From robotics…to artificial Intelligence…to computer science...technology is advancing at incredible rates, and I want to applaud educators all across Indiana for continuing to learn more about how we can best prepare students for these advancements.
A few FUN, FAST facts for each area…
Robotics
- Indiana is home to more elementary and middle school robotics teams than any other state in the nation!
- The largest robotics state championship in the U.S. is in Indiana with over 300 teams and 1,600 students competing.
- Indiana also received more team invitations to the VEX World Robotics Championship in 2023 than any other state or even country (163 Indiana teams)! (Fun fact…do you want to know who comes in second after Indiana? China! Followed by some of our largest U.S. states.)
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Over 45,000 students and 2,500 educators statewide took part in the state’s first AI-powered platform grant, which focused on student 1:1 high dosage tutoring, teacher administrative and pedagogical task support, as well as AI literacy for both teachers and students.
- In a recent survey of participants, 53% of teachers rated the overall impact of the AI platform on both their students’ learning, as well as their teaching practices, as positive or very positive.
Computer Science…the BIG highlight for today!
- Just this week 404 educators, 277 schools, and 120 districts came together in Bloomington for Computer Science Professional Development Week!
- This annual, weeklong event, which is a partnership between Nextech and the Computer Science Teachers Association, has doubled attendance in just two years and is now a destination for computer science educators across all schools and grade levels.
Walking in, I met Brian Belch, a computer science teacher at Decatur Central High School. Brian was initially licensed in English and social studies and when the need for a dedicated computer science educator became apparent, he made the switch and now has 180 computer science students! He, like the over 400 educators in the room, was eager to learn new strategies to help students master computer science skills that will benefit them both now and in the future.
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As career opportunities in STEM occupations continue to grow exponentially, the work of our educators to prepare students for success in an evolving economy is critically important. Yet, we also know that even if a student does not pursue a STEM career, a high-quality STEM education prepares them with the problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills they will need regardless of their career path. Through STEM and computer science specifically, educators are preparing students to contribute to society as the next generation of thinkers, creators, and entrepreneurs…and as I saw someone say recently, these educators “are the architects of future technological advancements.”
When it comes to computer science specifically, Indiana has made significant strides in expanding learning opportunities for students across all grades. This includes:
- Investing over $18 million in computer science, including grants to schools, professional development for educators, and instructional materials for students;
- Earning national recognition from Code.org as one of the top states in the nation for computer science, with 91% of public high schools in Indiana offering a foundational computer science course (the national average is 57.5%);
- Becoming the 9th state in the nation to make computer science a graduation requirement; and
- Adopting all 10 policies from the Code.org Advocacy Coalition, helping students to be as prepared as possible for their future.
Shout out to Governor Holcomb and members of the Indiana General Assembly for continuing to invest in and support computer science in K-12 education! And thank you to all of our incredible STEM educators across Indiana who continue to prioritize their own learning and growth, including a special shout out to the over 1,150 current and prospective educators who have enrolled in the I-STEM program to help strengthen our STEM educator pipeline and ensure every Indiana student has access to high-quality STEM instruction.
Have a great weekend!
REMINDER: 2024 Cohort Locking Soon
The 2024 cohort will lock on Friday, June 28. Please check cohort reports for accuracy. Ensure that all students that have graduated have a Graduate status on the cohort report. Also, pay special attention to any students with an Unknown Cohort status. The Unknown Cohort status is a dropout status and counts against the graduation rate. Many Unknown Cohort statuses can be fixed by the school/corporation via data entries. Specific details about the causes of the Unknown Cohort status and what to do about it can be found in the Unknown Cohort Status webinar and the accompanying slides found on Moodle. The case-sensitive enrollment key for the Moodle community is AccountabilityCommunity. Contact IDOE’s Office of Accountability with any questions
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.
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: Tuition Support
Please see this memo regarding the June Tuition Support payment. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
NEW: School Technology Advancement Account (STAA) Applications
School corporations may file an application for a STAA through Friday, July 12. The STAA application can be completed online and must be completed in one sitting. A sample application and certification page can be found in Moodle. Contact commonschoolfund@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.
