As we enter the “dog days of summer,” I hope that everyone is soaking up what remains of the month of July…because as we all know, school will be back in session in the blink of an eye! While most of our schools see students return in the first two weeks of August, we have some starting in late July. As educators, it's important to take the time we can to recharge in order to kick off the school year strong.
And, while many people think of summer as a time when educators and students are completely off and out of school, as many of us know, this is often a time when learning continues to happen. From educators attending Get Your Teach On, school strategic planning meetings, or just picking up a book to read that might help positively impact teaching and learning throughout the school year, we also see quite a few of our students actively learning too. I recently stopped by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute and heard from students participating in a unique summer learning opportunity. Operation Catapult is a two-week summer camp that allows high school students from Indiana (and across the world) to participate in cutting-edge STEM projects while also getting to live on campus to get a feel for the college experience. I observed students working on everything from coding, to engineering design, to food chemistry, and so much more. Check out the video below to see the Operation Catapult students in action!
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Thank you to Rose-Hulman and the many others who are offering summer learning for students across the state. And, to all the educators who are engaged in summer learning opportunities, thank you for your time and energy and for all that you do for our students. As the summer comes to a close, remember to take time to soak in these last few (swelteringly hot!) days before the 2024-2025 school year.
REMINDER: Implementation Guidance for Newly Enacted Education Laws
Following the close of each legislative session, IDOE immediately begins working to implement newly-enacted legislation impacting K-12 education, which includes compiling guidance for educators. Guidance is a product of robust cross-agency collaboration and partnership with countless stakeholders. Any future updates will be added to this comprehensive guidance document and shared via the weekly newsletter.
NEW: ILEARN, I AM, and SAT School Day Statewide Results Available Wednesday, July 17
IDOE will present final spring 2024 ILEARN, I AM, and SAT School Day results to the Indiana State Board of Education on Wednesday, July 17. Following approval at the meeting, corporation- and school-wide data may be shared publicly, and schools must ensure final results are/have been provided to students and families. IDOE is unable to release student results to parents due to student privacy laws; it is the school’s responsibility to provide results in a timely manner. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: Educators Needed - ILEARN Content & Fairness Committee
IDOE is seeking English/language arts and mathematics educators and instructional coaches for grades three through eight to participate in the ILEARN Content and Fairness Committee. This committee reviews new items prepared for field testing, reviewing from a content and fairness perspective to determine if they are ready to be used, or if edits are required. This committee will meet virtually (synchronous) from Wednesday, July 17, through Friday, July 19. Committee participants will continue reviewing items asynchronously from Monday, July 22, through Friday, August 23, and will receive an honorarium of $480 plus $20 per hour for asynchronous reviews and Professional Growth Plan (PGP) points upon completion. Training will be included in the virtual, synchronous committee meeting time. Limited spots are available. Complete the JotForm application by Monday, July 15, to be considered. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions regarding this opportunity.
REMINDER: Annual Principal Survey Regarding Initial License Holders Closes Thursday, August 1
Indiana Code (IC) 20-28-11.5-9 requires a principal at each school corporation, including both charter and virtual schools, to complete an annual survey for any teacher employed in his/her building who was initially licensed in Indiana during the previous two years. The purpose of the survey is not to assess the individual teacher, but the quality of preparation provided by the Indiana educator preparation program completed for licensure. Principals who have not completed this survey should visit IDOE's Principal Survey webpage, select “Complete the Survey” and then enter the access code provided earlier this year. The survey will close on Thursday, August 1. Contact Scott Bogan with any questions.
NEW: Flexible Keys to Literacy Professional Development Options Available Now
Registration is now open for educators who hold an Indiana professional educator license to enroll in one of the new flexible professional development options outlined in this memo. Additional information can be found here and the registration form with all available options can be found here. Educators who previously registered are able to continue with their current enrollment and can use the registration form to confirm their plans to remain in the live cohort sessions or choose a different option. Please contact IDOE's Literacy Center with any additional questions.
REMINDER: Approval Process for 80 Hours of Professional Development to Support Early Literacy Endorsement Requirements and Praxis Voucher Request
Educators who plan to add Indiana’s Early Literacy Endorsement can follow the process outlined here to submit a request to verify completion of an approved 80 hours of professional development and request a Praxis Voucher. Contact IDOE's Literacy Center 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: Staff Performance Evaluation Plan Submission
Senate Enrolled Act 486 (2023) requires each school corporation to develop or adopt a plan for annual performance evaluations for each certificate employee. Staff performance evaluation plans must be submitted via JotForm by Friday, September 13. For more information, click here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) Policy Submission Required
Information regarding the TAG Policy Submission can be found here. Local educational agencies (including charter and virtual charter schools) must submit the TAG policy for approval via JotForm by Friday, September 13, to be eligible to receive TAG funding. Contact tag@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana Educator Talent Marketplace Webinar
Learn more about using the Indiana Educator Talent Marketplace to find great candidates for open roles. This webinar will walk through the marketplace offering, share tips about how to attract the best talent, and answer your questions. Register below:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent 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 the Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
NEW: Cybersecurity Information and Resources to Schools
IDOE’s School Cybersecurity Moodle is open to any new or existing school employee with cybersecurity, leadership, or technical responsibilities. This incredible resource provides updated vulnerability information, a discussion board for private cybersecurity discussions, the Indiana Cybersecurity Task Force resource repository, and an application form for KnowBe4 security awareness training licenses. Contact Brad Hagg to request the access code.
