Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett will join Apangea Learning to launch the Hoosier Math Cup on Nov. 23 at 9 a.m. at Greenwood Middle School.

The Hoosier Math Cup is a month-long online math skills competition for students in grades 5 through 12. Classes will log-on to Apangea’s online math intervention tutoring program to compete for the Hoosier Math Cup trophy. The contest also awards regional class champions and individual student winners.

Apangea’s math intervention program will reach more than 280 Indiana schools and learning centers this month and will be used by over 35,000 students.

Contact Becky Reich at [email protected] for more information about the contest.

WHO:
Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett
Apangea Learning

WHAT:
Hoosier Math Cup launch

WHEN:
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 9 a.m.

WHERE:
Greenwood Middle School
523 South Madison Avenue
Greenwood, IN 46142

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett invites Indiana elementary students to illustrate a scene or character from a favorite book using the template of the state of Indiana. A selection of student artwork will be displayed throughout the holiday season in Dr. Bennett’s Statehouse office. Students can use this project to apply their reading skills, artistic abilities and creativity as they use visual language to illustrate their favorite text.

In an effort to help define "Best Practices" in the area of supervision, Dr. Leigh Ann Danzey-Bussell has partnered with the Indiana Department of Education to collect data on current policies/guidelines in interscholastic supervision. The purpose of this survey is to identify common areas of concern and to help provide schools a framework for addressing issues that may arise during interscholastic activities. Letter to Principals from Ball State University.

This memorandum is a reminder to report to the Indiana Department of Education’s Chief State Attendance Officer and to you local health department absences greater than 20% (511 IAC 1-2-2). The reporting requirement is by individual school, not corporation.

There have been a number of questions regarding the impact of the DCS proposed rule to implement a new system for determining rates to be paid to residential providers.

IDOE is seeking talented educators who are interested in serving as transformative leaders at Indiana’s struggling schools. About one percent of Indiana’s schools are at-risk of facing intervention by the state at the end of the 2010-11 school year. While I am hopeful a number of those schools will make significant gains for students this year, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) takes serious its responsibility to the students in those schools and must prepare for the possibility of state intervention. We know excellent teachers and school leaders will be critical to the success of these schools in the coming years. If you would consider the possibility of committing yourself to this important work on behalf of Indiana’s students, I encourage you to apply to Indiana’s turnaround leadership academy at Marian University.

The agenda for the December 1, 2010, meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

The agenda for the November 23, 2010, meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE: The “After School with Dr. Bennett” and “Night with the Superintendents” events scheduled for Monday, November 15, 2010, in Evansville have been postponed. Please stay tuned for a new date for these important events.

This memo clarifies who is responsible for reporting personnel on the CE report, reporting courses on the CP report, collecting and keeping HQT verification documentation, and who is held responsible for non-HQT with any Title IIA application requirements and possible fund restriction (2141a or 2141c status).

IDOE worked with two committees to develop the attached school accountability frameworks. The State Board of Education approved the request to seek broader input and present simulation data at the November 23 special Sate Board of Education meeting and the December 1 regular State Board of Education meeting.

Under “No Child Left Behind” (Elementary and Secondary Education Act), ALL TEACHERS who teach Core Academic Subjects must be verified as “Highly Qualified.” NCLB defines Core Academic Subjects as the following: English, reading or language arts, math, science, economics, civics and government, history, geography, fine arts (music and visual arts only), and foreign language.

The 2010 Basic Grant Worksheet and the DOE 54 for the November 15, 2010, payment of the Basic Grant are available on our School Finance Application Center. The site may be accessed at https://dc.doe.state.in.us/StateAid/. This is a secure site and will require a login and password. The login is the 4-digit corporation number and the password is the corporation PIN. To print the DOE 54 you will need to set the print layout to landscape. Please share this information with your business manager and treasurer.

The Online Technology Plan is now open for submission. The new online Tech Plan will be accessed via DOE Online at this link: https://dc.doe.state.in.us/doeonline/login.aspx.

The opening of the official bids for the mathematics additions will take place on Thursday, November 18, 2010 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Indiana Department of Education located at 151 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46062. Anyone planning to attend must bring a photo identification to gain entrance to the building.

IDOE is excited to announce that Indiana received a 2010 USDA Team Nutrition Training Grant to assist schools with taking the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC). Twenty mini-grants of $4,100 each will be awarded along with training and application assistance. Details concerning the HealthierUS School Challenge are available at www.fns.usda.gov/tn/healthierus/index.html. Mini-grants must complete the application by Tuesday, November 30, 2010.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) in collaboration with Pearson Evaluation Systems has recently developed new teacher standards to be used in teacher preparation programs. The new standards have an emphasis on content preparation in alignment with REPA and are also first in the nation to align to the national common core standards.

Four Indiana elementary school teachers were named finalists for the annual Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The finalists will be recognized in January at a luncheon at the Indiana Historical Society.

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Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett surprised an Indiana educator today with the 2010 Milken National Educator Award during an unannounced visit to Crooked Creek Elementary. Fourth grade teacher, Keana Parquet, was among 55 teachers selected nationwide for demonstrating innovation in the classroom and exceptional talent as an educator.
“Keana is an excellent teacher who not only connects with her students on a daily basis, but she also produces results,” Bennett said. “As an instructional leader at Crooked Creek, she assists struggling students by altering her instruction to fit their individual needs while always holding all her students to the highest expectations. Keana is an outstanding example of what it means to be a high-quality teacher.”

