Growing up, I vividly remember spending the evenings of Teacher Appreciation Week baking cookies with my mom. While it was a small token of appreciation to provide some homemade treats and a personal note to my teachers, it was certainly a big, heartfelt thank you for the major impact they had on me.
As a mom myself, I have continued that tradition with my own daughters— although, instead of baking cookies, we’ve added our own twist… Derby pies! In celebration of our teachers (and the approaching Kentucky Derby!), we make Derby pies each year and also order some pizzas for lunch. If you aren’t familiar with Derby pie, it’s like a pecan pie, but better, because it has chocolate too…and it’s absolutely delicious! We’ll be baking most of the weekend for a Monday morning delivery. I’m sure the students and families in your community will have some special, well-deserved things going on for you too–ENJOY your week!
Today, I’m sharing a short video that highlights the incredible impact our teachers have each and every day… and it’s from the voices of the number one reason we’re all here, our students. To all of our Indiana teachers, THANK YOU for teaching, supporting, and loving our students! Check out the video below.
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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.
REMINDER: 2024-2025 Corporation Amendments
The 2024-2025 school year corporation amendment window is open through Friday, August 30. Corporations and schools with school profile changes should submit a corporation amendment request with supporting documentation via Jotform. Information regarding submission can be found here. Corporations and schools without any school profile changes do not need to submit a request. Contact IDOE’s Office of Accountability with any questions.
NEW: Preparing for the IREAD-3 Summer Retest
Final results are now available for the IREAD-3 Spring 2024 administration, and students in grades three or above who did not pass must prepare to participate in the IREAD-3 Summer Retest, which opens Monday, May 13. Orders may be placed for students who require accommodated paper testing materials through Friday, June 7. Staff involved with the IREAD-3 Summer Retest may attend the following question and answer (Q&A) sessions as they prepare for the administration.
Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: Naturalization Examination Requirements
Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-30-5-7(d), students must take the naturalization examination from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during the student’s high school U.S. government course. Corporations must report data from this testing to IDOE annually by Sunday, June 30, for the previous school year. Learn more here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana Purple Star School Application Now Available
The Indiana Purple Star School Designation honors schools that have displayed a significant commitment to service members, veterans, and students and families connected to our nation’s military. The 2024 application is now open through Monday, September 2. Learn about the requirements and apply here. Contact Lily Brown with any 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. Submit questions here.
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. Copies of both the presentation, as well as the recording of the informational webinar to understand the early literacy endorsement and educator supports can be accessed at your convenience. These links are also available on IDOE’s Literacy Development webpage Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with additional questions.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 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: 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: 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.
NEW: State Guidance for Indiana Schools Regarding New Federal Title IX Regulations
Last Friday, the federal government sent out a nearly 1,600-page unofficial version of the final Title IX regulations to be implemented in August 2024. IDOE is currently working with legal counsel to review these new regulations, which among other things expands the definition of “sex” in Title IX. At initial review, these draft regulations will undoubtedly have major implications for Indiana schools and students and will likely be subject to legal challenges. Therefore, we are advising schools not to change their existing policies.
REMINDER: National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 8
Wednesday, May 8, is National School Nurse Day – a day to honor school nurses as they consistently make a difference in the lives of students. As this school year comes to a close, please recognize and honor your school nurses for the extraordinary work they have done to care for your school community.
School Celebration Ideas:
- Recognize the school nurse with mementos of appreciation (i.e. - gift card, flowers, lunch).
- Have students make cards for the school nurse.
- Include information about School Nurse Day in school communications.
- Have the school principal present the school nurse with a certificate of appreciation.
- Provide year-round support to the school nurse for accessing professional development opportunities.
REMINDER: Crossing the Finish Line 2024
For the fourth consecutive year, Crossing the Finish Line, is providing free tuition and books at Ivy Tech or Vincennes University for students who are just a few credits away from earning the Indiana College Core or another credential of value, such as an associate degree, technical certificate, or another short- or longer-term credential. Direct outreach from Ivy Tech and Vincennes University to school counselors, as well as eligible students, began earlier this year to support as many students as possible to complete their credential. With summer classes quickly approaching, many students have already enrolled, and we appreciate your ongoing partnership to encourage more students and families to take advantage of this free opportunity. Learn more about the program at Ivy Tech or Vincennes University, and contact IDOE’s Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with 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. An amendment request must be submitted to the IDOE if a school district would like to modify their approved ARP HCY budget. LEAs must receive approval of their amendment from IDOE before the implementation of any changes. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with questions.
