Nearly every student has a dream for their future. For our students who know where they want to go next, as well as those who are still discovering the possibilities that could await them in the future, what an opportunity we have to help light that fire of purpose in every high school student.
As I continue to travel across Indiana and listen to thousands of stakeholders, it is clear that we must keep improving the high school experience to ensure that we are providing seamless connections and adequately preparing students for success on their unique future path. With additional flexibility in students’ junior and senior years, we are also hearing feedback on the importance of ensuring students have access to rigorous and purposeful learning opportunities, (both courses and experiences) that help put them one step closer to achieving their dreams.
This week, at the State Board of Education meeting, we shared an update on Indiana’s effort to continue to make high school as valuable as possible for Indiana students. One proposed solution that was shared on Wednesday will allow Indiana students to earn readiness seals on their high school diploma. This means that any student, earning any diploma type, will have an opportunity to be enrollment-, employment-, and/or enlistment-ready and to distinguish that readiness on their high school transcript.
So how might these readiness seals be earned? The pathway to earn each readiness seal will be clearly defined, including the range of courses and experiences students must complete to be considered ready for enrollment, employment, and/or enlistment. What that pathway looks like will be determined through unprecedented collaboration between K-12, higher education, business and industry, and representatives of the armed forces. More information on the external stakeholders who will be integral to this process can be found below:
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Enrollment-Ready Seal - Would be jointly developed with and approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, in conjunction with higher education institutions
- Must meet the minimum entrance requirements for the majority of Indiana’s colleges and universities
- Will elevate predictors of future success such as completion of and success in rigorous courses, including AP, dual credit, or dual enrollment, etc. or proficiency in a world language, as examples
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Employment-Ready Seal - Would be developed in consultation with business representatives across multiple industries
- Will elevate predictors of future success such as work-based learning experience, strong attendance, or an industry certification, as example.
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Enlistment-Ready Seal - Would be developed in consultation with the Indiana National Guard
- Will elevate predictors of future success such as successful completion of the ASVAB, leadership skills, or community engagement, as examples
This concept is designed to allow students the flexibility to earn any individual seal or combination of seals, depending on their individual plans and goals for the future. In addition to the foundational knowledge and skills that will be required for every student, this will specifically allow students to hone in on the academic coursework and other experiences that higher education, employers, and the military look for in students today. These clearly defined course sequences and competencies, developed through broad consensus on what matters most for students, will help take the guesswork out of future preparedness and allow students to work towards their personalized goals.
The three readiness seals are a direct reflection of early feedback we have gathered since the initial diploma proposal was presented in March. Between now and late fall, we will continue to travel the state to shine a spotlight on the incredible work already happening, gather input to best set up students for success, and iterate on the current proposal.
In addition to these in-person opportunities, we have also created a Jotform where anyone can share their solution-ideas, as well as suggestions for tools and resources that would be most helpful in supporting implementation. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to share your thoughts and to encourage others in your community to do the same.
I look forward to this continued discussion and collaboration, and as always, thank you for all that you do for our students!
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NEW: Tutorial for ILEARN English/Language Arts (ELA) Constructed-Response Item Types and Scoring
IDOE developed information addressing constructed-response item types and their scoring for the ILEARN ELA through-year assessment, which will be piloted this coming school year and administered to all schools beginning 2025-2026. This presentation is available in the Indiana Learning Lab’s Assessment Hub. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with additional questions.
REMINDER: Fall 2024 PSAT/NMSQT Administration Guidance
IDOE provides funds for grade 10 and 11 students to participate in the fall 2024 administration of the PSAT/NMSQT. The PSAT/NMSQT testing window is Tuesday, October 1, through Thursday, October 31. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with additional questions.
