This was a big week in Indiana–I hope you enjoyed the eclipse on Monday afternoon and for those of you who stayed up to cheer on the Purdue Boilermakers in the National Championship, I hope you’ve now caught back up on your sleep! In March, we kicked-off a conversation about how we can and must seize the opportunity to redesign Indiana’s high school diploma requirements, which have not changed significantly since the 1980s. If you missed it, or haven’t had the chance to watch the recording of the March State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting, I encourage you to do so and engage in the feedback process.
This week, I want to highlight three schools that are already leaning-in on rethinking high school, offering students the chance to experience careers, develop skills that will benefit them in the future, and ultimately, support them in finding their best path ahead. In many respects, we are just in the beginning of discovering what is possible with high school redesign and these represent just a few of many examples across the state (including in urban, suburban, and rural areas).
Duneland School Corporation (Porter County)
Chesterton High School has a goal that 50% or more of their seniors will participate in a career-related experience each year. To help reach this goal, the school has secured over 200 business partnerships, which provide students with opportunities to learn through internships, work study, Career and Technical Education (CTE), as well as Cadet teaching.
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Beginning with five participating students in the 2019-2020 school year, just four years later, the program now has over 180 participants with available internships in areas ranging from agriculture and environmental science, to business, finance, and marketing, to childcare and education, and just about everything in between.
In 2022, senior Ella Girzadas expressed an interest in pursuing a career in sustainable fashion and was placed in an internship with a local apparel and gift brand in Chesterton. During her internship, she was able to learn about entrepreneurship, including creating her own line of loungewear and advising on everything from design to pricing structure. Ella is currently studying environmental science and business at Villanova University.
This is a great example of what is possible when we are willing to try something new (...and be willing to start somewhere and not delay), if it means improving outcomes for students. Their willingness to be bold has continued to pay off, with more businesses signing on and more students benefiting from these partnerships.
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Washington Community Schools (Daviess County)
In December, Washington High School partnered with Reliable MicroSystems to launch a first-of-its-kind Microelectronics High School Student Internship, and earlier this year, senior Xavier Frank became the first student in the region (with more to come!) to serve as a staff engineer intern with Reliable MicroSystems.
This opportunity to learn in a hands-on environment, centered in Indiana’s emerging semiconductor industry, is the result of collaboration between local, regional, and state entities. It is also funded in part through a partnership with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for Workforce Excellence. Additional support comes from the SCALE K-12 project, which works to integrate new ideas and technologies into curriculum that will help students gain a better awareness of microelectronics in the world around them.
This future-focused example is particularly relevant because it supports the state’s emerging semiconductor industry and illuminates the innovative, high-tech opportunities that exist for students right here in Indiana.
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Randolph Eastern School Corporation (Randolph County)The team at Randolph Eastern School Corporation has been hard at work transforming the traditional high school experience into a journey that is more engaging, relevant, and student-centered. The push to bring work-based and project-based learning to life has allowed Union City Junior-Senior High School students to step into real-world scenarios, collaborate with local businesses and professionals to engage in projects that align with curriculum and coursework, and also instill essential skills regardless of their path ahead.
The learning framework at Union City Junior-Senior High School allows all students…that’s 100% of kids…in grades nine through 12 to participate in Workforce Wednesdays, an initiative dedicating one day each week to career exploration and skill development. Workforce Wednesdays connect students and staff with industry experts and community leaders to enrich students’ understanding and curiosity about the career pathways that exist in and around their local community. In fact, this Wednesday, Superintendent Aaron Black shared a quote from a student who said, “I found myself liking school, and it was weird!”
This student-centered example represents a rural Indiana school corporation that is removing barriers and doing BIG things for kids!
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The schools highlighted above are far from the only schools in Indiana that are leading this important work for students. Several others were also featured in a student video, which we shared at SBOE in March and in the weekly newsletter the following Friday. If you haven’t yet, you should check it out!