REMINDER: Benefits and Considerations of Purchasing a Vehicle with ARP-HCY Funds
High rates of mobility and lack of reliable transportation contribute to academic challenges and extremely high chronic absenteeism rates. While the McKinney-Vento Act provides educational protections for students experiencing homelessness, including specific transportation requirements, transportation remains one of the biggest unmet needs for students experiencing homelessness. ARP-HCY provides an opportunity to meet transportation needs through more flexible uses of funding, including vehicle purchases. Please see this two-pager from SchoolHouse Connection for some key considerations for LEAs. 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.
NEW: Monthly Webinars
IDOE’s Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement is launching a series of monthly webinars taking place through the remainder of 2024. In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re kicking off this series with a conversation about student mental health on Friday, May 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. Register here. Contact IDOE's Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement with any questions.
REMINDER: Elementary School Counseling Grant
Indiana Code 20-20-17 provides guidelines for the allocation of funds to schools serving students in kindergarten through grade six for the purpose of “addressing a documented need for a new or expanded school intervention or career counseling program.” The revised annual competitive grant will award to each selected school totals of up to $15,000 for two school calendar years (up to $7,500 per semester) to be applied to the education costs (tuition) for a current elementary-level teacher at an approved post-secondary school counselor preparation program. Please see the full grant guidance document here for further information and to apply. Applications are open through Friday, May 24. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement with any questions.
NEW: Indicator 13 Monitoring Updates
Transition Individualized Education Program (IEP) reviews are under way for rotation group one of Indicator 13 monitoring. A common issue is that information is being copied and pasted from year-to-year with no updates. The most current annual IEP is compared with the previous annual IEP to ensure that all transition sections are being informed by new assessments, transition services, and goals. Each section must be individualized to the student, including the steps being taken to ensure that they can be successful in their desired career. Local educational agencies (LEAs) will begin to receive notices in the coming weeks if issues with data arise. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: English Learner (EL) Exit Criteria Change Update
Earlier this year, IDOE submitted a state Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan amendment to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to allow Indiana’s criteria for students to exit EL status to be applied to 2024 WIDA ACCESS results. This request is awaiting formal approval, however, ED has permitted IDOE to begin providing technical assistance to schools to implement the change detailed here: Proposed Changes: Indiana’s EL Exit Criteria for 2023-2024 School Year. In this initial year of implementation, any exit criteria decisions made for eligible students using a portfolio of evidence will occur at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Upon formal ED approval, IDOE will release a memo and accompanying guidance prior to the upcoming school year. Please contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.
NEW: Dual Language Program Grant Application Open Through Friday, May 31
Applications for the 2024-2025 Dual Language Program grant are open through Friday, May 31. This grant is intended for corporations and charter schools interested in starting a pilot or expanding an existing dual language program. There are two different applications, one for newer programs and one for established programs. Learn more about program requirements, funding amounts, how to apply, and see a grant application walkthrough here. Applications and related documents must be submitted for new and existing programs here. Please contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.
REMINDER: Monthly New EL Director Professional Learning Community (PLC)
New directors of EL programs are welcome to join IDOE’s PLC to network with other stakeholders, access timely program information, and bring questions. The final session of the school year will be Tuesday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. E.T. The meeting link and details can be found on the EL PD Opportunities Calendar. Please contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with 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.
REMINDER: RoboKind Grant Opportunity School Year 2024-2025
IDOE is offering the RoboKind Grant opportunity for selected corporations or schools to purchase robotic technology and provide professional development endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) to improve the social and behavioral skills for students with autism. Successful applicants will receive the curriculum, humanoid robot, applicable training, and infrastructure support at no charge to the district. Information, applications, and the budget form can be found here. Please email the signed application and budget to robokind@doe.in.gov. Contact robokind@doe.in.gov with additional questions.