Ms. Parquet works with her students to develop data folders and collect, analyze and review their own achievement data. She takes time to participate in professional development opportunities knowing her teaching must continually evolve to meet the needs of her fourth grade students. After 15 years in the classroom, Ms. Parquet remains committed to the education profession by opting to continue teaching even after finishing an administrator leadership program.

“Because of Keana’s team leadership, professional development initiatives, and knowledge of the academic standards, her students always receive the best instruction possible,” Principal Kimberly Piper said. “She knows exactly what to do to enrich her students and guide them to academic achievements in a positive professional manner.”

Additionally, Ms. Paquet meets with reading and mathematics coaches regularly to learn new instructional practices for her students. She incorporates hands-on learning, inquiry methods and many formal assessments into her lessons.

Assistant Principal Nikki Hensen added, “Keana is a truly unique individual who comes from a very diverse background. She is globally aware and has a strong sense of family. Keana is a no-nonsense, extremely organized, hard worker. She’s exceptional – truly exceptional.”

The Milken National Educator Awards were conceived by Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation, to recognize the importance of outstanding educators and encourage talented young people to enter teaching. Ms. Parquet will receive a monetary award of $25,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles, CA, to participate in the Milken Forum which is focused on solutions to America’s educational challenges.

Since Indiana joined the program in 1993, 55 Hoosiers have been honored with the Milken Educator Award. Unlike some, the Milken Awards have no formal nomination or application process. Educators are recommended without their knowledge and then surprised with the award during an all-school assembly.

For more information, please visit www.mff.org.

Following action taken by the Indiana State Board of Education in August, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is evaluating schools’ readiness to move to administering the multiple-choice portion of the ISTEP+ assessment electronically by requiring schools administer the online to at least one grade level in each school building enrolling students in grades 3-8 in spring 2011. Some schools across the state have already begun to utilize technology allowing students to take the test online; however, with the adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), there is a need to move 100 percent of schools to online testing in anticipation of a Common Core assessment currently under development by two national assessment consortia.

“As technology becomes an even larger part of our students’ daily lives, it makes sense to deliver testing in an online format,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “Currently, only five percent of Indiana’s students are assessed online. Steadily increasing that number will help us complete the transition to online assessment which will ultimately benefit our students and our schools.”
While it is recommended that schools test their highest grade online, they may seek approval to substitute another grade level, and local administrators have the option to administer the online test to additional grades. Schools that assessed students online in spring 2009 and 2010 are expected to at least maintain that same level of testing for spring 2011.

“Schools need to begin planning and building capacity for teaching the technology standards by using technology regularly for both instruction and assessment,” Bennett said. “The Common Core assessment, which we anticipate implementing in 2014-15, is being built on an online-only platform. Therefore, we need to make sure Indiana’s students are equipped with the appropriate technology skills and have the online testing experience to be successful.”

Besides the need to switch to online assessment in response to the CCSS, assessing students online is beneficial for test coordinators as it saves time in printing, scoring and processing paper materials. Only the multiple-choice portion is offered online; all students will take the applied skills portion of the test on paper. For students with an Individualized Education Program, several accommodations are available as part of the online assessment system.

Every school and corporation will receive a site readiness report prior to any requirement for online testing during the 2011 ISTEP+ administration. Following the 2011 test administration, IDOE will review the current “lab” capacity to determine which schools have the resources to add additional grades for future administrations of the ISTEP+ online. The process will also document any barriers to preparation of Indiana schools for full implementation of online testing.

Schools with questions should contact the Indiana Department of Education’s Office of Student Assessment at 317-232-9050.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett invites Indiana elementary students to illustrate a scene or character from a favorite book using the template of the state of Indiana. A selection of student artwork will be displayed throughout the holiday season in Dr. Bennett’s Statehouse office. Students can use this project to apply their reading skills, artistic abilities and creativity as they use visual language to illustrate their favorite text.

IDOE encourages you to join communities of interest on the Learning Connection.

The Office of School Finance will accept petitions for advancements from the Common School Fund from November 8, 2010 through December 8, 2010.

Final Public Law 221 and Adequate Yearly Progress determinations will be announced at a special State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, November 23, 2010.

The purpose of the PGP is to allow educators to use a variety of professional development activities to renew their license(s). IDOE has received many questions from teachers and administrators concerning the PGP point value for being a cooperating teacher for a student teacher or for a college student completing a practicum experience.

IDOE has finalized the computation for reimbursement based on the 2010 summer school reports submitted. Click here to view a list of reimbursement payments by school corporation and charter schools. The payment for 2010 summer school programs will occur on November 19.

IDOE has released two training videos to assist schools as they combat bullying and cyberbullying in their schools.

Dr. Bennett invites all Indiana teachers, administrators and local school board members to join him for one of nine meetings to be held at high-growth schools across Indiana. You can expect to hear more about important education initiatives such as Indiana’s Growth Model, educator evaluations, the Learning Connection and metrics for grading schools A-F. To view the invitation for teachers and administrators and register for an event, please click HERE. To view the invitation for local school board members and register for an event, please click HERE.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett will honor nine high growth schools and school corporations during a ceremony at the Statehouse Monday. The honorees were selected because they have large numbers of students achieving high growth in both Mathematics and English Language Arts.

The Indiana Growth Model is a powerful tool to understand student progress based on where each student begins. Nine schools and corporations from across the state have realized significant academic growth among their students and will travel to Indianapolis to participate.