Thank you to Duneland School Corporation, Washington Community Schools, Randolph Eastern School Corporation, and so many others for engaging in this work. Let’s continue working together to ensure the high school experience is as valuable as possible for students, including ensuring our diploma requirements reflect the opportunity that exists for every Indiana student to graduate prepared to succeed.
Thank you, as always, for all that you do for our students.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Graduation Pathway Requirements
Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-32-4-1.5, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) established the use of the ASVAB to meet graduation pathway requirements. Beginning with the 2025 graduation cohort, HEA 1635 requires students electing to use the ASVAB as a means for meeting graduation pathway requirements to also fill out the Military Enlistment Intent Form. Students graduating in the 2023 and 2024 cohorts who have earned a qualifying ASVAB score, as determined by SBOE, prior to July 1, 2023, will be able to utilize previously earned ASVAB scores without a signed Military Enlistment Intent Form to fulfill their graduation pathway requirements. Learn more here. Contact IDOE's Student Pathways team with any questions.
Graduation Waiver Caps
As outlined in Indiana Code (IC) 20-26-13-10, for purposes of calculating the 2024 graduation rate, Indiana schools may not count more than 9% of their graduation cohort as graduating if utilizing postsecondary ready competency waivers. Schools exceeding the 9% cap will receive an adjusted state graduation rate. Postsecondary ready competency graduation waivers will be capped at 6% for the 2025 cohort and 3% for the 2026 cohort and beyond. In December, schools received a letter with their 2023 graduation rates along their post-secondary competency waiver rates. The letter provided a breakdown of how the 9% cap would impact their graduation rate, which should be considered when helping the class of 2024 meet their graduation requirements. Contact IDOE's Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with questions regarding postsecondary ready competency qualifications, or Office of Accountability with questions regarding the calculation of the graduation rate or the cohort report.
NEW: I AM Spring 2024 Testing Window Now Open
The I AM Spring 2024 testing window is open through Friday, May 10. Refer to IDOE’s participation guidance (English | Spanish) and frequently asked questions (English | Spanish) for more information on which students should be assessed. Schools should ensure all items on the Test Window Checklist have been completed prior to test administration. Access IDOE’s I AM webpage for policy guidance and the Indiana Assessment Portal for test administration support. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment or the Indiana Assessment Help Desk with any questions.
REMINDER: SAT School Day Makeup Testing Window Now Open
The SAT School Day makeup testing window is open through Friday, April 19. Find detailed responses to frequently asked questions regarding the SAT School Day here and other preparation materials in College Board’s Indiana SAT School Day Google Drive. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with participation and policy questions and College Board with any technical questions.
REMINDER: ILEARN Biology & U.S. Government End-of-Course Assessment (ECA) Testing Windows Open Monday, April 15
The ILEARN Biology and U.S. Government ECA Spring 2024 online testing window is Monday, April 15, through Friday, May 17. The paper-and-pencil testing window for the ILEARN Biology ECA is Monday, April 15, through Friday, May 10. As a reminder, participation in the ILEARN U.S. Government ECA is optional for students who have completed the high school U.S. government course and is offered solely online. Students are required to participate in the ILEARN Biology ECA once upon completion of the high school biology course. View participation guidance here. Refer to the ILEARN 2023-2024 Milestones, ILEARN Biology ECA Test Window Checklist, and testing window contact overview for additional support. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: ILEARN 3-8 Testing Window Opens Monday, April 15
The ILEARN 3-8 online testing window is Monday, April 15, through Friday, May 10, and the paper-and-pencil testing window is Monday, April 15, through Friday, May 3. Refer to the ILEARN 2023-2024 Milestones, ILEARN 3-8 Test Window Checklist, and testing window contact overview for additional support. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: ILEARN Spring 2024 Monitoring
IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment will conduct virtual and onsite monitoring visits during the ILEARN 3-8 and ILEARN Biology ECA testing windows to ensure fidelity of test administration and test security requirements.