REMINDER: 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)). Local educational agencies (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: Family Engagement Webinar
Join IDOE’s Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement on Thursday, June 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET to discuss Family Engagement best practices and learn about high impact strategies to implement within local schools. Register here and contact IDOE's Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement with any 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.
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.
REMINDER: 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.
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.
NEW: Foundations of Literacy - Early Writing and Reading Professional Development
Join internationally renowned literacy experts Matt Glover and Kathy Collins for summer sessions on writing and reading with young children. Sessions will be in the Indiana Learning Lab from noon to 1 p.m. ET. Reading sessions with Kathy Collins are Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18. Writing sessions with Matt Glover are Wednesday, June 19, Thursday, June 20, Monday, July 1, and Tuesday, July 2. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness 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 should complete the applicable form:
In addition to the reading plan, Indiana Code 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 released the new 2024 Reading Plan and dyslexia reporting guidance. Indiana Code 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 through Sunday, June 30. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with additional 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. Additionally, ISPROUT will continue to be required for children in special education for ages three through five and the opt-in window for this opportunity is also now open as well. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
NEW: Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2022/FY 2023 GEPA Waiver-Public Comment Sought
IDOE intends to apply for flexibility to allow LEAs to more effectively encumber their FFY22 federal funds. Specifically, IDOE is requesting the following requirement be waived: 1) Section 421(b) of GEPA to extend the period of availability of FFY22 funds for programs in which the state education agency participates under its approved consolidated state plan until September 30, 2025. Please provide comments via this JotForm no later than Monday, July 15. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: June Coffee Chat
Join IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support on Microsoft Teams to discuss Title budget applications during June’s coffee chat on Thursday, June 27, at 10 a.m. ET. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions or topic suggestions.
REMINDER: 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 READING LEAGUE INDIANA: Book Study
Join The Reading League Indiana for a relaxed and engaging summer book study on Effective Universal Instruction by Gibbons, Brown, and Niebling. This book offers an action-oriented approach to implementing and sustaining what we've learned about evidence-aligned reading instruction. Participants will be sent weekly emails with a pacing guide, recorded content from the book authors, and additional resources. Participants will also be invited to attend three live virtual events to earn up to four free CEUs. All educators and administrators are welcome to register here.
NEW FROM INDIANA ED-FI SUMMIT: Enhancing Collaboration and Improving Data Quality
Join us for the free one-day inaugural Indiana Ed-Fi Summit, a dedicated event empowering schools and districts across Indiana through education, collaboration, and strategic planning. This summit is organized by LEA data reporters to provide a unique opportunity for district leaders, data managers, and technology coordinators to deepen their understanding of the Ed-Fi data standards, share best practices, and collaboratively address the challenges of data integration and reporting. Learn more and register here.
NEW FROM THE NATIONAL CENTER ON EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES (NCEO): The Basics of Accommodations and Modifications Resources
NCEO has published Brief 33, which clarifies accommodations and modifications for instruction and assessment, as well as differentiating alternate or modified curriculum from modifications used for instruction and assessment. NCEO has also provided an Accommodations Toolkit that provides summaries of academic research literature on specific accommodations for students with disabilities. Contact NCEO with any questions about these resources.
NEW FROM THE CENTER ON INCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY & EDUCATION SYSTEMS (CITES): Frequently Asked Questions on Assistive Technology Myths/Facts
CITES shared a new assistive technology (AT) FAQ resource to help clarify context and implementation practices for AT. Contact CITES with any questions.
NEW FROM KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: Conference for Middle School Educators, Administrators, Counselors
Register now for a conference just for the middle grades with keynotes from Rick Wormeli and Jennifer Gonzalez! Grades five through nine educators, administrators, and student service providers are invited to register for MidCon on Wednesday, June 26, and Thursday, June 27. Register using the discount code “FFMidCon” to get 35% off. Contact Keep Indiana Learning with any questions or to learn about group registration.
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. ET on Monday, September 9. Information sessions will be held 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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