full application details are available here. Contact Brad Hagg with any questions.
REMINDER: National Cybersecurity Review (NCSR) Now Open Through February
A great way to assess the cybersecurity posture of your school/school corporation is to complete the free annual NCSR from Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). As your team completes the survey, your information is secure and is only used to provide nationwide statistics and trending in aggregate. By completing the NCSR, you also have the option to review next steps at no cost during a meeting with a representative from MS-ISAC. You can also measure growth as you complete it each year. For a quick overview of the process, read this document. Completing the NCSR is a mandatory service as part of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP).
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.
REMINDER: 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.
NEW: Honors Expenditure Tracking Memo
Please read this memo regarding 2023-2024 Honors expenditure requirements. Please contact IDOE's Office of School Finance 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: 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: Diploma Seals Order Form
The online form to order diploma seals for the 2024 Cohort is now live. Please see this memo for additional information. Contact IDOE's Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with any questions.
REMINDER: Updated High School Transcript Guidance
Updated High School Transcript Guidance can be found here. Contact IDOE's Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with any questions.
NEW: Alternate Diploma February Office Hours
IDOE will host four office hours sessions to discuss Indiana’s Alternate Diploma. This will be a time for attendees to ask questions, as there will be no formal presentation. Attend the sessions below:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education monitoring team with any questions.
NEW: Virtual English Learner (EL) Leadership Meeting on Thursday, February 22
IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education will host the next EL Leadership Meeting virtually from 10 to 11:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, February 22. This interactive meeting is intended for Indiana K-12 EL leaders and administrators and will cover a variety of topics, including EL data, Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), WIDA ACCESS updates, and more. Registration is not required. Visit the Indiana EL Professional Development Opportunities Calendar for the meeting link. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with any questions.
REMINDER: 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, 2023, 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: Additional K-5 Reading High-Quality Curricular Materials Advisory List Resources
In response to questions after the release of Indiana’s K-5 reading 2024-2025 high-quality curricular materials advisory list, responses to frequently asked questions as well as a resource for assessing supplemental resource alignment with the science of reading are available here. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with additional questions.
NEW: Personal Financial Responsibility Course and Career Planning and Coaching Standards - Guidance for Schools
Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-30-5-19, IDOE defined guidance to support schools in the implementation of the recently legislated personal financial responsibility course. Pursuant to IC 20-30-5-24, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE), in collaboration with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE), adopted career planning and coaching standards for a career awareness course. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: PRIME Math Course Informational Webinars
IDOE and the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) will host two live webinars for schools interested in offering the Postsecondary Ready Investigative Mathematics Experience (PRIME) Math course for seniors. Register for the sessions below:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: 2024 Digital Learning Grant Application Open
Applications for the 2024 Digital Learning Grant are now open through Friday, March 15, at 5 p.m. ET. This competitive grant opportunity is available to all public school corporations and charter schools who have completed the 2023 School Tech Plan Survey. Refer to this memo for more detailed information regarding grant priorities and important dates. Join IDOE on Thursday, February 8, at 11 a.m. ET for a grant information session. To view previous grant projects and implementations, view our Digital Learning Grant Success Stories session in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: February Professional Development (PD) with IDOE - Eclipse Edition
PD with IDOE for the month of February focuses on supporting educators as they prepare for the April 2024 Solar Eclipse. Our first session, EclipsED: Harnessing the Power of Blended and Virtual Learning, will be held on Wednesday, February 7, at 4 p.m. ET. View a full list of February sessions here. To register for workshops, or view on-demand sessions, create a free Learning Lab account by visiting the LINK Portal or the Indiana Learning Lab directly and use your school email address to log in. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: On-Demand PD with IDOE
January’s PD with IDOE workshops are all available on 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: Establishing On-Site Childcare for School Employees Webinar
Explore the logistics involved in bringing on-site childcare to fruition for school employees on Wednesday, March 6, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET in the Indiana Learning Lab. From planning to budgeting, staffing, and enrollment, this session provides insight into how one Indiana school district is making this supportive initiative a reality. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with additional questions.
REMINDER: 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.
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 today. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with additional questions.
NEW FROM THE PATINS PROJECT: Assistive Technology in Individual Education Programs (IEPs)
Join the PATINS Project for a five-part training series on assistive technology in relation to IEPs. These 30-minute sessions cover questions about including assistive technology in IEPs and how to navigate collaboration, funding, transitions, and more. Register for the sessions below:
Contact the PATINS Project with any questions.
NEW FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS (NAELPA): Collaborative Practices Webinar
NAELPA is hosting a free virtual panel discussion on Thursday, February 8, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. E.T. with a focus on collaboration. Moderated by Dr. Andrea Hongisfeld, three panelists will share their expertise on the collaborative model best practices for multilingual learners. For more information and registration for this event, visit NAELPA’s webinar webpage. Contact NAELPA with any questions.