- ILEARN 3-8: Monday, April 15, through Friday, May 10
- ILEARN Biology ECA: Monday, April 15, through Friday, May 17
Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: Good Cause Exemption (GCE) Reporting Updates
IDOE is now accepting IREAD-3 GCE submissions exclusively through Data Exchange and the 2023-2024 GCE Intervention Plan JotForm has been closed. GCEs will now be reported using Assessment Accommodations Codes within Data Exchange. Access How to Report Student Good Cause Exemptions for more information. Relevant codes are listed below:
- EX_IEP: Exemption based on IEP Case Conference Committee decision
- EX_ILP: Exemption based on ILP Committee decision
- EX_RTN: Exemption based on retained twice prior to fourth grade
Additional information regarding GCE eligibility can be found here. As GCEs are reported, IDOE will regularly update the IREAD-3 and ILEARN Report - Current Enrollment in Ed-Data. Schools can review this report for a student’s exemption status. GCEs can only be applied for an eligible student who has participated in at least one IREAD-3 administration and after a review of valid test results. Grade two students who do not receive a passing score must retest in grade three, and are not eligible to receive a GCE after their first administration. Contact IDOE’s Office of Data Reporting with additional questions.
REMINDER: LVIS360 Update
Educators applying for initial licenses or renewals in the next few months should log in to the updated LVIS360 system soon to link their LVIS legacy licensure data to their LVIS360 account. The new system requires users to create an Access Indiana account prior to accessing LVIS360. The Office of Educator Licensing recommends getting acquainted with the new login process and linking your new LVIS360 login to your legacy account now before the busy season for licensing starts in May. Administrators, please encourage your teachers to log in soon. Access the user portal here. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Licensing with any questions.
NEW: Annual Principal Survey Regarding Initial Educator License Holders
Indiana Code (IC) 20-28-11.5-9 requires principals at each school corporation, charter school, and virtual school, to complete an annual survey that provides information regarding the principal's assessment of the quality of instruction by each particular teacher preparation program located in Indiana for teachers employed at the school who initially received their teaching license in Indiana in the previous two years. A survey is not required for those who completed an out-of-state program for initial licensure. The 2024 survey can be accessed here, select “Complete the Survey,” and then enter the access code provided earlier this week. Summary results will be shared with educator preparation programs for program improvement, and summary data without names will be posted here. Contact Scott Bogan with any questions.
NEW: Teacher Nominations Open – 2024 Education Excellence Awards
Award nominations are open for the third annual Educational Excellence Awards Gala on Friday, September 6. Nominate an excellent educator here by Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. ET. All certified Indiana teachers are eligible. Contact the Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
NEW: Support for schools below 70% passing on IREAD-3
As outlined in IC 20-32-8.5-2, public schools where fewer than 70% of students achieved a passing score on IREAD-3 must provide curriculum based on science of reading, employ an instructional coach trained in science of reading, administer IREAD-3 in grade two, and use IDOE-approved formative assessments the 2024-2025 school year. Schools and districts that would like additional support should register for the Indiana Literacy Cadre by Wednesday, May 1. Please see this memo for more details. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with questions.
REMINDER: Early Literacy Endorsement 80 Hours of Professional Development Requirement
Information regarding how educators with an existing prekindergarten through grade six or special education license can obtain the 80 hours of professional development required to add the Early Literacy Endorsement can be found here. Please contact IDOE'S Literacy Center 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 by Friday, May 24. Contact Anne Marie Milligan with any questions.
