I know I have shared this in the past, and it still holds true…there are absolutely things that keep me up at night...whether it’s something that already happened, today’s running to-do list, or worrying about the future. One example is how to overcome the challenge of the number of Indiana students who cannot read. It really worries me…because not only does it impact our students today, but we know that by not having foundational reading skills, it will create significant lifelong obstacles.
We all know the alarming truth that if a student is not reading by third grade, they are less likely to graduate high school. And, while the negative impacts of illiteracy are alarming…the juxtaposition of what is possible when a student can read is a game changer.
In recent weeks, I have really appreciated listening and hearing from educators throughout our state. Whether it has been through a phone/Teams call, email, a more formal meeting, or catching up with a teacher at the soccer field or even in the parking lot after a school event (yes, this totally did happen with a good teacher friend!)....thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
Many educators shared that they are all in and are planning to or are already engaged in training that will better ensure all children can read. Some were inspired by the well-known reading podcast, Sold a Story, or the documentary, The Right to Read. Some signed up for the science of reading modules in the Indiana Learning Lab, the Indiana Literacy Cadre, and/or the Indiana Reading League (I signed up!). Some have completed LETRS or Orton-Gillingham training, and I could go on and on with examples. Thousands of Indiana teachers have already completed or are actively working on science of reading training. I try to say it often, but I know it’s never enough…thank you for all of your hard work and for caring so much about our students.
I’m grateful for the collective effort to balance the urgent need to overcome Indiana’s literacy crisis with our shared desire to increase flexibility for educators. Below I have summarized the major themes we have heard. This is a lot of information, but this work really matters for students, so I wanted you to hear the why directly from me.
As we listened, the majority of what we heard focused on four themes:
1) Synchronous vs. asynchronous training options;
2) Flexibility for teachers who have a PK-6 “parent license” but do not currently teach PK-5 literacy;
3) Concerns about the PRAXIS and what happens if a teacher does not pass; and
4) Requests for additional, no cost training options.
There are a number of other questions that are addressed in the linked FAQ (and we will add to this document as additional questions arise); however, today I want to specifically talk through the four outlined above.
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Synchronous vs. asynchronous training options
As we all work to juggle both our professional and personal obligations, many educators have expressed a desire to be able to complete science of reading training asynchronously, when it works for their schedule. I couldn’t agree more.
On July 1, a new law will go into effect which will allow the full 80 hours of required professional development to be completed asynchronously. In addition to the approved trainings, we are also actively working with Keys to Literacy to quickly build an asynchronous option that will be available this fall (after the effective date of the new law). We will be able to accommodate any teacher wishing to participate in the asynchronous option, including anyone who may have already registered but wishes to participate in this new option instead. More information on asynchronous training options can be found in the FAQ, and our team can answer any unique questions. Just email us at INLitCenter@doe.in.gov.
Our team is also working directly with educators and training providers to continuously update the list of approved training options (originally published in April) that some teachers have already completed through their school or independently over the past few months/years. This includes LETRS, Orton-Gillingham, the Indiana Literacy Cadre, as well as asynchronous training opportunities, to name a few. **Additional professional development opportunities are being reviewed as quickly as possible and on a rolling basis.
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Flexibility for teachers who have a PK-6 “parent license” but do not currently teach PK-5 literacy
We’ve had quite a few questions from current teachers who have a PK-6 “parent license” but do not teach PK-5 literacy. Several have expressed a desire to invest the time they would spend on this science of reading-focused professional development toward training that more directly aligns to their current content area.
Based on these conversations, we are adding increased flexibility to consider the variety of situations. An educator who holds a PK-6 parent license but teaches in a content area that does NOT involve literacy instruction for PK-5 students will NOT be required to earn the early literacy endorsement. In the future, if the educator does teach PK-5 literacy, they would be required to earn the early literacy endorsement in order to renew their license.
All Indiana educators are still welcome and strongly encouraged to participate in science of reading training (including, the free training through Keys to Literacy or the many other options available).
