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As this week comes to a close, I want to shout out and give a huge thank you to our Indiana principals! In conjunction with National Principals Month in October, Governor Holcomb declared Sunday, October 6, through Saturday, October 12, Indiana Principals Week, in recognition of our outstanding principals throughout Indiana who work daily to cultivate the best possible environment for educator and student growth and development.
Principals are key change agents within buildings and districts whose intentionality, leadership, and support for their teachers and staff help drive positive outcomes for students. Thank you to our principals!
Finally, as we finish “term one,” many of you are also enjoying fall break (either this week or over the next couple). I hope you take some much needed time to relax and spend time with family before returning to school to finish the semester strong!
Thank you, as always, for all that you do for our students!
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.
REMINDER: ILEARN Checkpoint Summits
IDOE and regional Education Service Centers of Indiana (ESCI) are partnering to provide three ILEARN Checkpoint professional development opportunities for educators and instructional leaders. Registration, location, and agenda information can be found here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with any questions.
NEW: Student Learning Recover Grant - Expanding What Works
Inspired by the successful 1008 Student Learning Recovery model out of Indianapolis, Indy Summer Learning Labs, IDOE is excited to once again offer grants to implement a high-quality 2025 summer learning program. The program is designed to award a single grant to a lead regional organization/entity which then partners with community organizations, local nonprofits, school corporations, public charter schools, non-public schools, and others to deploy a successful, multi-site, summer math and English/language arts learning program aligned to the core design principles of the Indy Summer Learning Lab program. Eligible regional grantees include:
- Community-based organizations,
- Education service centers,
- Non-profit community organizations, and
- Municipal entities.
The application for summer 2025 is open through Friday, November 22.
REMINDER: Nominations Open for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors outstanding high school seniors and encourages high attainment among all students. This memo outlines the required qualifications and nomination process. The rubrics for general and career and technical education (CTE) applications are now available here. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 8, in order to be considered. Contact IDOE's Communications Team with any questions.
NEW: Recommendations Open for Distinguished Educators Recognition
IDOE 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. Recommendations must be submitted by Saturday, November 30. Contact IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
NEW: Additional Opportunities to Recognize Indiana Educators
Throughout the year, numerous opportunities arise nationwide to acknowledge the incredible work of Indiana educators. IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent has developed this document, which will be updated periodically with external opportunities to recognize educators. To submit an educator recognition opportunity not listed, contact IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent.
NEW: The Reading League Indiana - Science of Reading Experts Explain Series
The Reading League Indiana and IDOE’s first session recording of the Experts Explain series is available here. After this session, participants will be able to identify the four types of assessment and the specific questions each one can answer to streamline and build a comprehensive assessment framework. To register for the upcoming monthly series, see registration details here. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with any questions.
REMINDER: Early Literacy Endorsement Professional Development (PD) & Praxis Voucher Request
Educators who hold an Indiana professional educator license can register here for the flexible Keys to Literacy options. Educators planning to earn Indiana’s Early Literacy Endorsement can follow the process outlined here to submit a request to verify completion of the approved 80 hours and request a Praxis voucher, if needed. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with questions.
REMINDER: 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year Announced
On Friday, September 27, Graciela Miranda, a teacher at Pike High School in Indianapolis, was named the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year! As Teacher of the Year, Graciela will work to help elevate the teaching profession in Indiana, as well as represent Hoosier teachers at the national level. Read more about her achievement here, and learn more about the Indiana Teacher of the Year program here. Contact IDOE’s Teacher of the Year team with questions.
NEW: Public Attendance Insights Dashboard Coming Soon
A public version of the Attendance Insights Dashboard will soon be available, which will allow the comparison of attendance patterns between schools and against state data. The data will display for the 2023-2024 school year and several previous years, as schools must certify this information at the end of each school year. Contact IDOE’s Office of Information Technology with additional questions.
REMINDER: October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The following are great free resources you can use with your staff in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month: KnowBe4 has a free resource kit available which includes a weekly activities planner and resource guide. The Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is featuring Secure Our World resources and a free resource kit. And finally, Infosec is serving up a recipe for a great month of cybersecurity activities. Contact IDOE’s Office of Information Technology with additional questions.
REMINDER: Nationwide Cybersecurity Review (NCSR) Submissions Now Open
NCSR is a no-cost, anonymous, annual cybersecurity self-assessment designed to measure gaps and capabilities of school cybersecurity programs and based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF). The number of Indiana schools completing this process has grown by 720% since 2021! Consider completing this year's NCSR by registering here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Information Technology with additional questions.
