It’s hard to believe that it’s already the end of October, and next week is Halloween. This is always a hopping day for educators across the state (to say the least!), and it can be extra challenging when the celebration falls in the middle of a school week. If you participate in Halloween festivities, I hope you have a good and safe celebration…and that you get to enjoy some of your favorite candy (my favorite is candy corn mixed with peanuts…and Reese’s!).
As we prepare for the week ahead, I just wanted to remind you that enrollment is now open for Indiana Learns through Friday, December 20. This is a free tutoring opportunity that thousands of Indiana students and families are already taking advantage of, in partnership with educators and schools across the state.
A little additional information, if you’re a new subscriber to the newsletter or if you missed it in the past, in 2022 we launched Indiana Learns after hearing from parents and families, as well as educators, about the significant need for high-dosage tutoring opportunities for students. At the time, we heard from parents who shared that they knew their child was struggling academically, yet they simply did not have the extra money for additional tutoring. Through Indiana Learns, students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and are below proficiency in math and reading are able to access $1,000, which can be applied directly to additional high-dosage tutoring for their child.
Here are some quick facts about Indiana Learns:
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Indiana Learns Goals:
- Maximize collaboration between our educators, families, and community partners
- Provide additional, high-dosage tutoring for students who need it most
- Compensate our teachers for the additional after-school tutoring that many already provide
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Indiana Learns Impact:
- Over 20,000 students have enrolled, and nearly 180,000 hours of tutoring have been provided.
- Early data shows the greatest impact in math, with students who are highly engaged in Indiana Learns showing the greatest academic gains.
- We will continue to analyze this data to understand the return on investment, ensuring we are supporting what is producing the greatest results for students.
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Indiana Learns Eligibility:
- Enrollment is now open through Friday, December 20.
- Interested families can visit IndianaLearns.org to check if their child is eligible. If eligible, families will immediately be able to view available funds, as well as local learning partners, and schedule approved services.
- Schools and families with questions can reach out to the Indiana Learns team by emailing info@indianalearns.org.
I encourage you to share this opportunity with parents and families at your school so that we can enroll as many students as possible this fall, and ultimately, ensure more Hoosier students have access to these additional tutoring opportunities.
Enjoy the sunshine and fall-like temperatures this weekend. And, just a quick shout out to the Indiana University football team on their history-making 7-0 record…like some of you, that’s where I’ll be on Saturday, cheering on the Hoosiers with family and friends. As always, thank you for all that you do for Indiana students!
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REMINDER: Mandatory and Voluntary Graduation Rate Audit Submission Window Closes Today, Friday, October 25
The mandatory and voluntary graduation rate audit submission window closes today, Friday, October 25. If you are unsure if your school was selected for the mandatory graduation rate audit, please check the list of mandatory audit schools. If you would like to request a change to the cohort status of a student in the 2024 cohort, this will need to go through the voluntary graduation rate audit. The voluntary graduation rate audit involves submitting the student on the voluntary graduation rate audit Excel template and submitting the supporting documentation. The voluntary graduation rate audit is open to all schools and is the final opportunity to request a change to the 2024 cohort. If you are submitting a voluntary graduation rate audit and are subject to the mandatory graduation rate audit, submit both audits in the same, single submission. (The enrollment key to access the linked resources is “AccountabilityCommunity”). Contact IDOE's Office of Accountability with any questions.
NEW: ILEARN Science Statewide Results Now Available
2024 ILEARN Science results are now available on IDOE’s Data Center and Reports webpage. Corporation- and school-wide data may be shared publicly and schools must ensure final results have been provided to students and families. As a reminder, schools can access Individual Student Reports (ISRs) on the Centralized Reporting System (CRS). IDOE is unable to release student results to families 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.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: Launch of Science of Reading and Dyslexia Toolkit
Join The IDOE’s Literacy Center and Marian University Center for Vibrant Schools Wednesday, October 30, at 4 p.m. ET for this live informational session to learn about the new Science of Reading and Dyslexia Toolkit. Participants will learn more on this resourceful toolkit that provides detailed information about reading development and acquisition, evidence-based reading instruction and intervention, recommended approaches for dyslexia intervention, and the areas of literacy. Register here. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with any questions.
REMINDER: Praxis 5205 Test At-Home Guidance
Educators using test vouchers (or any payment method) who want to use a school-owned computer to take at-home Praxis exams should review and confirm that the computer equipment and environment meet the test-at-home requirements and that network security settings will not block the test platform software. Please review the At-Home Testing Requirements to ensure the testing session will not be invalidated, thus requiring payment for another exam session. For support with Praxis, contact ETS Praxis Customer Support or 1-800-772-9476.
REMINDER: 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.
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: 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: 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.