NEW: Celebrate the Day of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Join IDOE and educators from across the world to celebrate the Day of AI on Monday, May 13. IDOE will host four short workshops to share AI guidance, tips for teaching with AI, and resources that educators can begin to use to incorporate AI literacy in their classrooms. Learn more here and register to participate in the Indiana Learning Lab or in the LINK Portal. This AI guidance document also shares key considerations related to AI and education. It is designed to be easy to unpack, encourage conversation about each of the key topics, and includes resources for further learning. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: On-Demand Professional Development (PD) with IDOE
Throughout the school year, IDOE hosts PD with IDOE on a variety of topics. April’s workshops are all available on demand:
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: May PD with IDOE
May PD with IDOE sessions continue next week, on Wednesday, May 8, with Quality Mathematics for Classroom Assessments (Featuring New ILEARN Item Specifications) led by IDOE STEM Specialist, Dana Hartzell. View a full list of May 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: The Science of Reading is For All Learners: Supporting Gifted and High Ability Readers
Join Dr. Amanda Nickerson in the Indiana Learning Lab on Wednesday, May 15, at 4 p.m. ET for The Science of Reading is for All Learners: Supporting Gifted and High Ability Readers. This live session will provide a brief overview of reading science. Dr. Nickerson will also examine differentiated evidenced-based instruction and consider how to intensify core instruction for gifted and twice-exceptional learners. Register here. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with questions.
UPDATE: 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 will be available to all public, charter, and non-public schools as an opt-in assessment for fall 2024 kindergarten students. The opt-in window is now open through Monday, July 15. ISPROUT will continue to be required for children in special education for ages three through five, but will also be available as an opt-in assessment for fall 2024 as well. The opt-in window for this opportunity is also now open. Previously recorded informational sessions are available, and two additional live ISPROUT sessions will be held on Monday, May 13, and Friday, May 17. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
REMINDER: High-Quality Curricular Materials Review Committee Applications Now Open
IDOE seeks qualified educators and other stakeholders to serve on high-quality curricular materials review committees for Early Learning Integrated (infant/toddler, preschool, and mixed age groups) and Early Learning Supplemental (student wellbeing, mathematics, science, literacy, handwriting, and family engagement). View this flier and memo for more information and apply using the educator Jotform or community member Jotform. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
REMINDER: Building Foundations Series for Early Childhood Educators
Join IDOE and educators from around the state in the Indiana Learning Lab on Thursday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m. ET for the Building Foundations Series, to uncover how play is instrumental in developing foundational knowledge of the Early Learning Standards for young children, as well as how to adapt your activities for special populations. Early learning educators and administrators are invited to register for all sessions in the series:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with questions.
REMINDER: Meaningful Early Math Experiences Series for Early Childhood Educators
Join Ryan Flessner, Professor of Teacher Education at Butler University, for a professional development series on meaningful early math experiences. Gain deeper knowledge about Indiana’s early learning mathematics standards and walk away with easy-to-implement ideas you can use in your learning environment the following day. Session topics include:
All sessions will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. ET in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with additional questions.
REMINDER: 2024-2025 Public and State-Accredited Non-Public School Reading Plan and Dyslexia Reporting Submissions Due Sunday, June 30
IDOE’s Literacy Center has released 2024 Reading Plan Guidance and Dyslexia Reporting. IC 6.2-3.1 requires all public schools and state-accredited non-public schools with students enrolled in kindergarten through grade three to submit an elementary reading plan to IDOE by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 30. Schools must complete the applicable form:
In addition to the reading plan, IC 20-35.5 requires all public schools to report dyslexia screening data from the current 2023-2024 school year. State-accredited non-public schools are not required to submit data but have the option to report. The submission window is open through Sunday, June 30. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with additional questions.
REMINDER: 2023-2024 Charter School Dyslexia Reporting Submissions Due Sunday, June 30
The Literacy Center has released 2024 Reading Plan Guidance and Dyslexia Reporting. IC 20-35.5 requires all charter schools with students enrolled in kindergarten through grade two to submit a dyslexia data report to IDOE by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 30. Charter schools will use this form for dyslexia reporting. Schools will complete the submission using data from the 2023-2024 school year. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with additional questions.