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Concerns about the PRAXIS and what happens if a teacher does not pass
Of the four themes outlined here, concerns about the Praxis exam have been the most common…and also the most tricky to solve. We continue to work extensively to expand the number of training options that teachers can apply toward the 80-hour requirement, and as that list grows, the need for a consistent, quality measure becomes even more important.
To take a step back, currently, Praxis content examinations are used as the measure of proficiency for making content additions to Indiana's professional educator licenses. For the early literacy endorsement in particular, the Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205) Praxis exam was chosen based on its strong alignment to the science of reading (per the National Council on Teacher Quality). Indiana is now one of several states and territories where the exam is used and all use the same cut score (159 or higher, which is 67 correct responses out of 107 possible raw points).We have hosted several meetings with educators on this topic, and we also commit to convening an educator advisory team specifically focused on exploring other potential ways to provide a consistent, quality measure that ensures we are best implementing science of reading practices.
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Additional, no cost training options
Last week, in response to the early demand, we announced additional training opportunities through Keys to Literacy for fall 2024 and spring 2025. Because PK-5 literacy teachers have three years or more to complete the requirements for the early literacy endorsement, some teachers have asked if there will be additional training opportunities beyond spring 2025.
Because the state budget runs on a two-year budget cycle (for example, 2021-2023, 2023-2025, and 2025-2027, etc.), the current training is funded through the conclusion of the current state budget. We will absolutely continue to advocate for sustained funding for free teacher literacy training when the General Assembly convenes in January to build the 2025-2027 budget.
As a reminder, the FAQ with additional information can be found here, and we will continue to add additional questions and answers as they arise.
Please continue to share your solution-ideas as we work together to ensure more Indiana students learn to read. As always, thank you for all that you do for our students!
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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.
NEW: ILEARN Biology and U.S. Government End-of-Course Assessments (ECAs) Online Testing Window Closes Today, Friday, May 17
The ILEARN Biology and U.S. Government ECA Spring 2024 online testing window closes today, Friday, May 17. Refer to the ILEARN and I AM ECA Participation Guidance for additional information. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment or the Indiana Assessment Help Desk with any questions.
NEW: IREAD-3 Summer Retest Window Now Open
The IREAD-3 Summer Retest is now open through Friday, June 28, for students in grades three and above who have not achieved a passing score on the assessment. Refer to the 2023-2024 IREAD-3 Milestones for deadlines pertaining to this window. Access IDOE’s IREAD-3 webpage for parent letter templates, frequently-asked questions, and more. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: Registration is now open for Get Your Teach On’s Summer Conferences for Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Educators
Get Your Teach On is pleased to offer four free conferences at locations throughout Indiana. Educators can attend a two-day Teacher Experience from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET each day. Leaders can attend a one-day Administrator Experience from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET on the first day of each conference.
- Monday, June 17, through Tuesday, June18 - Jasper
- Monday, June 20, through Tuesday, June 21 - Indianapolis
- Friday, June 24, through Saturday, June 25 - Brownsburg
- Monday, June 27, through Tuesday, June 28 - South Bend
Learn more and register here. Contact the Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
UPDATE: Teacher Nomination Deadline Extended – 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 26, at 9 p.m. ET. All certified Indiana teachers are eligible. Contact the Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Nominations Open for Distinguished Educators Recognition
IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent is looking for confidential recommendations of teachers representing the very best educators in Indiana. These emerging leaders must have between five and 15 years of experience, demonstrate leadership beyond the classroom, and positively impact school culture and student achievement. Superintendents and principals may submit recommendations here 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.
REMINDER: Common School Advancements Charter Schools
IDOE’s Office of School Finance is now accepting applications for construction and technology loans from charter schools. To be considered, applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, May 31. Applications can be found in the Public School Finance Community in Moodle under Common School Funds > Spring > Charter Schools. Contact commschofund@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Next Generation School Improvement Grant (Next Gen SIG)
Applications for the Next Gen SIG have been extended through Friday, May 31. 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.