REMINDER: Additional Order Window for IREAD-3 Summer Retest Materials Closes Today
The additional order window for IREAD-3 Summer Retest paper materials closes today, Friday, June 7. More information on ordering materials can be found on page 23 of the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) User Guide. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: Indiana Teacher of the Year Speaker Request
IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent invites you to request the Indiana Teacher of the Year to be a guest speaker at your next event. Take advantage of the opportunity to help celebrate teaching and uplift the educator profession. Submit requests here. Contact intoy@doe.in.gov for more information.
REMINDER: Indiana STEM Educator Expansion Program (I-STEM) Registration
IDOE is partnering with Educational Service Centers (ESCs) of Indiana to strengthen Indiana’s STEM educator pipeline. This is an excellent opportunity for Indiana classroom teachers to add a STEM subject area to their educator’s license via testing. 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 IDOE's Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Early Literacy Endorsement Professional Development Verification
Verified programs that can be used to support the 80 hours of professional development needed for the early literacy endorsement can be found on this document. Training providers (including school districts) may request approval to certify which requirements are met through participation in the training by submitting this form with supporting evidence. The list of approved programs will be updated regularly. Contact IDOE's Literacy Center with any questions.
REMINDER: Flexible Keys to Literacy Professional Development Options Coming Soon
Educators who hold an Indiana professional educator license and are interested in asynchronous training offered through Keys to Literacy should review this memo. Registration will open in July for the new, flexible options. Registration for upcoming fall and spring live training options can be found here. Contact IDOE's Literacy Center with any questions.
REMINDER: Utilize IDOE's Supply and Demand Marketplace for Remaining Openings
IDOE’s Supply and Demand Marketplace connects districts with job seekers in their area who are open to work. This free tool is great for filling open positions, allowing users to easily search for the credentials and experience their organization is looking for. Candidate profiles will be accessible to all schools that opt into the full Applicant Tracking System (ATS). The average Indiana district currently has over 2,000 new job seekers visible in the marketplace. Indiana superintendents and/or HR directors can complete the JotForm to opt in. Contact IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Registration Now Open for Get Your Teach On 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, June 18 - Jasper
- Thursday, June 20, through Friday, June 21 - Indianapolis
- Monday, June 24, through Tuesday, June 25 - Brownsburg
- Thursday, June 27, through Friday, June 28 - South Bend
Learn more and register here. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Nominate an Educator for Teacher of the Year
The Indiana Teacher of the Year Program inspires, rejuvenates, and celebrates 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.
NEW: Indirect Cost Training
IDOE’s Office of School Finance will host an indirect cost training seminar on Thursday, June 13, at 10:30 a.m. ET. The seminar will go over the fiscal year (FY) 2025 indirect cost rate application process, a refresher on usage of the Modified Total Direct Calculation (MTDC), and guidance from IDOE’s Office of School and Community Nutrition on claiming indirect costs from the School Nutrition grant. Register here. Contact icr@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Annual Office of School Finance Budget Workshop
IDOE’s Office of School Finance will host the Annual Office of School Finance Budget Workshop at 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, June 26, at the Pike Performing Arts Center in Indianapolis. The workshop should conclude by noon. Participants can attend the workshop in-person, watch it virtually, or view a recorded version at a later date. Please register here. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
NEW: ASVAB Career Exploration Program
IDOE’s Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities encourages schools to schedule the ASVAB Career Exploration Program for students during the 2024-2025 school year. This tool of exploration can give students the confidence to map out a post-secondary plan that aligns with their individual skills and interests leading to their pathway selection. Learn more in this memo and contact IDOE’s Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with any questions.
REMINDER: Alternative Education Grant Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) Report
In order to distribute Alternative Education funds in a timely manner for the 2023-2024 academic year, your corporation must be on the 2023-2024 IDOE Approved Alternative Education Program list, submit the 2023-2024 DOE-AL via Data Exchange, and the 2023-2024 FTE Student Report via DOE Online, by Sunday, June 30. Contact IDOE's Alternative Education team with any questions.