REMINDER: July Tuition Support Payments
Please read this memo regarding the July tuition support payment. Contact IDOE's Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Form 9 Submission
Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-40-2-6, school corporations must submit their Form 9 financial data for January to June 2024 by Wednesday, July 31. To ensure that IDOE's Office of School Finance has adequate time to review your submission before finalizing the period, steps one through eight should be completed well before the deadline. The Form 9 application can be accessed via the Link Portal. Once in the portal, the financial administrator will navigate to the “Form 9 Financial Data” tile. Form 9 submission guidance can be found in Moodle including the Form 9 Overview. Contact Form9@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: School Technology Advancement Account (STAA) Applications
School corporations may file an application for an STAA through today, 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.
NEW: Comprehensive Needs Assessments (CNAs) and School Improvement Plans (SIPs) Submission Opens Monday, July 15
IDOE’s Office of School Support and Transformation will accept CNA and SIP submissions from Monday, July 15, through Friday, October 4, on this JotForm. In accordance with IC 20-31-5-1, public and state-accredited non-public schools must develop a strategic and continuous three-year SIP, and review these plans annually. All schools identified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI), or Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) are required to submit SIPs and CNAs annually. All other schools must submit SIPs during the 2025-2026 school year. Use of IDOE’s ESSA-aligned SIP template is recommended, however, schools may use any template as long as all required portions are included. This memo provides additional information. Contact IDOE’s Office of School Support and Transformation with any questions.
REMINDER: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 High Ability Cash Requests
Cash requests for the FY 2025 (2024-2025) High Ability Program Grant will be accepted until June 1, 2025. All relevant forms and deadlines may be found in the High Ability Grant Toolkit. Contact studentpathways_highability@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Alternative Education Summer Office Hours
Alternative Education Summer Office Hours are open to anyone with questions or concerns regarding the alternative education reporting and grant process, Indiana Code regarding alternative education, alternative education program requirements, and how to best serve students. Click below to join:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with any questions.
REMINDER: 3E Grant Reimbursement Requests
All 3E Grantees should be regularly submitting reimbursement requests to IDOE. Reimbursement forms should be completed, signed by the preparer, and submitted to DOECares@doe.in.gov on the 1st and 15th of each month. Grantees must keep receipts, invoices, staff time and effort logs, and all other relevant documentation of your grant expenses on file locally, in the case of an audit. These documents do not have to be submitted to IDOE when seeking reimbursement. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities 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: Webinar - Create a Crisis Response Action Plan
Join IDOE’s Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement on Thursday, July 25, from 10 to 11 a.m. ET to learn the basics of what is needed in a crisis response action plan and walk away with resources to help you create one at your school or district. Register here and contact IDOE's Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement with any questions.
REMINDER: Free Sources of Strength (SoS) Curriculum for Kindergarten Through Sixth Grade
Through funding provided by the Mental Health Awareness Training grant, IDOE has partnered with SoS to provide 20 kindergarten through sixth grade schools with the SoS curriculum. Each school that applies for the curriculum must have two staff members available for the virtual curriculum coach training on Thursday, September 12, and Friday, September 13, from 9:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET. Each coach must attend both days. Schools can complete the application for the curriculum here. Upon review of the completed application, both staff members will be sent a link to register for the curriculum training. Once both coaches are registered for the training, the curriculum will be sent to the school. Please allow three to five days for shipping. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, August 23, and the training registration deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 31. Contact Jason Murrey with any questions.
NEW: English Learner (EL) Exit Criteria Changes Approved and Upcoming Trainings
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has approved Indiana’s state Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan amendment to adjust Indiana’s criteria for students to exit EL status beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. The change is summarized here.
- More information will be available next week, as well as a virtual walk-through of changes on Thursday, July 18, at 3 p.m. ET.
- Technical assistance will be offered via virtual office hours on Thursday, July 25, and Thursday, August 1, at 3 p.m. ET.
Details and links can be found on the EL Professional Development (PD) Opportunities Calendar. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.