REMINDER: Nominate an Educator for Teacher of the Year
The Indiana Teacher of the Year Program works to inspire, rejuvenate, and celebrate the teaching profession by recognizing outstanding teachers from across the state. Local schools are encouraged to participate in an annual selection process and local Teacher(s) of the Year are encouraged to complete the state application process by Friday, July 5. Find more information on the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process here. Contact intoy@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Applications for Spanish Visiting Teacher Program
Find details for 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: 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: Nominations Open for the Indiana History Teacher of the Year Award
In partnership with IDOE, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History awards the Indiana History Teacher of the Year title each year in its effort to promote the study and love of American history. State winners are then considered for the National History Teacher of the Year award. For more information about the nomination process and to nominate an Indiana history teacher, click here. Nominations must be submitted by Tuesday, April 30. Contact Anne Marie Milligan with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana STEM Educator Expansion Program (I-STEM) Registration Now Available
IDOE is partnering 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 but hold a bachelor’s degree, to become licensed to teach in a STEM content area. Eligible STEM content areas are life science, chemistry, earth/space science, physics, physical science, computer science, technology education, and mathematics. Learn more and register here. Contact the Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Tuition Support
Please see this memo regarding the April Tuition Support payment. Contact IDOE’s Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Common School Advancements
IDOE’s Office of School Finance is now accepting applications for construction and technology loans from school corporations and school corporation career and technical education schools. To be considered, applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, April 19. Applications can be found in the Public School Finance Community in Moodle under Common School Funds > Spring. Contact commschofund@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: ESSER III Subrecipient Awards
In order to maximize Indiana’s federal relief dollars to best support student learning, IDOE will review all subrecipient awards funded using ESSER III beginning today, Friday, April 12. Subrecipients should ensure reimbursement requests are submitted as soon as possible to bring project reimbursements up to date and accurately reflect the work completed thus far. Any subrecipient that has not spent what would reasonably be expected by today, Friday, April 12, will be required to provide supporting documentation to ensure funds will be fully utilized during the contract or grant period. The subrecipient may have its award re-evaluated and could see a reduction in funding. IDOE will contact the subrecipients required to provide additional information. IDOE will perform additional rounds of evaluation in June and August. Please note that the ESSER III LEA formula grants will not be impacted. Contact Tracy Brown or Derek Deuth with any questions.
UPDATE: Next Generation School Improvement Grant (Next Gen SIG)
Applications for the Next Gen SIG are open through Friday, May 24. This is a competitive multi-year, multi-million dollar grant, and must include a well-developed vision and intentional strategic plan to innovate or transform the educational experience for your students and their community. Eligibility for this grant extends to all schools currently identified for comprehensive support and improvements (CSI) and targeted support and improvements (TSI) under Indiana’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan. Interested school officials can read more about the grant program in this memo. A list of eligible schools can be found here. A PDF version of the application can be found here for your review prior to filling out the JotForm. Please review the scoring rubric that will be used to evaluate the application before filling out the application. Contact IDOE's Office of School Support and Transformation with any questions.
NEW: Crossing the Finish Line 2024
For the fourth consecutive year, high schools across the state are partnering with IDOE, the Commission for Higher Education (CHE), and higher education institutions to help more students earn a credential of value. Research shows that increased levels of educational attainment positively impact students’ future quality of life, health, living wage, employment, and sustained earning. Through Crossing the Finish Line, eligible students can receive free tuition and books at Ivy Tech or Vincennes University. Many eligible students have already begun spring 2024 courses so that they can earn a credential prior to graduation. Guidance from IDOE regarding how to sign your students up for summer 2024 courses with Ivy Tech and Vincennes University will be shared directly with schools in the coming weeks. Contact the Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with questions.
REMINDER: High Ability Grant Application
The High Ability Program Grant Application opens to all public and public charter LEAs on Monday, April 15, and closes at the end of the day on Wednesday, May 1. Superintendents and high ability coordinators will receive their LEA’s allocation letter and application JotForm link via email on Monday, April 15. Contact IDOE’s High Ability team with any questions.
REMINDER: American Rescue Plan - Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) Remaining Balance
Funds appropriated under ARP-HCY I & II are available for obligation until Monday, September 30. The drawdown window of obligated ARP-HCY I & II funds is 120 days, or January 30, 2025 (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.344(b)). Indiana school districts must report expenditures monthly in order for IDOE to maintain accurate reporting of dollars spent and dollars available. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with questions.
REMINDER: 3E Grant Amendments
The 3E Grant amendments deadline is Friday, May 31. Any grantee seeking to amend their approved budget must submit an amendment form to IDOE prior to this deadline. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities to receive a copy of your amendment form or with any questions.