REMINDER: Mandatory Public School Corporation Fee Survey Closing Soon
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: Common School Loans
To assist school corporations and charter schools that have an immediate need to purchase technology and related equipment, the Office of School Finance will accept applications for construction and technology loans from school corporations and school corporation career and technical education schools through Friday, November 8. Petitions must be received by the Office of School Finance by Friday, November 8, to be considered. Blank applications can be found in the public school finance community in Moodle under Common School Funds > Fall. Contact CommonSchoolFund@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: 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: 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: Family Friendly Schools 2025-2026 Applications Due Tuesday, October 29
The 2025-2026 Family Friendly Schools Designation application deadline is Tuesday, October 29. Please review the Family Friendly Schools Handbook for additional information. Please access the applications below:
Contact FamilyFriendlySchool@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: WIDA-facilitated Workshop - Enseñando en español: El Marco ALE en acción
IDOE is hosting a virtual workshop, facilitated by WIDA, titled: Enseñando en español: El Marco ALE en acción. This session is designed for Indiana K-12 educators, support staff, and administrators who work in bilingual or dual language programs. This interactive workshop will connect theoretical and pedagogical practices of Spanish language arts instruction while exploring the application of el Marco de referencia de las artes de lenguaje del espanol de WIDA (Marco ALE). This session will be held primarily in Spanish on Tuesday, December 3, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. ET. Registration is required via this Jotform by Monday, November 25, and space is limited. Contact englishlearners@doe.in.gov with questions.
REMINDER: October PD with IDOE
October PD with IDOE concludes Wednesday, October 30, at 4 p.m. ET with Science of Reading and Dyslexia Toolkit presented by IDOE Senior Literacy Specialist, Shaiya Badgley. 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 Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: October Coffee Chat
Join IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support on Microsoft Teams to discuss the risk assessment and best practices in completing Final Expenditure Reports (FER) during October’s coffee chat on Thursday, October 31, at 10 a.m. ET. Contact IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support with any questions.
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: Quarterly Meeting Schedule for 2024-2025 School Year
IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support will continue hosting a meeting each quarter to provide updates regarding federal grants. The quarterly meetings will be hosted on Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the following dates:
Contact IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support with any questions.
REMINDER: Liquidation and Final Expenditure Report (FER) Deadlines
The liquidation date for FFY2023/FY2024 Title I, FFY2021/FY2022 Title II, and 2021 ESSER III is Sunday, December 15, for reimbursement requests. FERs are due no later than Tuesday, December 31. Please send questions to IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support.
REMINDER: Title I Comparability Reports
Title I Comparability Reports are due via the Title I App Center no later than Wednesday, October 30. Please send questions to IDOE’s Office of Title Grants and Support.
NEW FROM THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEACHER INVESTMENT PROGRAM (AP-TIP): Cohort 13 Applications Available
The application to Cohort 13 of AP-TIP is now open. AP-TIP is a fully-funded, non-profit program of the university’s Center for STEM Education and the Institute for Educational Initiatives that
- Engages math, science, and English program teachers in exemplary professional learning opportunities tailored to the specific needs of teachers of advanced coursework,
- Provides personalized instructional coaching and mentoring for program teachers, and
- Pays stipends to program teachers for participation in professional events.
Applications are due by Friday, December 20. Teachers and school leaders can learn more about AP-TIP here.
NEW FROM INDIANA CTO COUNCIL: Nominations Now Open for the Candice Dodson EdTech Trailblazer Award
The 2024 Candice Dodson EdTech Trailblazer Award co-sponsored by the Indiana CTO Council and the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) and presented by CDW is now open for nominations. Anyone who knew Candice knows that she was a pioneer, somebody who was willing to take risks and go on a path that wasn't already there. She blazed a trail and left a path for so many in Indiana and beyond. Each year, this award is presented to a superintendent or assistant superintendent who has promoted and supported innovative uses of technology in their district and helped others do the same around the state of Indiana. Click here to submit a candidate for consideration. The winner will be announced at the IAPSS annual meeting in early December.
NEW FROM NEXTECH: CSforAll SCRIPT
Are you ready to create a computer science implementation plan for your district? CSforAll SCRIPT is the nationally recognized Strategic CSforALL Resource & Implementation Planning Tool (SCRIPT) to help districts prepare a custom strategic plan for the implementation of K-12 Computer Science education. Participating districts will leave the workshop with:
- A vision statement for CS in your district, a strategic plan that outlines clear, actionable, goals for three months, six months, and one year.
- The CSforAll workshop sessions are grounded in best educational practices and the strategic planning process could be useful for other disciples as well.
- Connections with several community and industry regional partners that can support your CS education efforts.
The next opportunity will be on Monday, November 18, via zoom. Learn more about this opportunity here! Contact Nextech with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS (IASP): Free Science of Reading Webinar
Strong writing skills are a critically important aspect of literacy. Don’t miss this chance to learn about evidence-based writing instruction directly from Joan Sedita–founder and president of Keys to Literacy, Indiana’s approved provider for literacy professional development. You’ll discover the research-based framework for writing instruction in Sedita’s instant bestseller, The Writing Rope, and you’ll learn what the teachers in your school will need in order to design and deliver explicit, high-quality writing instruction that meets student’s needs. Register here.
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.
REMINDER FROM BALL STATE UNIVERSITY: School Counselor Survey
Ball State University is collecting data on school counselors across the U.S. to explore the multicultural competence of educators. The intent of this survey is to gain a better understanding of the multicultural competence of school counselors, principals, and teachers in relation to their professional training program (degree/certification), professional learning experiences after entering the field, collaboration practices, and self-efficacy that impacts their knowledge, skills, and self-awareness in working with diverse staff, students, and families. If you are interested in taking part in a focus group or qualitative interview that will occur at a later date, please include your name, email address, and telephone number at the end of the survey. A researcher will contact you at the culmination of the quantitative survey to set up a qualitative focus group or interview with you. Contact Dr. Sherri Barrow or Dr. Rachel Geesa with any questions.
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