REMINDER: Difficult to Fill Teacher Positions Survey Closes Today, Friday, October 11
IDOE is collecting information as a result of requirements regarding teacher statistics in IC 20-19-3-20. The purpose of this survey is to identify positions which are "critical shortage areas, as determined by unfilled vacancies." This survey collects information about the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years and should be completed by each school corporation and charter school. Please submit this survey by Friday, October 11. It is important this survey be completed even if your school corporation did not have vacancies which meet the “difficult to fill” definition used in the survey. Contact IDOE with any questions.
REMINDER: Attendance Insights Dashboard Updates Weekly
Schools should regularly check their Attendance Insights dashboard in EdData to ensure data is flowing to IDOE as expected. School data teams have access to the status, quality, and recency of this data through Data Exchange, but the Attendance Insights dashboard provides visualizations of this data for both the current and past years. This dashboard is refreshed weekly; Monday morning dashboard insights should display the most-recent data sent to IDOE from schools the prior week. Contact your local data team with questions regarding this dashboard. Local data teams may contact IDOE’s Office of Information Technology with additional questions.
REMINDER: K12 SIX Offers Free Cybersecurity Resources
K12 SIX offers free cybersecurity resources that do not require a membership to access. These are included in the K12 SIX Essentials Series including the K12 SIX Essential Cyber Incident Response Runbook v1.1. All of these resources are being updated for the 2024-2025 school year, so check back for the updated versions releasing soon. K12 SIX also maintains a map of cyber incidents against schools throughout the country. Contact Brad Hagg with any questions.
NEW: Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy (ISSSA) Basic Training Registration
Registration for ISSSA’s Basic Training Group 26 is open through Friday, November 8. Training will be held in the traditional format, consisting of three in-person sessions and accompanying online courses. Participants must complete all training to be certified as a school safety specialist. Register for Basic Training Group 26 here. Contact IDOE’s Ryan Stewart with additional questions.
NEW: Membership Conflict Petition Process
Please read this memo regarding the membership conflict petition process. Friday, November 8, is the deadline for a school corporation or charter school to file a petition. Contact IDOE’s Office of School Finance with any questions.
REMINDER: Curricular Material Memo
Review this memo for information on submission of the curricular material cost report that closes Thursday, October 31. The form to submit curricular material costs can be found here. Contact doetextbooks@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Mandatory Public School Corporation Fee Survey
House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1243 requires public school corporations to annually report all fees charged to families, including the total collected under each fee, to IDOE. IDOE will then post the results of each corporation’s survey online for the public. Fees included in this submission must include any charges for activities, events, or supplies that are used during the school day; this does not include fees charged for students to participate in extracurricular activities. See this memo for detailed instructions and a link to access step-by-step instructions. All public school corporations must submit this survey to IDOE by Thursday, October 31. Contact IDOE’s Office of School Finance curricular materials team with additional questions.
REMINDER: October Certification Due Friday, October 11
October certification closes on Friday, October 11. The October certification includes membership and multilingual learner counts that generate funding in the state tuition support formula. Contact IDOE’s Office of School Finance with additional questions.
REMINDER: 3E Grant Reimbursement Requests
As of Monday, September 30, all 3E Grant funds should have been encumbered, and grantees must submit final reimbursement requests to IDOE by Sunday, December 15. Reimbursement forms should be completed, signed by the preparer, and submitted to IDOE via email on the first 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 are not required to be submitted to IDOE for reimbursement. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with any questions.
REMINDER: Graduation Pathways Office Hours
Office hours are open to any educators with questions regarding current Graduation Pathways requirements. During the October office hours, IDOE will share helpful resources and tools available to support school counselors! Join the office hours on Thursday, October 24, for a session featuring the Indiana Commission for Higher Education covering Indiana’s career coaching initiative. Information on dates, times, and links to join can be found here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Pathways and Opportunities with any questions.
NEW: Virtual English Learner (EL) Leadership Meeting on Wednesday, October 23
IDOE will host the next EL leadership meeting virtually from 10 to 11:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, October 23. This meeting is intended for Indiana K-12 EL leaders and administrators and will consist of updates and interaction on timely topics. Registration is not required. Visit the Indiana EL Professional Development Opportunities Calendar for the meeting link. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with any questions.
NEW: WIDA-Facilitated Workshops on Supporting ELs with Disabilities
IDOE is hosting a virtual two-part workshop, facilitated by WIDA, titled: When Language and Disability Meet: Planning Instruction to Support Dually Identified Students. The sessions are designed for Indiana K-12 educators who support ELs with disabilities. This interactive workshop will explore specific considerations for instruction that support both language development and accessibility. Part one will take place Wednesday, November 6, and part two will take place Wednesday, November 20. Both sessions will occur from 4 to 5:30 p.m. ET. Registration is required via this Jotform by Friday, October 25, and space is limited. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with any questions.