NEW FROM SCHOOLHOUSE: March Digital SAT Bootcamps
Registration is now available for March SAT Bootcamps from Schoolhouse in preparation for the SAT on Saturday, March 9. This four-week high dosage tutoring is designed to help students develop skills to prepare for the new digital SAT. Note that this is not intended for the state-required SAT School Day. Students and parents can sign up for this opportunity through Wednesday, February 7. Contact Schoolhouse with any questions.
NEW FROM NEXTECH: Universal Design of Inclusive K-12 Computer Science Instruction Workshop
In this two-day professional development opportunity, educators will learn various pedagogies and practices to equip themselves with tools to help bring computer science education to all students. Learn strategies to design and build an accessible learning environment to impact both teacher and student experience while learning computer science. This workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 6, and Thursday, March 7, and will be facilitated by Dr. Maya Israel and Dr. Joanne Barrett from the University of Florida College of Education. Learn more about this free professional development opportunity and register here. Contact Nextech with any questions.
NEW FROM ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEACHER INVESTMENT PROGRAM (AP-TIP): Remote Teacher Collaboratives
AP-TIP will host the next round of Remote Teacher Collaboratives on Thursday, February 15th. Remote Teacher Collaboratives are live, discussion-based professional workshops. Here, participants delve into high-impact practices that facilitate the instruction of AP content and empower all students. Registration for the February sessions is open. Learn more about Remote Teacher Collaboratives, review the topics by subject, and register here.
NEW FROM COLLEGE BOARD: Advanced Placement (AP) Coordinator Resources
AP Coordinators are encouraged to register for the Digital AP Exams: Readiness Webinar on Wednesday, February 7, at noon ET, to review planning, readiness-related information, and ask questions. The webinar will be recorded and shared with all who register. Contact College Board with any questions.
NEW FROM COLLEGE BOARD: AP Program Updates
Join College Board for the 2023-2024 AP Coordinator’s Manual, Part 2 Release Party live-streamed on YouTube on Thursday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. Printed copies of the 2023-2024 AP Coordinator's Manual, Part 2 will be shipped to schools this month. Please contact College Board with any questions.
NEW FROM COLLEGE BOARD: Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) Scholarships
The deadline to apply for a College Board 2024 APSI scholarship is Monday, February 12. This year, College Board is allowing greater opportunity for teachers by offering three competitive programs: AP Fellow Scholarship, AP Rural Fellows Scholarship, and AP Capstone Fee Waiver. Visit the APSI Scholarships homepage to learn more about each scholarship and how to apply. Please contact College Board with any questions.
NEW FROM COLLEGE BOARD: Opportunity for Free Pre-AP Courses
College Board is offering all Pre-AP courses free of charge to any school offering AP Computer Science Principles, AP Seminar, or AP African American Studies, to students in grades 10 and up, or AP Precalculus to students in grade 12. Interested schools can complete this form by Thursday, February 29 to be able to place an order for free Pre-AP courses for the 2024-2025 school year. Please contact College Board with any questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR): 2024 Natural Resources Teacher Institute
Indiana educators are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Natural Resources Teacher Institute, which will be held Monday, June 24, through Friday, June 28, at the Forestry Training Center at Morgan-Monroe State Forest. This free, week-long immersive professional development program will provide educators with the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively teach their students about forest ecology, research, and management in Indiana. Participants will earn 30+ Professional Growth Points, as well as receive Project Learning Tree and Leopold Education Project curriculum materials, a forestry tool kit, Indiana-specific field guides, and a stipend for developing and implementing a lesson plan. Contact Lexi Eiler with questions.
NEW FROM THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA: 2024 Teacher Institute
The Summer 2024 Federal Court Teacher Institute will be on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in downtown Indianapolis. This year's program will feature an intensive look at jury service. Teachers will get a behind-the-scenes look at multiple aspects of jury service, participate in an enlightening simulation, and engage with federal judges, attorneys, and court professionals. The workshop is designed for middle and high school teachers. The program is free, and lunch will be provided both days. Annual content varies, and past participants are welcome to enroll. Space is limited - register early to reserve a seat. Details and application form are available here. Contact Mary Giorgio with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE INDIANA BAR FOUNDATION: Sixth Grade Civics Resources
For Indiana educators teaching the new required semester of sixth-grade civics, the Indiana Bar Foundation has released a comprehensive series of resources to provide ready-to-use academic standard-aligned classroom materials. Released late last year, the resources have been downloaded more than 10,000 times. Please contact Director of Civic Education Tim Kalgreen with any questions.
REMINDER 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.
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.
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