REMINDER: Elementary School Counseling Grant
Indiana Code (IC) 20-20-17 provides guidelines for the allocation of funds to schools in Indiana school corporations 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 up to $15,000 to selected schools for two school 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. Grant applications will be reviewed by a committee. Please see the full grant guidance document here for further information and to apply. Applications are open now through Friday, May 24. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student, School and Family Engagement with any questions.
REMINDER: 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.
NEW: Call for Proposals - Elevating Education: Improving Outcomes for All Conference
IDOE and the IEP Technical Technical Assistance (TA) Center are seeking educators to showcase their knowledge and success by presenting at Elevating Education 2024: Improving Outcomes for All on Tuesday, December 3, and Wednesday, December 4, at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis and the Indiana Convention Center. Submit proposals here by Friday, June 28. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Parent Involvement Survey (Indicator 8) Data Requests
As the 2023-2024 school year comes to a close, school corporations are encouraged to see how many families participated in the parent involvement survey. Corporations can request parent survey results through this JotForm. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Aspiring Special Education Leadership Institute (ASELI) Applications for Mentors Now Open
ASELI is now accepting applications for Cohort 5 mentors for the 2024-2025 school year. This opportunity empowers interested experts to support aspiring special education professionals in Cohort 5 2024-2025. Apply by Friday, May 31. Contact the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE) or IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Indiana IEP (IIEP) Update from Public Consulting Group (PCG)
PCG will update IIEP on Friday, May 31, through the morning of Saturday, June 1. The update will be the addition of a new rule of completion (ROC) on the IEP/SP Process > Create IEP/SP page. If there are no parents or guardians with “Include on IEP Team” indicated on the parent info details page, then the system will no longer allow you to create a final Individualized Education Program (IEP) until the issue has been resolved. This update was developed because IEPs and service plans were being generated and not appearing on the Create IEP/SP page for users to finalize with a parent response. Contact your administrator with questions. Administrators can contact PCG’s helpdesk through the "Send Us A Message" button on their IIEP pages. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education for additional assistance.
NEW: Virtual English Learner (EL) Leadership Meeting on Thursday, June 6
IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education will host the final EL Leadership Meeting of the school year virtually from 10 to 11:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 6. This interactive meeting is intended for kindergarten through grade 12 EL leaders and administrators and will cover a variety of topics, including EL plans and grants, what to expect for the upcoming school year, and more. Registration is not required, and the meeting link can be found on the Indiana EL Professional Development Opportunities Calendar. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with any questions.
NEW: Summer IDOE WIDA Standards Workshops
IDOE will facilitate workshops on applying the WIDA English Language Development Standards to planning and instruction to best support academic language development of multilingual learners. This morning workshop will be repeated and offered in two locations: Monday, July 15, at Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, or Monday, July 22, at School City of Hammond. Educators, administrators, and paraprofessionals at all levels of WIDA Standards experience are encouraged to attend. Registration is required. Register here by Friday, June 21. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.
REMINDER: ASELI Applications Now Open
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 through Friday, May 31. 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 additional questions.
REMINDER: Required Office Hours for Cooperatives/Interlocals Sharing Staff
IDOE’s Office of School Finance and the Office of Special Education team will host mandatory office hours to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) that share staff with other LEAs. Cooperatives and Interlocals are required to attend this meeting. This forum will answer questions and provide support for LEAs to record expenditures properly on Form 9.
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: RoboKind Grant Opportunity - 2024-2025 School Year
Pursuant to recent legislation, IDOE offers the RoboKind Grant opportunity for selected corporations/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. Selected 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.
REMINDER: Dual Language Program Grant Application Closes Friday, May 31
Applications for the 2024-2025 Dual Language Program grant are open through Friday, May 31. This grant is intended for corporations or charters 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. For additional information on program requirements, funding amounts, how to apply, and a grant application walkthrough, see the Indiana Dual Language webpage. Applications and related documents must be submitted using this form. Please contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.