NEW: Supporting Multilingual Learners in Early Learning
IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness and the Office of English Learners and Migrant Education have collaborated to provide early learning educators and administrators guidance and resources highlighting instructional best practices and support of multilingual children and their families. Register to join this session in the Indiana Learning Lab on Thursday, October 24, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with any questions.
NEW: Indiana IEP (IIEP) Update Release Notes
Public Consulting Group (PCG) released details on recent IIEP system updates, which includes the locations and descriptions of updates. View this resource here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Office of Special Education (OSE) Behavior Grant
IDOE is offering a grant focused on behavioral support for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Grant funds may be awarded to corporations, charter schools, and state schools to ensure safe learning environments supporting academic achievement for students with IEPs. The grant application will open on Monday, October 14, and close on Tuesday, December 31. Monthly office hours to support the application process will be held at the following times:
Contact IDOE’s OSE Behavior Grant team with additional questions.
REMINDER: Office Hours for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Part B Mandatory Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CCEIS)
IDOE is hosting one-hour sessions to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) with completing the FY 2025 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B mandatory CCEIS narrative and applications. Join the sessions below for support:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Elevating Education 2024: Improving Outcomes for All Statewide Conference
IDOE and the IEP Technical Assistance (TA) Center invite general educators, special educators, and administrators to the Elevating Education: Improving Outcomes for All statewide conference. This conference aims to provide knowledge, build capacity, and provide networking opportunities for attendees to encourage optimal educational programming for all students. The conference will take place on Tuesday, December 3, and Wednesday, December 4, at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis and the Indiana Convention Center. Contact Marcee Wilburn with additional questions.
REMINDER: FY 2025 IDEA Part B Applications
FY 2025 IDEA Part B applications and instructions have been posted on IDOE’s Office of Special Education Community in Moodle in the FY 2025 Grant Information folder. Applications are due within the grant management system by the following dates:
- 619 Applications: Today, Friday, October 11
- 611 Applications: Friday, October 18
- CCEIS (Mandatory): Extended to Friday, November 8
A checklist can be found within each application for support. New 2024-2025 charter schools will be eligible for Part B funding in January 2025 and will be contacted by IDOE with instructions. Contact your LEA’s assigned fiscal specialist with additional questions for the most timely answers. Fiscal specialist assignments can be found here within Moodle.
REMINDER: 2024-2025 Refugee Student Data Collection for Refugee School Impact Grant
IDOE is collecting information on students with refugee status and/or meeting Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligibility requirements, enrolled as of Tuesday, October 1. This data will generate allocations for the federal 2024-2025 Refugee School Impact Grant (RSIG). Download the report template and submit your count via this Jotform by Friday, November 22. RSIG is a voluntary federal grant program from ORR. If your LEA does not have students with documented refugee status, you do not need to complete this form. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with questions.
NEW: Early Childhood Education Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Informational Sessions
Indiana recently announced an Early Childhood Education Teacher Registered Apprenticeship, and additional opportunities to join the program are available for January and fall of 2025. Join IDOE in the Indiana Learning Lab for informational sessions from 1 to 2 p.m. ET:
- Monday, October 28: Introduction to the Apprenticeship
- Friday, November 1: Starting the Apprenticeship
- Monday, November 4: Starting the Apprenticeship
- Friday, November 8: Stories from Participating Schools
Create a free Indiana Learning Lab account to register. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
NEW: Digital Citizenship Week Begins Monday, October 14
Digital Citizenship Week occurs from Monday, October 14, through Friday, October 18, serving as a time to focus on keeping our students safe online. As IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning prepares to publish an approved list of high-quality, age-appropriate internet safety curricula, view this Digital Citizenship Week Collection in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Platforms in Indiana Series
Nine sessions from AI platforms being used in Indiana schools are now available on demand in the Indiana Learning Lab. Each featured platform was selected by at least one corporation during grant opportunities and met one or more of the iterations of IDOE’s vendor requirements. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Free Professional Learning Opportunity for Preschool to First Grade Administrators
Pre-K to first grade administrators are invited to join a new learning series to deepen their knowledge of early learning pedagogy and best practices. The series includes participation in a professional learning network, an opportunity to design a concept for an implementation project, and facilitated discussions. Participants will engage in a variety of modes of learning, including asynchronous modules and virtual professional learning communities over five months. There will be a final meeting at the end, in Indianapolis, to share projects. Complete the form by Friday, October 4, to express interest. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
REMINDER: October PD with IDOE
October PD with IDOE continues Wednesday, October 16, at 4 p.m. ET with Indiana’s Large-Scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pilot: Teacher Survey Findings. In this presentation recorded at MIT’s Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (RAISE) Conference, IDOE highlights research findings from Indiana’s AI Pilot Grant. View a full list of October 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 Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
NEW: Ed-Flex Cohort Two Waiver Now Available
The Ed-Flex waiver for cohort two is now live. All LEAs with previously-approved waivers are required to reapply for the 2024-2025 school year here. Those applying for waiver two (i.e., paraprofessional qualification requirements) or waiver four (i.e., Title IV spending requirements), must submit the application by Friday, November 15. The application for waiver one (up to 25% carryover for FY 2024 to FY 2025) is due March 30, 2025. Review these frequently asked questions for more information on the Ed-Flex waiver process, and contact IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support with additional questions.