WHO:
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett; representatives and students from high growth schools and school corporations
WHAT:
High Growth Recognition Ceremony
WHEN:
Monday, November 8, 2010 at 10 a.m
WHERE:
Indiana Statehouse, Room 228

November 2010 Discussion Session and Business Meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

The graduation cohort report for the class of 2010, as well as for future classes (2011-2013) is now available in Learning Connection.

This memorandum is an update to the Education Jobs Memo issued on August 27, 2010. Since the release of that memo, a few schools have decided not to participate in the program. Therefore, excess funds were reallocated to the participating schools and the updated amount available to each school is reflected here. Schools have the option of making their first draws on the funds in November 2010. All Education Jobs funds must be expended by September 30, 2012.

Cultural competency is the framework that enables teachers and administrators to educate students from diverse backgrounds in various settings, and it is a required component of a school’s strategic and continuous school improvement and achievement plan pursuant to IC 20-31-6.

(Please note Indianapolis date change.): Dr. Bennett invites all Indiana teachers, administrators and local school board members to join him for one of nine meetings to be held at high-growth schools across Indiana. You can expect to hear more about important education initiatives such as Indiana’s Growth Model, educator evaluations, the Learning Connection and metrics for grading schools A-F. To view the invitation for teachers and administrators and register for an event, please click HERE. To view the invitation for local school board members and register for an event, please click HERE.

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics are organized by grade level in Grades K–8. At the high school level, the standards are organized by conceptual category (number and quantity, algebra, functions, geometry, modeling and probability, and statistics), showing the body of knowledge students should learn in each category to be college and career ready, and to be prepared to study more advanced mathematics. CCSSI Math Appendix

The 2010 Indirect Cost Rates are now available on the School Finance Application Center. The URL is https://dc.doe.state.in.us/StateAid/. This is a secure site and require the corporation user ID (4-digit corporation number) and PIN.

Soon our nation will be at the polls to elect our local, state, and national leaders. Our educational system bears the responsibility of ensuring our students are well prepared for this future responsibility of citizenship. Therefore, Indiana code requires specific instruction, as outlined in this communication, prior to a general election. Please remind your teachers of this requirement.

In response to questions from superintendents, we are sharing the Department’s comments to the Department of Child Services (DCS) regarding the proposed rule to change the rates DCS pays to residential treatment providers. The proposed change in rates may impact whether or not a residential treatment facility will continue to provide in-house educational services to its residents. If the facility decides it will no longer provide educational services to its residents, the students have the right to attend the public school where the residential facility is located. Not only would the local school corporation be impacted, but there is also a potential fiscal impact on the student’s school corporation of legal settlement in the form of transfer tuition.

NOTICE OF MEETINGS AND AGENDA: State Board of Education meeting, November 3, 2010, at the Indiana Department of Education, James Whitcomb Riley Conference Room.

The Indiana Department of Education recognized nine schools today as the 2010 National Blue Ribbon Schools from Indiana. This United States Department of Education (USDOE) award honors schools whose students increased achievement, made significant progress or scored at very high levels on state assessments.

“I am so proud of the students who attend these nine Blue Ribbon Schools,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “At the same time, I applaud the great educators and administrators at these schools who made academic achievement a top priority and challenged their students to succeed. I encourage all Indiana educators to learn more about their leadership and instructional practices through the Honor Roll community on the Learning Connection.”

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Online testing is required for the Spring 2011 ISTEP+ Multiple-Choice test administration for grades 3-8, which takes place during the April/May test window. Corporations and nonpublic schools are encouraged to participate in the Spring 2011 ISTEP+ Online test administration with as many grades as possible. Corporations and nonpublic schools are required to participate in ISTEP+ Online with the highest grade at each school. To assist with the implementation of online testing, required training sessions (via webinar) are scheduled for Corporation Test Coordinators, as well as for Corporation and School Technology Coordinators. Please see the attached memos for details regarding training session dates/times and attend the webinar of your choice. Superintendents are asked to ensure that Corporation Test Coordinators (and School Test Coordinators in the case of nonpublic schools) receive the attached memos.

ISTEP+ Online Spring 2011 Tech Training
ISTEP+ Spring 2011 Online Registration

Preliminary Public Law 221 Category Determinations Adequate Yearly Progress and Public Law 221 AppealsPreliminary 2009-2010 Public Law 221 category determinations are now available at this site (corporation number and pin or school number and pin required): Go to https://dc.doe.state.in.us/AYP/Authentication/PinLogin.aspx?pl221=Y. Log in to your school or corporation using your corporation or school ID and PIN. Superintendents or principals who need their corporation or school PIN can contact the IDOE Help Desk at 317-232-0808 (press 2).

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett named American Studies teacher Greg Lewis as Indiana’s 2010 Preserve America History Teacher of the Year at a surprise ceremony at Columbus East High School today.

“Mr. Lewis’s passion for American history is reflected in his students and their achievements,” Bennett said. “His dedication to their academic and personal success is inspiring, and I applaud his quest to help each student recognize his or her full potential.”

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Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett named Physics teacher Stacy McCormack the 2011 Teacher of the Year during a surprise assembly at Penn High School Thursday.

“Ms. McCormack is a dynamic teacher. Her creativity in the classroom captures students’ attention and allows for increased academic achievement,” Bennett said. “I applaud her for her work and thank her for her many years of dedication to Indiana students.”

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This memorandum serves as notification that the state Non-English Speaking Program (NESP) allocations have been finalized. The final allocations are slightly higher, at $115.65 per pupil, due to the redistribution of declined funds. A final allocation chart is attached.