REMINDER: American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund for Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) Remaining Balance
The third anniversary of the $800M set-aside from ARP-HCY is approaching. Funds appropriated under the ARP-HCY I & II will be available for obligation until Monday, September 30. The deadline for drawdown of the obligated ARP-HCY I & II funds is 120 days, or January 30, 2025 (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.344(b)). LEAs 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 IDOE for any modifications to the approved budget in order to expend funds. 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 any questions.
NEW: Maintenance of Effort (MOE) for Part B Funding Due Monday, July 15
The window to submit Year 3 Compliance/Eligibility and Year 4 Eligibility Only for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B FY 2025 funding is now open. MOE workbooks are due within IDOE’s grant management system by Monday, July 15. LEAs without an approved MOE should contact their assigned fiscal specialist to ensure this deadline is met. FY 2024 12-1-22 child counts have been placed in IDOE’s Office of Special Education Moodle Community (i.e., Fiscal > Part B Grants for Special Education > FY24 Grant Information > Maintenance of Effort - Year 3). LEAs should contact their fiscal specialist with questions; fiscal specialists can contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
NEW: 2025 General Education Provision Act (GEPA) Forms Due Wednesday, July 31
To comply with Section 427 of GEPA, LEAs requesting IDEA Part B funds must submit an appropriate GEPA statement of compliance by Wednesday, July 31. View IDOE’s training video within the Office of Special Education Moodle Community for additional support. Submit questions within IDOE’s grant management system for assistance. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
NEW: Understanding Discipline Resources
Visit IDOE’s Special Education webpage for educator resources aimed at increasing understanding about discipline procedures for students with disabilities. These new resources include information regarding manifestation determinations, removal practices, and templates for case conference committees to use during the manifestation determination process. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Updated English Learner & Title III Guidance for Accredited Non-Public Schools
IDOE is pleased to share the 2024 revision of English Learners & Title III Guidance: Accredited Non-Public Schools resource and a companion FAQ document. The updated documents provide guidance for accredited non-public schools on their obligations to English learner students, Title III equitable share and services, and more. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education or state ombudsman with any questions.
NEW: Title I, Part C - Migrant Education - Participation Requirements for Title Funds
Federal policy requires all LEAs receiving Title funding to participate in Title I, part C, the Migrant Education Program (MEP). The purpose of this participation is to ensure that all eligible migratory youth are identified and provided with services to help reduce the impact of educational disruptions that result from repeated moves. LEAs must submit the Title I, Part C LEA Affirmation of Participation form with the Title Grants Pre-Application to receive Title funds for the 2024-2025 school year. This form asks LEAs to identify a district Migrant point-of-contact. IDOE suggests that the English Learner program administrator, McKinney-Vento liaison, or other internal staff responsible for the administration of Title funds and programs to serve in this role. LEAs are encouraged to reach out to their Migrant Regional Center (MRC) to learn more about MEP services. Contact IDOEs Office of English Learners and Migrant Education with any questions.
REMINDER: 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 and can be completed via this form by Friday, June 21. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.