REMINDER: 2024-2025 McKinney-Vento Subgrant Application Open
The 2024-2025 McKinney-Vento Subgrant Application is open through Friday, April 26. The McKinney-Vento subgrant provides funding to local educational agencies (LEAs) to support the unique needs and challenges that homeless children and youth face when enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. The McKinney-Vento subgrant contract runs from October 1 through September 30 each year. Please contact IDOE's McKinney-Vento team for support.
REMINDER: 2024-2025 Locally Created Pathway (LCP) Application Open
The application for new LCPs is open for any LEAs who seek approval for a new LCP beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. Additional information about LCPs can be found on the Graduation Pathways webpage. Contact IDOE's Student Pathways team with any questions.
REMINDER: Upcoming PREPaRE Workshops
IDOE, in collaboration with Project AWARE, is providing training opportunities for school personnel using the National Association of School Psychologists’ PREPaRE model. These workshops will provide school personnel with comprehensive training on how to establish and serve on school crisis response teams.
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PREPaRE Workshop 1: Two regional one-day workshops will be offered to school mental health professionals, administrators, and security officers from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. local time, on Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, August 15. Workshop 1 emphasizes the unique needs and functions of school safety and crisis response teams and the important steps needed to develop cohesive and sustainable teams that integrate school personnel and community service provider roles. The focus of the workshop will explore how to prepare for school crises by developing, exercising, and evaluating crisis preparedness plans. Register here. Space is limited.
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PREPaRE Workshop 2: Three regional two-day workshops will be offered to all professionals within districts who provide mental health crisis intervention services from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. local time. Workshop 2 teaches participants how to prevent and prepare for psychological trauma, help to reaffirm both the physical health of members of the school community and students’ perceptions that they are safe and secure, evaluate conduct psychological triage, respond to the psychological needs of the school community utilizing a multitiered approach, and examine the effectiveness of school crisis intervention and recovery efforts. Participants must be able to attend both days. The first will be held in Indianapolis on Monday, May 6, and Friday, May 10, the second in La Porte on Tuesday, June 11, and Wednesday, June 12, and the third in Bedford on Wednesday, August 28, and Thursday, August 29. Registration closes on Friday, April 19, for the Indianapolis sessions. Learn more here and register here. Space is limited.
Contact Terri Miller with any questions.
NEW: Part B Reimbursement Request Updates
IDOE has implemented new fiscal monitoring for Part B funds. Reimbursement requests must be submitted within one month of expenses on the first or 15th of the month. Corporations, cooperatives, and interlocals are no longer permitted to keep reimbursement requests open until the end of the award period. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with questions.
NEW: Required Multi-Factor Verification for Indiana IEP (IIEP) & Indiana ILP (IILP)
To continue to ensure the safety and security of IIEP and IILP, as of Monday, April 15, all users who log in directly to either system (i.e., users who do not access the system via the LINK Portal) must use multi-factor authentication. Upon entering their username and password, users will be prompted to enter how they wish to be authenticated (e.g, email, text). Simply enter the code provided by the method selected and proceed into the system as usual. Administrators may contact Public Consulting Group (PCG) via Zendesk ticket with any issues. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
REMINDER: Required Part B Proportionate Share Office Hours
IDOE’s Office of Special Education Part B fiscal team will be hosting mandatory office hours to assist LEAs with proportionate share balances or are planning to complete a Proportionate Share Release (Waiver). The fiscal year (FY) 2023 611 and 619 grants will close on Monday, September 30. This forum will answer questions and provide support for LEAs to expend funds for students with disabilities parentally placed in a non-public or homeschool setting.
