Throughout the year, there are opportunities to highlight schools with visits, individual teacher celebrations, and an annual red carpet gala for educators…just to name a few…and yesterday, we added another celebration to that list! For the first-time ever, we hosted a massive reading celebration at the Indiana Statehouse.
This idea came from an Indiana resident who reached out and said, “As our schools and communities are working to improve students’ reading levels, how about celebrating the schools who have hit the state goal of 95% of students reading by the end of third grade?”
So on Thursday we put that idea into action! The Statehouse was packed and bustling with educators–from teachers to principals to superintendents and board members. Quite a few Indiana General Assembly members also popped in between committee meetings for the celebration.
Educators came from all over, representing 241 schools across 54 counties in every corner of our state…from the Indiana Dunes to the Ohio River. This includes big schools and small schools…urban and rural…as well as schools that serve diverse student populations (both in terms of race and ethnicity, as well as socioeconomic status).
Check out the video below for a recap of the recognition ceremony!
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Both at the local level and as a state, it takes all of us rowing in the same direction to truly move the needle for students. And in the history of our state, we have never had this level of partnership and support for advancing literacy. Congratulations to each of the schools that were recognized! And to the many others across the state that may be close to achieving the state goal of 95% and/or that continue improving every year, I appreciate all that you do for our students! Thank you.
REMINDER: SAT School Day Question and Answer (Q&A) Sessions
IDOE will hold two Q&A sessions in February in preparation for the upcoming SAT School Day administration.
Additional resources can be found on IDOE’s High School Assessment webpage. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: ILEARN Biology End-of-Course Assessment (ECA) Winter 2024 Testing Window
The ILEARN Biology ECA Winter 2024 testing window is open 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: Deadline to Submit 2024 Educational Excellence Awards is Today, Friday, February 16
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. Click here for a full description of the awards. To be considered for an award, schools can complete an application here by today, Friday, February 16. Contact the Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Applications for Spanish Visiting Teacher Program
Details for the 2024-2025 school year Spanish Visiting Teacher Program can be found here, or to learn more about the responsibilities of being a host school please click 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 about the free offerings of the educator supply and demand marketplace on Tuesday, February 20, at 1:30 p.m. ET during the last webinar of this series. This webinar 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. Contact Rebecca Estes with any questions.
NEW: Free Cybersecurity Resources for Schools
The following cybersecurity tools are available to public schools at no cost through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) in Indiana.
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CrowdStrike Falcon Complete licenses for servers and faculty/staff workstations are being offered at no cost until January 31, 2026. Indicate your intent to participate here by Wednesday, March 13.
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Indiana Cybertrack, a partnership between Purdue University and Indiana University, provides free cybersecurity assessments for all schools.
- Access the KnowBe4 Diamond-level security awareness training in the School Cybersecurity Moodle Community by filling out the KnowBe4 request form. These licenses are available at no cost through November 2027.
- Coming soon: Udemy licenses for both mid-level cybersecurity training and non-cybersecurity professional development, available for free to all public schools. Please check here for updates on the application form.
Contact Brad Hagg 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). Contact Brad Hagg 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: Farm to School Symposium
IDOE and the Indiana Grown for Schools Network are hosting a Farm to School and Early Childcare Education (ECE) Symposium at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 19. Participants will learn about gardening, local procurement, and agriculture education. Educators, food service staff, and school administrators are invited to attend. Submit proposals for presentations and panel discussions here and submit vendor applications here. Contact Sophie Lindley with any questions.
NEW: Spring 2024 Membership Petition Process
Please read this memo regarding the spring 2024 membership petition process. The deadline to file a petition is Wednesday, February 28. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: February Tuition Support Payment
Please read this memo regarding the tuition support payment on Thursday, February 15. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Form 9 Financial Reporting for January to June 2024
Please read this memo regarding Form 9 accounting changes for January to June 2024. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Honors Expenditure Tracking Memo
Please read this memo regarding 2023-2024 Honors expenditure requirements. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Summer School Estimates
The window to submit the Estimated Cost Report for Summer School 2024 is now open. 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: Next Generation School Improvement Grant (Next Gen SIG)
Next Gen SIG is a competitive grant to aid in school transformation. Eligibility for this grant extends to all schools currently identified as Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) and Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) under Indiana’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan. Interested school officials can read more about the grant program in this memo and a list of eligible schools can be found here. The Next Gen SIG application and rubric will be available in the coming weeks. Applications will open in March and finalists will be announced mid-summer. Contact IDOE's Office of School Support and Transformation 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.
REMINDER: 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.
NEW: Indiana IEP (IIEP) Video Walkthrough Series Available
IDOE has created a video walkthrough of IIEP. These on-demand videos are available in the Office of Special Education Community on Moodle. This series of videos is designed to assist special education teachers of record in navigating IIEP and creating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). More videos are forthcoming. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education Technical Assistance (TA) team with any questions.
REMINDER: Special Education TA Stakeholder Convening
IDOE seeks stakeholder input regarding the state's process for identifying and providing targeted TA and professional development. Stakeholders may complete this form to submit their interest in participating in two, one and a half hour virtual meetings in March and April. Special educators, general education teachers, administrators, parents and other interested stakeholders are invited to apply by Monday, February 26. Daytime and evening sessions will be available to accommodate schedules. IDOE staff will contact applicants directly. Contact IDOE's Office of Special Education TA team with any questions.