This is a reminder that the collection period for textbook reimbursements began October 1, 2010, and closes at midnight on Sunday, October 31, 2010.

The GR (graduates) and DM (dropout and mobility) reports opened today, Friday, October 8. These reports are used, along with the AT (attendance) report, to create the graduation cohort and calculate graduation cohort rate.

The following hearings on proposed rules are scheduled. References are to LSA Document Numbers.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announces the 2010 Hoosier Hot 50 list of high-wage jobs by 2018. Schools should have received materials regarding the Hoosier Hot 50 this week The full list of jobs and profiles are available at www.HoosierHot50.com.

In order to receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (”ESEA”) of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, a Local Education Agency (LEA) must certify in writing to its State Education Agency (SEA) that no policy of the LEA prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary and secondary schools as set forth in Section 9524 of the ESEA. An LEA must provide this certification to the SEA on an annual basis. The local education agency (LEA) assurance.

The contract with the Center for Innovation in Assessment (CIA) expired on June 30, 2010. After contacting several IRDA site administrators prior to June 30, 2010, it became apparent that schools were not informed that the 2009-2010 school year was the last year the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) would fund this assessment. As a result, the IDOE provided funding to CIA to maintain IRDA for the 2010-2011 school year.

Preliminary 2009-2010 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) determinations for Indiana school corporations and public schools are available via the following secure link (Corporation Number and PIN or School Number and PIN required): https://dc.doe.state.in.us/AYP/Authentication/PinLogin.aspx

With your assistance, we discovered that, for some corporations, ISTAR students were showing up as not eligible to take ISTAR for accountability purposes in the preliminary AYP determinations. This did not affect all corporations, but those affected were listed as not making participation for the special education group and potentially for other student groups.

Pacers Center Jeff Foster First Parent to Sign

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett and Indiana Pacers Center Jeff Foster launched Indiana’s Parent Pledge for schools, educators and parents across the state today at a signing ceremony inside Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The pledge aims to increase parent engagement and enhance academic collaboration between parents and teachers.

“Education cannot end when the final bell rings and the car-pool line forms. Kids must go home to environments that reinforce key academic lessons and support positive classroom behavior,” said Dr. Bennett. “Indiana’s Parent Pledge serves as a vital call to action for Hoosier parents. Delivering equal educational opportunities to all children requires every education stakeholder—parents, educators, local leaders and community organizations—to invest unprecedented time and energy in our next generation of leaders.”

Bennett thanked the Pacers for joining the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) in launching the pledge and helping to drive awareness of the importance of parent and family engagement in education.

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett and Indiana Pacers Center Jeff Foster will release Indiana’s Parent Pledge to educators and parents across the state on Monday, October 4th. Jeff Foster will be the first parent to sign the pledge at a 2:15 p.m. signing ceremony inside Conseco Fieldhouse.

Indiana’s Parent Pledge aims to increase parent engagement and enhance parent-teacher collaborations on behalf of Indiana’s students. The pledge will be available online at www.doe.in.gov/parentpledge and in school buildings around Indiana.

WHO: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett and Indiana Pacers player Jeff Foster

WHAT: Official signing of Indiana’s Parent Pledge

WHEN: Monday, October 4 at 2:15 p.m.

WHERE: The Collins Fuson Interview Room inside Conseco Fieldhouse. Enter through the media entrance on Delaware Street.

Each year, the Hoosier Educational Computer Coordinators (HECC) honor one individual in K-12 education for showing a commitment and leadership to technology for students and staff. We are accepting nominations for the HECC 2010 Technology Coordinator of the Year until October 15, 2010. Nominations for the HECC 2010 Technology Coordinator of the Year can be submitted online at the following link http://hecc.k12.in.us/tcoy/. Please follow this link and complete the nomination form to submit your candidate.

The IDOE expects to release preliminary AYP determinations early next week. The delay from our original target release date was caused by the need to make sure that alternate assessment data are handled appropriately. We appreciate your patience.

Through a one-time $55,000 grant, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has partnered with the Indiana CTO Council to provide professional development and encourage best practices for Indiana K-12 school technology leaders.

The Discovering New Horizons road show is the first of its kind for ENA and education leadership in Indiana! John Keller, IDOE Director of Learning Technologies plans to participate in these sessions at each of the five locations and will be sharing an update on IDOE technology initiatives.

Thank you for your ongoing assistance with stimulus grant reporting. In addition to ongoing education-specific monitoring conducted for the US DOE, Section 1512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) requires recipients of all stimulus funds to report on their use no later than ten days following the end of every quarter.

As a reminder, efforts to meet the goals promoted by College GO! Week don’t have to end as this week draws to a close. This week was merely the start of a semester-long push to motivate and prepare Indiana middle school, high school and adult students to overcome barriers to college and career success. The campaign arms students with specific, practical steps and resources at every level, from navigating the college admissions process to ‘finding the right fit’ for college to matching academic courses with college and career aspirations.

Forty-six Indiana schools from 11 school corporations will partner with the Indiana Department of Education to implement a nationally-recognized program, called TAP: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement. The U.S. Department of Education today announced Indiana is one of 27 states to be awarded Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) money. Of the $442 million awarded, Indiana will receive $48,580,398 — every penny requested in the grant application IDOE submitted in July.

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This Indiana Department of Education released the names of students from across the state who were recognized as semifinalists in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP). These Hoosier students are among 16,000 semifinalists nationwide who are competing for 8,400 National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded next spring.