NEW: Computer Science Course Guidance for Schools
Pursuant to IC 20-32-4-18 (2024), IDOE and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) defined guidance to support schools in the implementation of the computer science course requirement. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning or CHE’s Office of Career and Technical Education with any questions.
NEW: 2024-2025 STEM Integration Grant Applications Open
The application window for the 2024-2025 STEM Integration Grant is open through 4 p.m. ET on Friday, June 7. This grant is designed to improve elementary and secondary student achievement and participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning experiences across the state of Indiana. Through these targeted funds, IDOE will help grantees enhance student success by accelerating students’ exposure to and learning in the STEM disciplines. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
NEW: 2024 STEM Certified Schools Announced
IDOE announced 20 schools as newly certified leaders in STEM education. This year’s cohort also includes four schools that renewed certifications, as well as 11 additional schools that are making strides to create an engaging STEM culture. A list and map of all STEM Certified schools can be found here. Schools interested in seeking STEM certification or recertification can learn more when the 2024-2025 STEM Certification Guidance becomes available in late May. Contact IDOE’s STEM Certification Team with any questions.
NEW: AI-Supported Alternative Education Grant
Approved alternative education programs are invited to apply for a grant opportunity to provide full-time enrolled students with access to an AI-powered platform intelligent tutoring system. Please see this memo for more information. A grant information session will be held on Wednesday, May 22, at 11 a.m. ET. Applications close on Friday, June 14, at 5.p.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registered Apprenticeship Approved
The U.S. Department of Labor approved IDOE’s application for a federally registered ECE apprenticeship program, making it the first of its kind in the state and one of 96 nationwide. Indiana’s ECE apprenticeship program provides increased entry points into the field and strengthens career pathways for early childhood educators by leveraging new competency-based, job-embedded workforce models to make ECE careers more attractive for high school and college students. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
NEW: Fall 2024 Opt-In Early Learning Assessment System - Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) and ISPROUT
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. Additional sessions will take place on Tuesday, June 4, from 9 to 10 a.m. ET for the KRA and 1 to 2 p.m. ET for ISPROUT. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
REMINDER: May PD with IDOE
May PD with IDOE sessions conclude on Wednesday, May 22, with Learning Lab Greatest Hits: 2023-2024 led by the IDOE Academics Team. 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.
REMINDER: 2024 Indiana Content Connectors Now Available
Updated Indiana Content Connectors, or Indiana’s Alternative Standards, are now available to align with the 2023 Indiana Academic Standards. IDOE engaged with committees of special and general educators and solicited public comment feedback to develop the 2024 Indiana Content Connectors for English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Social Studies, and Integrated STEM. Each set of content connectors (except Integrated STEM) designates some standards as “essential” for student mastery by the end of the grade or course. The Indiana State Board of Education adopted the new Content Connectors at the most recent meeting. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: 2024 Financial Literacy Correlation Guide Now Available
Pursuant to IC 20-30-5-19 (2023), each school corporation, charter school, and state-accredited non-public school must include instruction concerning personal financial responsibility in its high school curriculum. The new Financial Literacy Standards Correlation Guide presents correlations between the 2011 Indiana Academic Standards for Financial Literacy and the competencies of 4540 Personal Financial Responsibility, the Next Level Programs of Study (NLPS) course approved to support implementation of this course requirement. Review IDOE’s guidance for more details on this course requirement and IDOE’s Financial Literacy webpage for related documentation. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any 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 released the new 2024 Reading Plan and dyslexia reporting guidance. Indiana Administrative Code 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 close of business on Sunday, June 30. Schools will 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 Friday, April 5, through Sunday, June 30. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with additional questions.
REMINDER: 2023-2024 Charter School Dyslexia Reporting Submissions Due Sunday, June 30
IDOE’s Literacy Center released the new 2024 Reading Plan and dyslexia reporting guidance. 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 close of business 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. The submission window is open Friday, April 5, through Sunday, June 30. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with additional questions.