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Paraprofessional Training Grant Application and Office Hours
IDOE is offering a grant opportunity to school corporations, charter schools, and state schools to guarantee that paraprofessionals, as defined in 511 Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) 7-32-69, receive training to assist students with disabilities. The grant application closes Friday, May 3. IDOE will host two open office hours to assist the field in completing these grant applications. Join the sessions below for assistance:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
REMINDER: 2024-2025 Auditory Verbal Accelerated (AVA) Funding Now Open
The application for fiscal year (FY) 2025 AVA funding is open and can be found in the Moodle Office of Special Education Community. Find funding guidance here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Aspiring Special Education Leadership Institute (ASELI) Applications Now Open
The Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE) developed ASELI, a one-year leadership development program that prepares a diverse group of educators for special education leadership roles to improve outcomes for all students. ASELI is currently accepting applications for cohort five. ASELI is composed of teachers, school psychologists, counselors, and principals from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds who aspire to be special education administrators and are committed to a career in special education leadership. ASELI is not available for currently-licensed special education directors. Contact ICASE or IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Special Education Excess Cost (SEEC) Funding Updates
IDOE will be unable to process any new requests for SEEC funding contracts from Friday, March 29, through Sunday, June 30, the start of the 2025 fiscal year. LEAs can submit applications for SEEC funding during this period, but contracts for any funds that are granted will not be processed until after Monday, July 1. LEAs should continue paying all vendor invoices. Following contract execution, LEAs will receive notification and may submit invoices for payment. Expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the authorized contract once all supporting documentation is provided, demonstrating that the LEA’s share of cost has been paid. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
NEW: Fall 2024 Opt-In Early Learning Assessment System - Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA)
As part of Indiana’s new system to measure and support kindergarten readiness, Indiana’s KRA for children in kindergarten will be available to all public, charter, and non-public schools as an opt-in assessment for fall of 2024. Schools may opt in beginning in early May; details will be provided in Dr. Jenner’s Weekly Update. The opportunity for early child care providers to opt in to administration of ISPROUT to children in ages five and under will be forthcoming later this year. Join IDOE for several informational sessions in the Indiana Learning Lab in the coming weeks, and contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
NEW: Social Studies Frameworks for Economics, U.S. Government, and U.S. History Now Available
IDOE developed new frameworks in alignment with the streamlined 2023 Indiana Academic Standards (IAS) for Economics, U.S. History, and U.S. Government to support educators with standards implementation. Frameworks provide key areas of focus such as academic vocabulary, clarification statements, and instructional resources. Educators can access the 2023 Social Studies Frameworks collection in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: Indiana Library Foundation on Read-Alouds Part Two
Join the Indiana Library Foundation on Thursday, April 18, from 4 to 4:45 p.m. ET, for part two of The Road to Lifelong Literacy: The Art of Reading Aloud. Educators and librarians will learn about Scarborough’s Reading Rope and the benefits of incorporating read-alouds into their classrooms and programs. Register here or on the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with any questions.
NEW: Science of Reading Experts Explain Series Continues
Join IDOE and The Reading League Indiana from noon to 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 18, for The Role of School Leaders in implementing Evidence-Aligned Reading Instruction, with Ernesto Ortiz. Register and view previous sessions in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with any questions.
NEW: Indiana Course Access Portal (iCAP) Reimbursement
IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning is offering an opportunity for schools to apply to receive up to $50,000 in reimbursement for students enrolling in Indiana Course Access Portal (iCAP) courses for the 2024-2025 school year. iCAP currently offers over 200 course options to help high schools meet students’ individual needs and expand learning opportunities. iCAP is intended to be supplementary with students remaining enrolled in their main school. Please see this memo for more information on the opportunity. Applications close on Friday, April 26, and applicants can ask questions at the optional office hours on Tuesday, April 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: April Professional Development (PD) with IDOE
April PD with IDOE sessions continue on Wednesday, April 17, with AI Literacy to Help Prepare My School For a World of AI led by Jennifer Ehehlat, Common Sense Education and Alison Schlotfeldt, Indiana Connected Educators. View a full list of April 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: Digital Learning Coach Grant Application Now Open
Applications for the 2024-2025 Digital Learning Coach Grant are open until Friday, April 19, at 5 p.m. ET. This competitive grant opportunity supports the professional development of individuals who spend at least half of their contracted time in a digital learning coaching role. See this memo for additional information. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: 2024 Summer of Learning Conferences
IDOE’s Summer of Learning Conferences offer educators opportunities to connect with technology-enhanced pedagogy related to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility, science of reading, integrated STEM standards, academic recovery, designing virtual and blended learning experiences, and more. Eleven conference host sites were selected through the Summer of Learning Grant process. View the conference schedule on IDOE’s Digital Learning and Professional Development webpage. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: April Coffee Chat
Join IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support to discuss the pre-application on Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m. ET, at the April Coffee Chat on Microsoft Teams. Contact IDOE’s Title I team with questions or suggestions for future topics.