The Indiana Education Reform Cabinet (IERC) held its inaugural meeting Saturday, Sept. 18. The cabinet is composed of 15 teachers from school corporations across the state.

Effort designed to help Hoosier students, adults succeed in higher education

WHAT: Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers will join Superintendent for Public Instruction Tony Bennett to announce the launch of a statewide campaign encouraging every Hoosier middle school, high school and adult student to take specific, practical steps in preparation for college and career success.
Led by the state's Learn More Indiana communication and community outreach partnership, College GO! Week is made possible by a College Access Challenge Grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. EDT, Monday, Sept. 20

WHERE: Indiana Statehouse, North Atrium
200 W. Washington St.

WHO: Dr. Tony Bennett, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction
Teresa Lubbers, Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education
Special guests from Indiana colleges and high schools

This school year, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is rolling out a new web-based math program called Apangea in 196 schools and 68 learning centers across the state. At least 35,000 Hoosier middle school and high school students will use the program after school to reinforce math concepts taught during regular classroom hours.

“One of our top priorities for improving instruction in our schools is to cultivate and promote world-class, research-based K-12 reading and math programs,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “Apangea is an innovative, student-focused program that we will strategically implement to help the students who need it most. I’m confident Apangea will help our students gain confidence and proficiency in the important math skills outlined in Indiana’s academic standards — using 21st century technology.”

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In order to receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (”ESEA”) of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, a Local Education Agency (LEA) must certify in writing to its State Education Agency (SEA) that no policy of the LEA prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary and secondary schools as set forth in Section 9524 of the ESEA. An LEA must provide this certification to the SEA on an annual basis. The local education agency (LEA) assurance.

On January 15, 2010 a summer school package was sent out. In that package where important forms, to be submitted to Indiana Department of Education, with expected dates each form is due. It’s time for summer school final report, due September 17, 2010.

Indiana schools that are participating in the state network should be receiving their quarterly connectivity fund distributions from the Indiana Department of Education during the month of September.

Dr. Bennett invites first-year superintendents to join him and key members of IDOE’s staff on September 27 for a discussion about ways the Department can support local efforts. IDOE will provide information on important topics such as Indiana’s Growth Model, teacher and principal evaluations, teacher licensing and the Common Core State Standards. Please see the attached invitation letter for additional details.

Program helps students gain academic edge during summer months

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett and Summer Advantage USA Founder Earl Martin Phalen announced the results of the 2010 program during a press conference at Central Elementary School in Pike Township. Summer Advantage USA provides students in grades K-8 research-based, summer learning programs designed to produce substantial academic gains.

This summer, 3,000 Hoosier scholars participated in the program, and the results were remarkable. Students who committed to Summer Advantage this year gained more than two months of Language Arts skills (2.1 months) and Mathematics skills (2.3 months) over the course of this five-week program. Traditionally, students lose two to three months of learning in the summer months.

“Summer Advantage once again proves all students can learn if they have access to high-quality instruction and equal educational opportunities,” Bennett said. “These students should be applauded for the outstanding academic gains they achieved during such a short period of time. Likewise, we must give credit to the parents, educators and administrators who set high expectations for these students and contributed to their success. I hope Summer Advantage USA will continue to grow in Indiana so more students can benefit from the program’s excellent approach to summer learning.”

Summer Advantage USA uses an intense instructional regimen to negate summer learning loss. The program operates six and one half hours per day, five days per week, for five weeks. Monday through Thursday, outstanding certified educators deliver research-based instruction in reading and math. Later in the day, the students, dubbed “scholars,” participate in a wide range of enrichment courses — from art to engineering. On Fridays, scholars engage in community service projects, visit college campuses and think critically about their future goals.

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett will join Summer Advantage USA Founder Earl Martin Phalen to announce the results of the summer learning program. Over 3,000 students participated this year, resulting in substantial individual academic gains.

WHO:
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett
Earl Martin Phalen, Founder of Summer Advantage USA
David Harris, Founder and CEO of The Mind Trust
Nathanial Jones, Superintendent of MSD Pike Township
Donald Stinson, Superintendent of MSD Decatur Township
Summer Advantage students from Central Elementary

WHAT:
Summer Advantage USA student results

WHEN:
Thursday, September 9, 2010, at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Central Elementary School Media Center
7001 Zionsville Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46268

***Students will be available in a classroom setting following the press conference.

To support local College GO! Week preparation efforts, Learn More Indiana is hosting two webinars for school counselors on Tuesday, September 7 at 2:30 p.m. EDT and Wednesday, September 8 at 9:00a.m. EDT Schools may choose one webinar to attend and register by clicking on the appropriate link. For webinar technical support, please call 317-464-4400 ext. 137.

IDOE is working to improve the functionality and transparency of the School Accountability data on the public IDOE website. For this reason, the department will replace the current ASAP snapshots with a new system, COMPASS, in the coming days. Please note ASAP will not be replaced completely. If you have any questions regarding COMPASS, send them to [email protected].

The Department of Education received the following email from Dr. Joan Duwve, Medical Director Public Health and Preparedness Commission, informing the Office of Student Services about changes for the varicella vaccine requirement for preschool students attending accredited K-12 schools.

Quick Reference Guide

Earlier this week IDOE received the final data it needs to make state and federal accountability determinations. We expect to provide preliminary P.L. 221 category and AYP determinations for your review sometime the week of September 20. Public release will occur after an appeal period.