REMINDER: FY 2025 Special Education Grant Assurances Due Monday, July 1
FY 2025 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B Grant Assurances templates and instructions for using the grant management system are available in the Office of Special Education Community in Moodle under Part B Grants for Special Education. To reserve the earliest reimbursement date for the FY 2025 Part B grant period, corporations, charter schools, and state schools must submit finalized assurances for FY 2025 Part B grants in the grant management system by Monday, July 1. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Professional Development (PD) Playbook – Artificial Intelligence (AI)
IDOE’s PD Playbook: Artificial Intelligence is now available in the Indiana Learning Lab. This collection aligns with the previously-released AI Guidance, offering resources, activities, and recorded workshops to support professional learning. These might be used in staff sessions or as a resource provided to teachers. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
UPDATE: 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. See this memo for more information. A recording of the grant information session can be viewed here. Applications close on Friday, June 14, at 5.p.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
UPDATE: 2024-2025 STEM Integration Grant Applications Close Today
The application window for the 2024-2025 STEM Integration Grant closes at 4 p.m. ET today, Friday, June 7. The STEM Integration 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. Review the 2024-2025 STEM Integration Grant Guidance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document for additional information. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: 2024-2025 K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - High-Quality Curricular Materials Advisory List
Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-20-5.5-2, IDOE conducted a review of vendor-submitted curricular materials to develop an advisory list of high-quality curricular materials aligned to the 2023 Indiana Academic Standards and a selection of courses from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education Office of Career and Technical Education’s Next Level Programs of Study and AP courses from College Board. Curricular materials meeting all required evaluation criteria as affirmed by committee consensus can be found here. Access IDOE’s High-Quality Curricular Materials webpage for more information. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Virtual Learning Professional Development Series
Join us for Virtual Learning Essentials conclusion on Tuesday, June 11, at 4 p.m. ET with Key Components to Consider When Planning Virtual Programs by Dr. Michael Barbour from Touro University. This series includes presentations from experts, researchers, and authors, featuring deep dives into essential elements of virtual learning. Register for this session here. Previous sessions are available on the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: 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. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
REMINDER: 2024-2025 STEM Certification Information
IDOE is currently revising the STEM Certification Guidance for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. Information and a timeline for this process are included in this memo. Schools interested in recertifying or beginning the certification process are encouraged to use this information to plan next steps. Contact IDOE’s STEM Certification team with any questions.
REMINDER: Approved List of Dyslexia Screener and Diagnostic Assessments Now Available
Dyslexia screeners and diagnostic assessments have been reviewed and the approved list is now available. The updated list includes one new screener and one new diagnostic assessment. The list can be found in Appendix A of the 2024-2025 Dyslexia Programming Guidance for Schools. Schools are required to select one vendor to administer the universal dyslexia screener to ensure students are identified using a research-based measure. Please contact IDOE's Literacy Center with any questions.
NEW: Updated Title III Equitable Services Guidance and FAQ
Updated Title III equitable services guidance and a new FAQ are available on IDOE’s Equitable Services Ombudsman webpage. These documents focus specifically on working with accredited non-public schools in alignment with WIDA state testing. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education or the Equitable Services Ombudsman with any questions.
REMINDER: Multi-Year Subscription Guidance
Guidance regarding multi-year subscriptions purchased with federal funds is now available. LEAs using ESSER funds for multi-year subscriptions should review this information closely to ensure that funds are obligated, liquidated, and used during the appropriate period of allowability. Contact esser@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: 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. 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.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 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 proposals, which outlines the application requirements. These items can be found either in the solicitation for application linked above or on IDOE's Charter Schools Moodle. Contact CharterPrograms@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW FROM THE 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 the final two briefings are:
- 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 a briefing. The content presented will be the same for each briefing. Please note that space could be limited on the Teams call if a particular briefing draws a large crowd. Those interested in attending can join a briefing via the Microsoft Teams link. For training materials, technical support, and other information about eCivis, please visit the Indiana State Budget Agency website.
NEW FROM THE CENTER FOR APPLIED SPECIAL TECHNOLOGY (CAST): Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Credentials
UDL is a scientifically-based framework designed to optimize learning for all. UDL credentials offered by CAST provide an opportunity to share your understanding and application of UDL. This provides a common understanding of what UDL is, how to apply it, and why it matters for teaching and learning. More information is available on the CAST UDL credentials webpage. Contact CAST with additional questions.
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 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, August 8, and Tuesday, August 13. To learn more or register for one of these sessions, visit the Lilly Endowment website. Contact Lilly Endowment staff at teachercreativity@lei.org with any questions.
REMINDER: AP SUMMER INSTITUTE
The 2024 AP Summer Institute sponsored by AP-TIP will be held 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 AP Summer Institute location, as well.
- Learn more about this College Board-endorsed event and register online by Friday, June 21.
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