NEW: August EL Directors Meetings
The dates and times for the Annual EL Directors Meetings for the upcoming school year have been set, incorporating a different format than in previous years. Meetings for new EL directors will be held on Thursday, August 8, covering the basics of compliance, grants, and programming. Meetings for all directors, both new and returning, will be held the following week on Thursday, August 15, covering timely EL topics and updates for the upcoming school year. Both meetings will be held virtually. Visit the IDOE EL PD Opportunities Calendar for details on times and links to join. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.
NEW: Paraprofessional Training Grant Reimbursements Due Wednesday, July 31
The deadline to submit the final reimbursement request for the 2023-2024 Paraprofessional Training Grant is Wednesday, July 31. Reimbursement requests should be submitted via email with “FY23-24 Para Grant Reimbursement Form” in the subject line. Requests submitted after Wednesday, July 31, will not be accepted. IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
NEW: Guidance on Form 16 and the Rights of Students with Disabilities Now Available
IDOE’s Office of Special Education developed a resource containing information regarding Form 16 and the rights of students with disabilities. This document should be reviewed by both special education administrators and administrators in charge of student discipline. Contact IDOE’s Dispute Resolution team with any questions.
NEW: Indiana Education Scholarship Account Education Service Plan
Students with disabilities may be eligible for an Education Scholarship Account (ESA), under IC 20-51.4. The statute provides for the State Board of Education to develop rules for the development of the education scholarship account education service plan (ESA-SP). The Office of Legal Affairs-Dispute Resolution has released the Indiana Education Scholarship Account Education Service Plan guidelines: ESA Service Plan Memo and ESA Service Plan Activation Form. These resource documents are intended to reiterate the statutory and regulatory requirements for parentally-placed non-public students with disabilities as well as provide guidelines schools should consider after the parent decides whether special education and related services will be provided by a public school under a service plan (SP) or to have special education funds added to an ESA. The ESA Service Plan Activation Form is available to public schools through Indiana IEP and Moodle. Contact IDOE’s Dispute Resolution team with any questions.
REMINDER: Special Education Technical Assistance (TA) Updates
IDOE’s Office of Special Education provides updates regarding support for areas of special education improvement as well as state partner changes for assistive technology and accessible educational materials via this memo. Special education directors, professionals, and providers are encouraged to review this guidance for updated TA support. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Registration Available - New Special Educator Director Training
The Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE) and IDOE will host the 2024-2025 New Special Education Director Training on Friday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET at White Oak Professional Development Center in Avon. This training serves as an introduction to IDOE policies and resources for directors/administrators of special education in their first or second year, providing a unique networking and professional development opportunity for special education professionals. More information and registration can be found here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Accommodations Toolkit from the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO)
NCEO’s Accommodations Toolkit provides summaries of academic research literature and policy analyses on accommodations for students with disabilities. The toolkit is organized by accommodation (e.g., tactile graphics, braille, test breaks, extended time, etc.), with a research fact sheet for each. Although resources within the toolkit are designed to support state agencies, information may also be helpful to special education professionals and case conference committees (CCCs). Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: FY 2023 Part B Grant Proportionate Share Release (Waiver) Request Forms Now Available
The FY 2023 Part B 611 & 619 grant proportionate share release request forms are now available in the Office of Special Education Moodle Community. Completed requests with supporting documentation must be submitted to IDOE’s Office of Special Education Part B Grants team by Friday, August 30. Following the acceptance of the release form, a Part B grant budget modification request must be completed by Monday, September 16, to transfer funds across budget scopes. Download the release request form and instructions from the Office of Special Education Moodle Community. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with 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 fiscal year (FY) 2025 funding is now open. MOE workbooks are due within IDOE’s grant management system by Monday, July 15. Local educational agencies (LEAs) without an approved MOE should contact their assigned fiscal specialist to ensure this deadline is met. FY24 12-1-22 child counts have been placed in the 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: 2025 General Education Provision Act (GEPA) Forms Due Wednesday, July 31
To comply with Section 427 of GEPA, local educational agencies (LEAs) requesting Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B funds must submit an approved GEPA statement of compliance by Wednesday, July 31. View IDOE’s training video within the Office of Special Education Moodle Community for additional support. All questions must be answered on the GEPA form. Once completed upload the form to the grant management system. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with additional questions.