This memo provides an overview of the process and timeline for completing the Common Core Mathematics Adoption for the 2010-11 school year.

In place of completing the paper version of “Form 30A,” schools must enter CTE student data on the InTERS electronic data system between September 17th and October 4th only.

Public Law 108-477 contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 states that "each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution." The purpose of this event is to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787.

The 2010-11 English Language Learners and Immigrant Students (IDOE-LM) data collection window to report all English language learner (ELL) or immigrant students is approaching.

IDOE is implementing a new technology planning process that will allow plans to be created, submitted, approved, and searched online.

IDOE is pleased to announce Open Access of the Acuity Diagnostic Assessment Tools for 2010-2011. Your corporation is invited to apply for use of the grades 3-8 Acuity Assessments, as well as an Indiana version of Acuity Algebra Predictive Assessments (also known as “IDOE Acuity Algebra”).

The Indiana State Board of Education will adopt Science and Health textbooks at its Oct. 6, 2010 meeting. The State of Indiana Textbook Adoption Committee will present adoption recommendations to the board based on comments gathered during the public review period, from July 2 through Sept. 2, 2010, at regional public textbook review sites.

Textbooks will be adopted for use in schools for a six-year cycle, beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, in the following subject areas:

Science
Grades 1-8
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth and Space Science
Integrated Chemistry-Physics

Health
Grades 1-8
Advanced Health and Wellness
Current Health Issues
More information on IDOE’s Textbook Adoption can be found here: www.doe.in.gov/opd/textbook/

WHAT: State Board of Education to adopt Science and Health textbooks
WHEN: Oct. 6, 2010, Board meeting begins at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Indiana Department of Education, 151 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN

Indiana part of State Partnership to create a Common Assessment to Prepare All Students for College and Careers

The U.S. Department of Education today awarded Race to the Top assessment funds to the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC or Partnership) to develop a K-12 assessment system aligned to the Common Core State Standards. The goal of the PARCC assessment is to help states dramatically increase the number of students who graduate high school ready for college and careers.

Indiana is one of the 11 governing states that will lead the 26-state partnership in assessment development. Other states include: Arizona, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Tennessee. Florida will serve as PARCC’s fiscal agent.

“I am thrilled Indiana will have this opportunity to work with other states and develop a common assessment that will help prepare our students for college and careers,” Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “The consortium allows us to pool both resources and expertise to develop a top-notch student assessment that reflects our strong focus on academic performance and accountability.”

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The Indiana State Board of Education recognized Indiana’s “Title 1 Distinguished Principals” at this morning’s monthly meeting. These school leaders come from high-performing, high-poverty schools and provide assistance to Title I schools in implementing school improvement plans.

“Every student—regardless of the color of their skin or how much money mom and dad have in the bank—deserves exceptional learning opportunities, and I believe excellence in education begins with great teachers and school leaders,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett. “These Distinguished Principals are improving academic achievement in high-poverty schools, proving once again Indiana’s students will meet or exceed the high expectations we set for them. I look forward to learning of their continued success, and I hope all Indiana schools will look to these great leaders as an example of excellence.”

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Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett today announced ten finalists for the 2011 Indiana Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes the state’s outstanding classroom teachers.

“The number one factor for students’ academic success is teacher quality,” Bennett said. “Our ten finalists are committed to delivering innovative classroom instruction and driving student growth. Their achievements serve as best practice examples for teachers across the state.”

The Teacher of the Year program is open to all licensed classroom teachers who intend to remain active in the teaching field. Each year, school officials nominate teachers by submitting portfolios in which teachers' exceptional qualities and accomplishments are highlighted in a professional biography, a description of their community service, their philosophy of teaching and their views on educational issues and trends.

Indiana superintendents nominated 50 public and non-public educators for the 2011 Indiana Teacher of the Year. All nominees will be honored in November with a banquet.

The ten finalists were selected based on criteria that include concern for students, the ability to inspire learning and willingness to work cooperatively with colleagues. Each finalist will be interviewed Tuesday, September 7, 2010, by a committee of past Indiana Teacher of the Year honorees and other education stakeholders.

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The IDOE and DPS Advisory Board are seeking public comment on several Educational Testing Service assessments used for teacher licensing. Recommendations for adding new tests, revised tests, as well as new cut scores recommendations for existing tests will be collected. We are also seeking comments on proposed alternatives that could be used for documenting basic skills competency in lieu of Praxis 1. Please help us disseminate this information to your staff. Public comment will be collected September 1-30, 2010 at the following link: www.doe.in.gov/educatorlicensing/praxis.html.

(RFI) requests responses that are twofold; addressing separately both parent strategies and volunteer training for elementary readers through online modules. These modules would provide parents and volunteers with the baseline knowledge they would need to assist students. Please send the information requested above in a PDF or MS Word document to Reading [email protected]. Please place “Response to RFI” in the subject line of the email. Responses to this RFI are due by 4:00 P.M. EST on Friday, September 24, 2010.

To comply with Title 511 IAC 6.1-2-2.5(b) of the State Board of Education rules, Superintendents are to review and revise, if necessary, their corporation’s emergency preparedness plans. The review process must be completed and certified to IDOE within sixty (60) days after the beginning date of school. Emergency Preparedness Planning Certification Form.

IDOE recently implemented some organizational changes to improve internal and external communication as well as the overall quality and effectiveness of service.

Individuals cannot be denied enrollment for the following reasons (see memo). They must be enrolled immediately. FAQ Attendance.