REMINDER: Aspiring Statewide Special Education Teacher (ASSET) Cohort 3 Applications Now Open
ASSET is an approved alternative licensure program for educators who hold an initial license under the Transition to Teaching umbrella. Teachers can add the Mild or Intense Interventions endorsement to their current license by completing the ASSET program successfully and passing the relevant licensing tests. Applications are now available for Cohort 3 of this program, and additional information can be found on the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE) ASSET webpage. Contact Dr. Jay Arthur with additional questions.
NEW: Learning Lab Parent and Family Support Hub - Tutorial Video Now Available
The Parent and Family Support Hub in the Indiana Learning Lab features resources to support parents and families of students in preschool through high school. A tutorial video schools can send to parents and families is now available. This video walks viewers through the process of account creation and concludes with a short tour of the hub. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: Licensed vs. Exempt Childcare Programs for School Staff Webinar
Join IDOE and Marci Derado, Director of Early Learning at Westfield Washington Schools, to learn more about the choice to become a fully licensed childcare center or using the allowable exemption when offering onsite childcare for district employees. Explore the difference between the two paths and learn how to get started on Tuesday, March 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with additional questions.
REMINDER: High-Quality Curricular Materials Advisory List Now Available - K-5 Reading and Early Learning
IDOE has published approved advisory lists high-quality curricular materials for K-5 reading and early learning aligned to the 2023 Indiana Academic Standards and Early Learning Standards. Information regarding the process of review, requirements, and more can be found in this frequently asked questions resource. Cost sheets for approved vendor curriculum are available on IDOE’s High-Quality Curricular Materials Advisory Lists webpage. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with questions regarding the K-5 reading advisory list and Office of Kindergarten Readiness for questions regarding the early learning advisory list.
REMINDER: Early Learning High-Quality Curricular Materials Grant
Indiana’s Early Learning High-Quality Curricular Materials Grant provides funding support to early care and education programs for approved instructional materials to increase standards-aligned, research-based instructional practices and enrich learning for all children. More information, including eligibility and an interest form, can be found here. Curricular materials meeting all required evaluation criteria as affirmed by committee consensus can be found here. Responses to frequently asked questions are available here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten with additional questions.
REMINDER: Early Learning Curriculum Support and Guidance Webinar
The release of the Indiana Early Learning Standards provided common language and expectations for early childhood educators. Join IDOE on Tuesday, February 20, from 1 to 1:45 p.m. ET in the Indiana Learning Lab for a discussion on considerations when determining curricular materials for early learning. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with additional questions.
REMINDER: 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 insights into how one Indiana school district is making this supportive initiative a reality. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with additional questions.
REMINDER: Registration Open for Early Learning Standards Workshop
Join the Future-Focused Learning Series for the Early Learning workshop on Thursday, March 7, to explore the 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.
REMINDER: 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. 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.
REMINDER: 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. IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning will present, It’s a SOLARbration of Three-Dimensional Learning. 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.
REMINDER: TitleCon 2024 Vendor Interest Form
The Vendor Interest Form for TitleCon 2024 is live. There is no fee associated with being a vendor. A limited number of vendor spaces are available. Vendor requests will not be accepted after Friday, March 1. Contact Katie Lehman with any questions.
REMINDER: Register for TitleCon 2024
TitleCon 2024 will be on Wednesday, April 10, and Thursday, April 11, in Plainfield. This year, there is an optional pre-conference on Tuesday, April 9, to provide an overview of the new eCivis grants management system. The morning and afternoon sessions of the pre-conference will be identical. Please register here. We will share further information regarding the conference app and hotel blocks in the coming weeks. Contact Gabriela Escoto with any questions.
NEW FROM COLLEGE BOARD: 2023 Computer Science Female Diversity Awards
Eleven Indiana schools were recognized by the College Board with a 2023 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. This honor is awarded to schools committed to expanding access to either AP Computer Science A or AP Computer Science Principles to help close the gender representation gap in computer science. The following schools were recognized:
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AP Computer Science A Female Diversity Award: Eastern Greene High School, Park Tudor School, and Roncalli High School
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AP Computer Science Principles Female Diversity Award: Crispus Attucks High School, Eman Schools, South Putnam High School, Speedway High School, Tell City High School, Tri-West Hendricks High School, Victory Christian Academy, Inc., and Whiting High School.
Notification was shared directly with the principals of each school. Contact College Board with any questions.
NEW FROM INDIANA GROWN FOR SCHOOLS NETWORK: Indiana Harvest of the Month Database
Indiana Harvest of the Month celebrates different in-season, locally-grown food items each month. Harvest of the Month is a great way to buy, grow, and serve more local food, while teaching kids about healthy eating, nutrition, and agriculture. The Indiana Harvest of the Month database provides you with access to classroom and cafeteria activities, lesson plans, videos highlighting Indiana producers, recipes, awesome promotional material, and more! All classroom lessons and activities have been aligned with Indiana Academic Standards for K-5 classrooms. Contact Sophie Lindley with any questions.
NEW FROM ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEACHER INVESTMENT PROGRAM (AP-TIP): AP Summer Institute
The 2024 AP Summer Institute sponsored by AP-TIP will be on Tuesday, July 9, through Friday, July 12, in Indianapolis. Training in a wide array of subjects across disciplines will be offered. AP Capstone sessions, Research, Seminar, and Seminar ELA, will be available at this location, as well. Learn more about this College Board-endorsed event and register here.
REMINDER 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.
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 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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