NEW: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Federal Grants Pre-Application Available
The FY 2025 Federal Grants Pre-Application ("Pre-App") is now available via Moodle. Please ensure that you are enrolled in the "Title Grants Pre-App" course to access the Pre-App document, as well as several key resources including required consultation forms. These documents have been made available as soon as possible due to feedback from the field; however, some resources connected to the Pre-App still require updates, including disparity reports and the April 2024 Coffee Chat recording.
Upon opening the Pre-App Microsoft Word document, you will be prompted to enter a password. Please open the “read only” version and save the document using the requested naming convention: "Corp#-Corp Name-Pre-Application-FY2025 (FFY2024)". This will allow you to edit all necessary sections. The FY 2025 Pre-Application should be submitted via JotForm no later than Monday, July 1. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Title Grants and Support (TGS) Quarterly Meeting
The TGS Quarterly Meeting will be on Thursday, May 9, at 10 a.m. ET. This meeting will cover several topics pertinent to various Title funding sources in the Title Grants team. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: TitleCon 2024 Professional Growth Plan (PGP) Certificates
Thank you to everyone that joined us at TitleCon 2024. We hope that you found some beneficial ideas and resources to support your federal programs. PGP certificates will be distributed to all attendees within the next week to the email used for registration. If you have not done so already, please complete the conference survey. Your feedback will be used to begin planning for TitleCon 2025. Contact Brittany Kronmiller with any questions.
NEW: Charter School Programs Quality Counts II Grant RFP Now Available
The RFP for the Charter School Programs Quality Counts II grant will be posted to Moodle by the end of the day today, Friday, May 3. While the application will not be live until Wednesday, May 15, interested applicants can review the RFP in advance starting today. Contact charterprograms@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA STATE BUDGET AGENCY: Grants Management System Implementation
IDOE’s implementation of Indiana’s new grants management system, eCivis, will wrap up this month. Following completion, IDOE’s grants will be managed in the new system. Remember, schools will apply for and manage their respective grants in eCivis as those grant programs’ funding cycles begin. The funding cycle schedule has not changed. Programs that have already been awarded will not be uploaded to eCivis. These “in flight” programs will be added to eCivis at the beginning of their next funding cycle. For training materials, technical support, and other information about eCivis, please visit the Indiana State Budget Agency website.
NEW FROM BUTLER UNIVERSITY: Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Comprehensive School Mental Health Framework Initiative
Butler University’s College of Education is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity for the Comprehensive School Mental Health Initiative. The initiative aims to support Indiana schools in developing a comprehensive approach to addressing the mental health needs within the school community. This RFP seeks responses from school corporations and charter schools interested in a Comprehensive School Mental Health Framework grant. Applicants should note that although there are no minimum fund matching requirements, a sustainability plan is required to demonstrate a long-term commitment to this work. Further, funds awarded through this RFP are intended to supplement, not supplant, any existing funding currently addressing school mental health. Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. ET on Monday, June 10. Find more information, the full RFP document, and the application here.
NEW FROM THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY: Indy Autonomous Challenge at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Educators are invited to bring their high school students to the Innovation Showcase at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, September 6. This free event, held in conjunction with the Indy Autonomous Challenge, will provide students with the unique opportunity to learn more about STEM and the innovations behind autonomous vehicles up close, followed by a unique opportunity to watch these cars zoom around the famous oval track - without drivers! Click here to learn more about the Indy Autonomous Challenge. Click here to learn more and to register for free tickets. Contact IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
NEW FROM THE SOCIETY OF INDIANA PIONEERS: Society of Indiana Pioneers Teacher Grant and Awards Program
History educators are encouraged to apply for $500 field trip grants and $1,000 activity grants for the fall 2024 semester from the Society of Indiana Pioneers. These grants are intended to encourage the study of pioneer-era history. Recent grant winners have received funding for visits to the Old Fort Wayne in Fort Wayne, Mississinewa 1812, and Conner Prairie. Contact Andrea Neal with the Society of Indiana Pioneers with any questions.