Schools and districts that have not completed the on-line Legal Standards Assurance [Standards 2-11] must do so immediately. The deadline was August 6. You may use your building number and pin number to gain access to the system. You can reach the electronic site using the following link: https://dc.doe.state.in.us/DOEOnline/Accreditation/Assurance/SchoolAssurance.aspx.

Schools are required to publish the report one time annually, not earlier than August 1 or later than August 15 of each year.

IDOE has extended the deadline for applying for School Qualified Construction Bonds. Because there is still QZAB allocation available, applications will be accepted from August 27, 2010 through November 19, 2010, on a first come first serve basis until the 2010 allocation is fully committed. Allocations of $32,232,000 remain available.

The 2010-2011 Indiana Mentoring and Assessment Program/Residency program information is now available on this link: www.doe.in.gov/educatorlicensing/IMAP.html.

The federal government recently enacted legislation that will provide Indiana one-time funding to be used for compensation, benefits and support services to retain existing employees, rehire former employees or hire new employees to provide childhood, elementary or secondary educational services.

Indiana State Board of Education meeting, September 1, 2010.

Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (IPBS) will carry Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett’s inaugural State of Education Address, “Putting Students First” on stations statewide this evening. Due to programming concerns the air time has been altered slightly in some areas. In addition, those interested can view the speech online at any time at: http://www.wfyi.org/liveVideo/DOEVideo.asp.

IDOE is excited to announce that Dr. Bennett will deliver the Inaugural State of Education address on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 6 p.m. The speech will stream live at www.doe.in.gov and will be aired on multiple radio and television broadcasts statewide. Click this link to view the list of broadcasts and times.

Agenda for the September 1, 2010, meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

Latch Key/School Age Child Care Programs (REMINDER) This notice is being sent to all superintendents as reminder of the 1991 legislation, IC 20-26-5-2, requiring each school corporation in Indiana to offer “latch-key” or a school-age child care program. This program must be made available to all students, Grades K-6, and must operate, at a minimum, after the school day. A school corporation may contract with a non-for-profit or for-profit organization to conduct its programs; however, the legislation requires that such programs utilize school facilities.

State of Indiana is helping Hoosier students stay OnTrack this year with its annual offering of easy-to-read guides in support of student learning and academic success. Provided free to every Indiana student in kindergarten through 12th grade, the OnTrack series offers helpful advice on key learning topics, including: study strategies, Indiana’s Academic Standards for student learning, the state’s ISTEP+ exams, planning and preparing for college, exploring careers, tips for parents and more. Please click here to access the online tracking system. Contact information--including additional instructions for handling errors--is also available through the system.

Response to Instruction (RTI)
Pilot School Training
July 22-23, 2010 • Indianapolis Hilton North

Eight Video Sessions

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has made improvements to school data reporting requirements for the 2010-2011 school year. These improvements streamline the data reporting process to eliminate reports that are no longer required as well as redundant data reporting.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett will deliver Indiana’s first State of Education Address, “Putting Students First”, at 6 p.m. Monday, August 23, 2010 at Creston Middle School in the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township.

PLEASE NOTE: This venue has limited seating. Therefore, attendance is by invitation only. While the event is not open to the public, it will be broadcast around the state via the web, television and radio. See below for listings.

The Indiana Department of Education will also release an embargoed copy of the text of the speech to members of the media on Monday morning. A malt box will be provided in the back of the auditorium.

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The Indiana Department of Education announced household size and income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals or free milk for those students unable to pay the full price for meals or milk served under the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Special Milk Programs. These guidelines are set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture and are the same for all states.

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Driver's Education Teachers: News and Information from the Indiana Driver Education Association.

This year’s College GO! Week will be held September 20-24, 2010, and is Led by the state’s Learn More Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Education will introduce a statewide “Parent Pledge” this September. The pledge will stress the important role parents play in the academic development of a child.

This is the final notice about electronic submission of the 2009-10 school health report, vision screening report and hearing screening report for accreditation.

On August 3, 2010, the State Board of Education took three actions that are of importance to schools and school corporations.

As heat warnings have been issued across the state, please consider the impact on your staff and students.

IDOE's continuing efforts to ease the burden of data collection and reduce data redundancy are reflected in the data collections for the 2010-11 school year.

Dr. Tony Bennett's Podcast
August 2010
Welcome Back to School (Dr. Bennett with Garfield creator, Jim Davis)

n support of Indiana’s recent adoption of the Common Core State Standards, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson as its partner in developing new teacher standards as the state shifts to a content-focused approach to teacher licensure. IDOE and Pearson will establish comprehensive, rigorous teacher standards, making Indiana the first state in the nation to align these with the Common Core State Standards.

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Led by the state’s Learn More Indiana communications and community outreach partnership, the results from Indiana’s inaugural College GO! Week were impressive: record numbers of students applying to Indiana colleges; significant increases in student use of Indiana’s e-Transcript service; tremendous growth in student PSAT participation rates (making Indiana a national leader in this regard); and sustained strong student participation in Indiana’s annual career and college survey. This year's College GO! Week will be held September 20-24, 2010.

Each year IDOE ask that you designate one person to serve as your Corporation Test Coordinator (CTC) for ISTEP+ and End-of-Course Assessments. IDOE also ask you to designate a CTC for LAS Links (the English language proficiency assessment). The same staff member may serve both roles, if necessary. Provide information by August 27, 2010.

The school year 2010-11 grant application for the Non-English Speaking Program (NESP) is now available through the IDOE Online system. 2010-11 Allocation Chart.