NEW: Budget Agency Presents Grants Management Workshop
Members of the Budget Agency’s Grants Management Team conducted two grants management workshops on Tuesday, April 9. The workshops introduced participants to eCivis, Indiana’s new grants management system. Participants set up their eCivis accounts and got acquainted with the system by submitting an application to a sample grant solicitation. The workshop slide deck is available here. For training materials, technical support, and other information about eCivis, please visit the Indiana State Budget Agency website.
NEW FROM KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: K-12 Reading Instruction Conference
Join Keep Indiana Learning on Thursday, June 13, in Lebanon for the 2024 Reading Summit – a K-12 comprehensive reading instruction conference dedicated to delving into the core principles of science of reading. This conference will feature three national keynote speakers and a large number of local literacy experts. This summit aims to equip educators, literacy specialists, and reading enthusiasts with strategies to foster effective reading instruction. Learn more and register here. Contact Keep Indiana Learning with questions.
NEW FROM CODE.ORG: National District Program to Expand K-12 Computer Science
Code.org is leading a movement to ensure that K-12 students are equipped to adapt to the realities of a rapidly evolving knowledge economy. Recognizing that emerging technologies will continue to transform daily life, Code.org is offering an opportunity for district leaders to connect, learn, and share best practices for sustainable computer science implementation. Districts will be recognized nationally for their commitment to computer science and will receive an implementation planning toolkit, access to computer science participation data for their district, and access to exclusive webinars with other districts on topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The program does not require any commitment to exclusively use Code.org. Interested districts can learn more and enroll here. Contact Code.org with any questions.
NEW FROM THE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL LEARNING AND PURDUE UNIVERSITY: Early Childhood Educator & Family Feedback Wanted
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For providers or educators in Indiana’s early care and education (ECE) system: You are invited to participate in the Preschool Development Grant Needs Assessment Data Collection (IRB-2023-1076) conducted by researchers at Purdue University. The aim of this project is to learn more about the availability, affordability, and quality of ECE programs in Indiana serving children from birth to age five. Your unique experiences in Indiana’s birth-to-five programs are extremely important to help us better understand the needs of educators/providers when it comes to working in the ECE field. Participants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. To begin, please complete the consent form, and you’ll be directed to the survey immediately afterwards. All information shared about your experiences and perspectives will be kept confidential. Contact Jennifer Finders with any questions.
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For parents or caregivers to a child aged five or younger: You are invited to participate in the Preschool Development Grant Needs Assessment Data Collection (IRB-2023-1076) conducted by researchers at Purdue University. The aim of this project is to learn more about the availability, affordability, and quality of child care programs in Indiana serving children from birth to age five. Your unique experiences in Indiana’s ECE programs are extremely important to help us understand how to improve access and quality of child care for children ages birth to five. Participants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. To begin, please complete the consent form, and you’ll be directed to the survey immediately afterwards. All information share about your experiences and perspectives will be kept confidential. Contact Jennifer Finders with any questions.
NEW FROM PILOT LIGHT: 2024-2025 Food Education Fellowship
Pilot Light created the Food Education Fellowship to invest in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 teacher leaders who are committed to bringing food education to their students. In addition to integrated food education lessons, fellows will partner with an individual or organization in the food space to support student-led advocacy work within their classrooms. Learn more about the fellowship here. Pilot Light will hold a virtual office hour about the fellowship on Wednesday, May 1, at 5 p.m. ET. Register here to learn more. Contact Caitlin Arens at Pilot Light with any questions.
NEW FROM CONSULTANTS FOR HIGH ABILITY: High Ability Boot Camp
The two-day High Ability Boot Camp with Dr. Ginny Burney and Dr. Kristie Speirs-Neumeister will share practical ideas for serving high ability students. Contact Consultants for High Ability with any questions.