REMINDER: 2024-2025 STEM Integration Grant Award Notification
IDOE is pleased to announce the 54 awardees for the 2024-2025 STEM Integration Grant. This highly-competitive grant is designed to enhance student success by accelerating students’ exposure to and learning in the STEM disciplines in alignment with Indiana’s Priorities for STEM Education and the implementation of the 2023 Integrated STEM Standards. For more information and the list of recipients, please view this memo. Contact IDOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Supported Alternative Education Grant Recipients Announced
IDOE is pleased to announce the 24 recipients of the AI-Supported Alternative Education Grant. This grant funds subscription fees and professional development necessary to implement student intelligent tutoring systems across all content areas and assist educators with data to support student interventions for students enrolled in approved alternative education schools and programs. See the full list of grant recipients here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Fall 2024 Opt-In Window for Early Learning Assessments Closes Monday, July 15
As part of Indiana’s new system to measure and support kindergarten readiness, the Indiana Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (IKRA) 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: FY 2025 Pre-Application Virtual Help Desk
IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support will host Pre-App Help Desk each Thursday through Thursday, August 22. Participants can ask any questions to IDOE’s Title I, II, III, and IV specialists and will be answered on a first come first serve basis. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Cohort 12 Applications Due Friday, August 16
21st CCLC Cohort 12 applications must be submitted via Jotform by Friday, August 16. The 21st CCLC grant is a competitive grant that funds out of school time programs across the state of Indiana. Learn more here and contact IDOE’s Out of School Time (OST) team with any questions.
REMINDER: Charter School Program’s (CSP’s) Quality Counts II Cohort 1
The application deadline for Quality Counts II Cohort 1 is Sunday, July 14, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Complete and submit the application here. Click here for information regarding the use of the 4303E waiver when applying for CSP Quality Counts II. This waiver is intended for use by awardees from the past five years who have a three year record of improved educational results. Contact CharterPrograms@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW FROM CODEHS: Registration Now Open for Free AI and Computer Science PD
Make plans to join CodeHS for free PD events this summer to prepare for the 2024-2025 school year. Through the partnership with IDOE, Indiana kindergarten through grade 12 computer science teachers can register for a variety of in-person events. These PD events are designed to help computer science teachers build their programming skills and content knowledge, and will cover topics from AI to teaching Indiana specific courses. Teachers who attend a workshop will receive a CodeHS Pro License for the 2024-2025 school year, a $200 stipend for participation, and CodeHS PD Membership including online course and a variety of live and on demand PD events throughout the year.
Upcoming events include:
- Monday, July 22, at Butler University
- Building a Computer Science Program Summit
- Artificial Intelligence Workshop for Computer Science Teachers
- Thursday, July 25, at Lake Central School Corporation
- Building a Computer Science Program Summit
- Artificial Intelligence Workshop for Computer Science Teachers
- Monday, July 29, at Butler University
- Teaching Indiana Principles of Computing Workshop (for high school teachers)
- Teaching Indiana Topics in Computer Science Workshop (for high school teachers)
- Friday, August 2, at Butler University
- Teaching Indiana CS Middle School: 6th - 8th Grade Workshop
- Teaching Indiana Introduction to CS Workshop (for late middle to early high school teachers)
Check out the full calendar and RSVP to save your spot here.
NEW FROM BALL STATE UNIVERSITY: Transition to Teaching Program
A new program at Ball State University for early learning professionals seeking their teaching license is now available. All courses are available online and designed to prepare students to apply for the Indiana pre-kindergarten through grade three educator license. The program takes four semesters, two courses per semester, and funding is available to assist qualifying individuals in paying for the coursework. Applications are due Wednesday, July 31. Contact Ball State University’s Christina VanOsdol with any questions.
NEW FROM WORK AND LEARN INDIANA: Participate in Indiana Intern Day 2024
Thursday, July 25, is Indiana Intern Day. Join Work and Learn Indiana and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in celebrating Hoosier interns. Commit to recognizing interns on social media and offline as we acknowledge the value and impact of interns and internship programs. Make sure your organization pledges to participate in Indiana Intern Day by filling out the online pledge form. You’ll receive a digital content kit with sample social media posts, graphics, and ways to celebrate interns.
REMINDER FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DoD): Free AI Robotics Hackathon in Indianapolis
Join the DoD for a free AI/Robotics hackathon for high school students on Friday, July 26. No prior experience is required, just a love of STEM!
What’s in store:
- $10,000 in Scholarships sponsored by Indiana University
- FREE: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided
- Career Opportunities: Discover internships and scholarships with the US government
- Real-World Data: Work with authentic data sets to create innovative AI solutions
- Industry Experts: Work alongside industry mentors – even if you’ve never worked on AI and robotics before
Register here to secure a spot.
REMINDER FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH (NAEHCY): 2024 Conference Registration Open
Registration for the 2024 NAEHCY conference is open. Registration is exceeding expectations this year so register soon to secure a spot at the conference. The call for 2024 NAEHCY conference presenters is also open here.
REMINDER: 2024 NAEHCY Scholars Program
2024 NAEHCY Scholars Program scholarship applications are now open. Students who select college enrollment as their post-secondary plan can receive financial support through this scholarship. Selected scholars are invited, encouraged, and financially supported to attend the annual conference and beginning in 2025, NAEHCY Scholars will participate in two additional development and enrichment convenings. Visit the NAEHCY website for complete information including the links to instructions, FAQs, and the online form.
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