REMINDER: Kindergarten Educators Needed for Indiana Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (IKRA) Committee
Kindergarten educators are needed for item acceptance, standard setting, and reporting committees for the new IKRA. Committees will meet one to two times virtually in July, and stipends will be awarded for participation. Educators are invited to complete this JotForm to indicate their interest in this opportunity. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
REMINDER: 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. 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
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. The final session topic is Measurement on Monday, May 20, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with additional questions.
REMINDER: 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: May Coffee Chat
Join IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support on Teams to discuss eCivis, the new grants management system, during May’s coffee chat on Thursday, May 30, at 10 a.m. ET. May's topic will cover eCivis, our new grants management system. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions or topic suggestions.
NEW: 2024-2025 Title I Schoolwide Plan Approval Process Guidance
Please read this memo for more information on the process for Title I schools seeking to transition from a Targeted Assistance School (TAS) to a Schoolwide Program (SWP) for the 2024-2025 school year. To be approved for a SWP status, schools must submit an electronic Assurance of Schoolwide Plan. The assurance must be completed by Friday, June 28, prior to submission of the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Title I Application. You may review the list of approved schools to determine the status of currently approved schools operating as schoolwide programs. Contact Brittany Kronmiller with any questions.
NEW: Charter School Program (CSP) Quality Counts II - Cohort 1 Application Now Available
IDOE has launched the application for the first cohort of CSP Quality Counts II. The CSP Quality Counts II solicitation for application can be found here. To ensure quality applications, please be sure to review the budget worksheet and request for proposal (RFP), which outline the application requirements. These items can be found either in the solicitation for application linked above or on the IDOE Charter Schools Moodle. Contact CharterPrograms@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA STATE BUDGET AGENCY: Briefings on Grants Management System
The State Budget Agency is offering a series of 30-minute, virtual briefings on Indiana’s new grants management system, eCivis. The dates and times of those briefings are:
- Wednesday, May 29, at 1 p.m.
- Friday, May 31, at 10:00 a.m.
- Monday, June 3, at 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday, June 6, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, June 11, at 1 p.m.
- Friday, June 14, at 1 p.m.
Anyone interested in learning more about eCivis is invited to join and the content presented will be the same at each briefing. Please note that space could be limited on the Teams call if a particular date draws a large crowd. Those interested in attending can join via Microsoft Teams link. For training materials, technical support, and other information about eCivis, please visit the Indiana State Budget Agency website.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA MENTAL HEALTH ROUNDTABLE: Indiana Mental Health Roundtable Summit
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable invite you to this year's Indiana Mental Health Roundtable Summit in Collaboration with Riley Children's Health. With a focus on facilitating dynamic discussions, sharing innovative solutions, and inspiring collective action to propel tangible positive change in the mental health status of children, adolescents, and young adults, the Summit promises to be an empowering experience for all. The summit will take place on Wednesday, June 12, at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis. Prepare to be inspired by a range of thought leaders, advocates, and experts in the field of youth mental health. Plenary and breakout session topics will include the following: comprehensive mental health services in schools, tools for mental health care service providers, strengthening the behavioral health care workforce, and trends in Hoosier youth mental health. See full list of sessions and purchase tickets here.
REMINDER FROM KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: Embark on an Exploratory Journey with Teacher Industry Experiences in Indiana (TIE-IN)
Elevate your teaching and ignite your creativity with TIE-IN, an initiative designed to bridge the classroom with the dynamic world of industry. This program, brought to life through a partnership with IDOE and Central Indiana Educational Service Center’s Keep Indiana Learning team, is open to all licensed Indiana educators, including prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom teachers, counselors, media specialists, and instructional coaches. Learn more and register here. Contact Dr. Christy Hilton with any questions.
REMINDER 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.
REMINDER 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.
REMINDER 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.
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. 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.
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