NEW FROM THE FIRST LADY OF INDIANA: Students Invited to Hoosier Holiday Event
First Lady Janet Holcomb invites students to the Hoosier Holiday program at the Statehouse on Monday, December 9. More information on this opportunity can be found in this letter. Reserve your spot at the Statehouse Tour Office by calling 317-233-5293.
NEW FROM THE INDIANA STATE MUSEUM: Field Trip for Seeds of Freedom Performance
Schools are invited to plan a trip for Seeds of Freedom: The Spiritual Roots of the American Civil Rights Movement at the Indiana State Museum for grades three through 12. More information on performances can be found in this flier (English | Spanish). Contact Brittney Basaran with the Indiana State Museum with additional questions.
NEW FROM WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS: Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Conference
Spanish teachers are invited to attend the Warsaw DLI Conference on Saturday, November 16, to review practical strategies and ideas to improve dual language pedagogy. More information and the link to register for this opportunity can be found on this flier. Contact Crystal Kreider with Warsaw Community Schools with additional questions.
NEW FROM THE ASVAB CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM (CEP): Continuing Education Opportunity
The ASVAB CEP program is offering a continuing education opportunity for professionals looking to broaden their understanding of how the ASVAB CEP impacts students and schools alike on Wednesday, November 13, at 1 p.m. ET. Sign up here. Contact the ASVAB CEP program with questions.
NEW FROM KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: Coaching Into Content
Effective coaching can enhance teacher capacity and student learning, and Keep Indiana Learning’s Coaching into Content workshops focus on both coaching practices and content knowledge. There are specific sessions for coaches to focus on English/language arts, mathematics, and STEM. Learn more and register here. Contact Keep Indiana Learning with questions.
NEW FROM PURDUE UNIVERSITY: Register for 10th Annual Indiana STEM Education Conference
The Indiana STEM Education Conference is an opportunity for STEM teachers and schools to learn effective lessons, policies, partnerships, assessments, and education strategies. The conference will take place at Purdue University on January 16, 2025. This year’s conference theme is “Generational Advances through STEM Education.” Attendees can choose from over 60 presentations, network with STEM education sponsors, and listen to keynote speakers including NASA astronaut, Jerry Ross, and NASA engineer, Amy Ross! Lunch, refreshments, and Professional Growth Plan points are also included in the $90 registration fee if you register by Friday, December 13, and $110 if you register after this date. Visit this website to learn more about the conference and register to attend.
REMINDER FROM THE SCIENCE EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF INDIANA: 2024 Celebrate Science Indiana
Organized by the Science Education Foundation of Indiana (SEFI), Celebrate Science Indiana is a free, interactive, award-winning STEM festival with hands-on fun for families. Presenters demonstrate the importance of studying science and the joy of discovery, the economic value of science, and its significance to society. Science impacts our daily lives, and the event aims to encourage young Hoosiers to pursue exciting, rewarding careers in science. This free community outreach event takes place Saturday, October 12, and is open to all age groups. Contact Robert Yost for more information.
NEW FROM KEEP INDIANA LEARNING: RISE Evaluation Training & Certification
Teacher evaluation is more crucial than ever as we look to recruit and retain quality educators. Administrators must leverage the teacher effectiveness model, classroom observations, feedback, and coaching opportunities. This training incorporates all the key components of the teacher effectiveness rubric while embedding work related to retaining teacher talent through effective feedback, building teacher efficacy, and providing ongoing support through continued reflection and goal setting. Learn more and register here. Contact Keep Indiana Learning with questions.
REMINDER FROM PROJECT WET: Fall Offerings
Project WET is a national environmental education organization that has developed science-based activities for pre-K through grade 12 to encourage critical thinking about water, water quality, water resources, water conservation and water management. These STEM lessons compiled in thematic educator guidebooks meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), include literacy, math, or history components, make career connections, and bring awareness of environmental justice challenges. For more information, see this flier.
REMINDER FROM THE CENTRAL INDIANA CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP (CICP): See Yourself IN High School Summit
Join CICP and its five talent and industry sector initiatives for the See Yourself IN High School Summit on Thursday, November 21. Students will join us for a day of engaging panel discussions and hands-on demonstrations. This free event shines a light on Indiana companies, leaders, and young talent working in the state’s fastest-growing industries. Questions may be directed to Hali Mynatt.
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