NEW FROM KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: Virtual Math Workshops for Elementary Teachers and Coaches
Join Jessica Miller for two half-day, virtual PD opportunities next week. First, The Literacy in Mathematics workshop will help educators use what students already know from their literacy learning as they tackle new ideas in mathematics. The More than “Just” Math Facts workshop will then explore the strategies kids use as they work through stages of math fact development and consider how the strategies kids learn when tackling basic facts support them in more complex problems. Learn more and register today. Contact Keep Indiana Learning with questions.
NEW FROM STARTEDUP: Innovation Educator Fellowship is Now Accepting Applications
The STARTedUP Innovation Educator Fellowship is a professional development program designed to empower every educator with the framework and content needed to teach innovation and become hubs of real-world impact and opportunity by challenging their students to solve problems in their communities. The Fellowship connects teachers with year-round support from like-minded peers, exclusive networking opportunities, and all of the tools and resources needed to allow students to find passion and purpose by doing meaningful, real-world work in the classroom. Limited spots are available for the 2024 school year. Applications are due Friday, May 31. Learn more here. Contact fellowship@startedupfoundation.org with questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA SCHOOL COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION (ISCA): 2025 Indiana School Counselor Association Awards Nominations
Nominations for the 2025 Indiana School Counselor Association Awards are open through Sunday, June 2. ISCA would like to recognize exemplary school administrators, school counselors, and school support staff members, by nominating them for a 2025 ISCA Award. Award winners will be selected by the ISCA Awards committee and will be invited to attend the ISCA Fall Conference to receive their award. One school administrator and one support staff member will be selected as the 2025 Indiana state winners. The 2025 School Counselor of the Year winners will be selected for elementary, middle, and high school. ISCA also offers The Trailblazer Award, which will be given to a school counselor who has been in the profession between one and five years and is already making a significant impact. If you know of a school administrator, school support staff, or school counselor who is making a significant impact, we encourage you to nominate them by visiting one of the following links below and filling out the associated Google nomination form. More information about criteria for the annual ISCA Awards can be found here. Contact Timothy Adams with any questions.
NEW FROM THE LILLY ENDOWMENT: Renewal Grants for Indiana K-12 Educators
The Lilly Endowment is accepting applications for its Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program. This program supports educators throughout Indiana by providing resources for them to take time for meaningful renewal. The Endowment believes that through new experiences, exploration, and reflection educators can generate renewed energy in their careers, innovative approaches to teaching and educational leadership, and thoughtful ways to encourage students’ creative thinking. The Endowment expects to award approximately 125 grants, each totaling up to $15,000, in 2025. The application deadline is 5 p.m. EDT on Monday, September 9. Four information sessions will be held in 2024 on Thursday, May 16, Thursday, May 30, Thursday, August 8, and Tuesday, August 13. To learn more or register for one of these sessions, visit the Lilly Endowment website. Contact the Lilly Endowment with any questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (CHE): Indiana Ranks Top 10 in the Nation for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Completion
The latest data from the NCAN FAFSA Tracker ranks Indiana as the tenth state in the nation for both FAFSA submissions and completions for the high school graduating class of 2024 as of April 19. While Indiana’s priority deadline to file the FAFSA has passed, students can still complete the form. Financial aid will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The Commission’s Outreach Coordinators are available to assist students and families in the filing process. Send a direct message to your region’s Outreach Coordinator here. Hoosier families can also access free FAFSA help through INvestEd by email (outreach@investedindiana.org) or phone at 317-715-9007.
UPDATE FROM HIGH ABILITY BOOTCAMP: Change of Date
There is a change to the dates for the High Ability Boot Camp offered in August and September with Dr. Ginny Burney and Dr. Kristie Speirs-Neumeister. View the updated flyer here.
REMINDER FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (DWD): Early Childhood Education Next Level Jobs Employer Training Grant Webinar
Join DWD on Wednesday, May 8, at noon ET for an informative session about the Next Level Jobs Employer Training Grant designed to enhance educator training within your organization. This presentation aims to equip participants with essential knowledge on accessing the funding to elevate the skills and expertise of educators. Register here. If you have any issues registering, please contact Holly Meyer.
REMINDER 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.
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 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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