NEW FROM STARLING MINDS: Free Digital Mental Health Support for School Counselors
The Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC), Counselor Connect, and Starling Minds are partnering to offer Indiana school counselors free access to a digital mental health support and training program! This program, a digital champion for getting mentally fit, can help build resilience to stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression. To learn more, view the recorded webinar.
REMINDER FROM CHE: Career Discovery Meetings Webinar
CHE will conduct a webinar to review the new Career Discovery Meetings (CDM) that juniors and seniors must complete once a year as part of HEA 1002-2023. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 24, at 1 p.m. ET. Registration is not required and participants can join the webinar here. Submit questions before the webinar at this link. For those unable to attend, the webinar will be recorded and the recording will be available following the webinar upon request. Contact Jose Medina with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS (IASP): IASP Seeks Nominations for Honorees
The Indianapolis Indians are excited to announce Teacher Appreciation Night on Saturday, May 4. Partnering with the Indiana Association of School Principals and Teachers Treasures, the Indians are seeking one nomination from each school from the principal. Three teachers from each school level of kindergarten through grade five, intermediate/middle school, and high school will be honored during the pregame ceremonies on Saturday, May 4. Nominate a teacher from your school here by Sunday, April 14. Contact Tiffany Barrett with any questions.
REMINDER FROM GET YOUR TEACH ON: Register now to attend the Indiana Educator Celebration
Get Your Teach On is hosting an Indiana Educator Celebration in partnership with IDOE on Friday, May 31 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Attendees can expect giveaways, food, keynote speakers, special guests, and much more. Register here. Contact Anne Marie Milligan with any questions.
REMINDER FROM INDIANA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION (ISBA): School Board Candidate 101 Webinars
ISBA is hosting a series of four live webinars free of charge for anyone considering running for school board. ISBA will provide resources to support individuals who decide to run for a school board seat, including an election procedures legal memo, a school board candidate resource guide, and a FAQ resource. The first webinar, focused on understanding school board roles and responsibilities, is scheduled for Thursday, May 9. As a reminder, this year’s window to file as a candidate for school board is Tuesday, May 21, through Thursday, June 20. Learn more and register here.
REMINDER FROM CHE: Indiana’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Priority Deadline is Quickly Approaching
CHE encourages all high school seniors and current or prospective college students to submit their FAFSA by Monday, April 15. Earlier this year, CHE announced a 60% completion goal for the high school graduating class of 2024. CHE’s Outreach Coordinators are available to assist students and families in the filing process. Contact your region’s Outreach Coordinator with questions.
REMINDER FROM KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: College and Career Counseling at the Elementary Level
Keep Indiana Learning is hosting a virtual professional development focused on college and career counseling at the elementary-level on Wednesday, April 24, at 11:30 a.m. ET. Learn more and register here.
REMINDER FROM COLLEGE BOARD: AP Precalculus Webinar
College Board will host a Zoom webinar on Wednesday, April 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. ET, or 3 to 4 p.m. ET to share AP Precalculus details for the 2024-2025 school year. Participants will learn how AP Precalculus supports Indiana’s Grad Pathways, aligns to state standards, meets higher education credit policies, and compares to Dual Credit coursework in precalculus and trigonometry. Click here to register for the morning session or here for the afternoon session. The information covered will be the same in each session.
REMINDER FROM TEACH PLUS: Indiana Policy Fellowship Applications Open
Applications for the 2024-2025 Indiana Policy Fellowship are open through Sunday, April 21. This highly selective leadership opportunity is a paid fellowship for outstanding Indiana teachers looking to deepen their knowledge of education policy, learn more about the education landscape, and advocate for their students and the teaching profession. Nominate a teacher here and apply here. To learn more please register to attend an information session:
Contact Kimberly Nguyen with any questions.
REMINDER FROM AP-TIP: AP Summer Institute
The 2024 AP Summer Institute sponsored by AP-TIP will be from 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.
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