Under “No Child Left Behind” (Elementary and Secondary Education Act), ALL TEACHERS must be verified as “Highly Qualified”.

Reminder: On January 15, 2010 a summer school packet was sent to your district. This packet included important forms to be submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) including mandatory due dates for each form found within. Please note that summer school final reports are due no later than September 17, 2010.

The Common Core State Standards for English/language arts and mathematics were adopted on August 3, 2010, by the State Board of Education as Indiana’s new standards.

ISTAR-KR and ISTAR Alternate Assessments will available through the Learning Connection (https://learningconnection.doe.in.gov) beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. The Learning Connection Registration Guide and Frequently Asked Questions about Learning Connection and ISTAR User Accounts provide helpful information for your staff.

To view a copy of IDOE's "Season Opener" presentation, click here. Please visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/M2JTNN3 to register for a session near you.

A menu of upcoming School Safety Specialist Academy trainings; School Safety Specialists are required to attend two days of training during the 2010-2011 school year to maintain their certification, each day listed counts towards that re-certification.

August 3rd, 2010 meeting of Indiana's Education Roundtable. NOTE: David Coleman's presentation begins in Part 1 at 40:47.

August 2010 Discussion Session and Business Meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English/Language Arts, Literacy, and Mathematics, following approval today from Indiana’s Education Roundtable and State Board of Education. Indiana joins a consortium of states that have adopted the standards so far. The CCSS aim to create consistent national benchmarks for all students, regardless of their home state.

“We want to ensure our students are held to the highest academic standard, and we believe the CCSS will position Indiana children well — nationally and internationally,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “While these common standards will serve as guidelines for success, it will be up to our outstanding educators to decide how best to deliver instruction to make sure our students receive an academically rigorous and globally competitive education.”

The CCSS were developed by two associations: the National Governors Association and the Chief Council of State School Officers in collaboration with representatives from participating states and a wide range of educators, content experts, researchers, national organizations and community groups. Forty-eight states and two territories have indicated they plan to adopt the standards, resulting in a vast majority of U.S. students being taught the same critical skills.

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The Indiana Department of Education lists available teaching and administrative positions at the following web address: www.doe.in.gov/jobbank Visitors can search for open positions and obtain the necessary information to submit an application. Please Note: Schools and school corporations may post jobs to the job bank. However, the appropriate designee must request an account at the following web address: www.doe.in.gov/peer/stop.html

This is a second notice about electronic submission of the school health report, vision screening report and hearing screening report.

In response to numerous questions from the field, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) compiled this document on transfer tuition.

During the 2010 Second Regular Session of the 116th Indiana General Assembly, House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1193 was passed. HEA 1193 was placed, in part, into code as IC 20-34-6 Student Safety Reporting. IC 20-34-6-1 requires school corporations to report student arrest data to the Indiana Department of Education. The application can be found here https://dc.doe.state.in.us/DOEOnline/Main.aspx?pageid=264.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools recently announced an opportunity for State Education Agencies to apply for funding to address the needs of high schools as it relates to a safe and supportive school climate.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett invites Indiana’s educators to join him for the first “Superintendent’s Season Opener: News You Can Use for the 2010-11 School Year” being held in communities across the state. Dr. Bennett and a team of representatives from the Indiana Department of Education will be available during these two-hour sessions to discuss and answer questions regarding Indiana’s Growth Model, Common Core Standards, A-F School Grading, Teacher Evaluations, Reading Framework, Curriculum Mapping, and Rules for Educator Preparation and Accountability (REPA).

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett invites Indiana’s educators to join him for the first “Superintendent’s Season Opener: News You Can Use for the 2010-11 School Year” being held in communities across the state. Dr. Bennett and a team of representatives from the Indiana Department of Education will be available during these two-hour sessions to discuss and answer questions regarding Indiana’s Growth Model, Common Core Standards, A-F School Grading, Teacher Evaluations, Reading Framework, Curriculum Mapping, and Rules for Educator Preparation and Accountability (REPA).

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On August 31, 2010, Dr. Tony Bennett, along with other selected presenters, will host a conversation with school board members from around the state to discuss school finance and board development. No fee will be charged for this event. Please RSVP here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HRTJZ9M.

School Board Development Services-Agenda

School Board Development Services

Teacher of the Year portfolios are due July 31, 2010 and need to be postmarked by this date. IDOE will be closed on that day, so candidates who want to hand deliver their portfolio need to do so on Friday, July 30, 2010 by 4 p.m.

Agenda for the August 3, 2010, meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) awarded three additional schools the Federal Title 1 School Improvement Grant (SIG) 1003(g) aimed at turning around the state’s lowest performing schools. Following a review by the IDOE and the submission of a stronger and bolder application, Bendix School in South Bend as well as George Washington Community and John Marshall Community High School in Indianapolis join four other schools receiving turnaround dollars. These three schools will receive $13.8 million collectively over a three year period, with George Washington receiving $5.7 million, John Marshall receiving $5.5 million and Bendix receiving $2.5 million.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) will open regional public textbook review sites on Wednesday, July 21. The sites provide a public forum for review and comment on Science and Health textbooks being considered for adoption by the State of Indiana Textbook Adoption Committee and Indiana State Board of Education.

Public textbook review is a legal requirement outlined in the state’s textbook adoption process. In addition to the evaluation forms, interested parties may offer verbal testimony on Sept. 2, when the advisory committee meets before making its recommendations to the State Board of Education.

Public review ends Sept. 1 and evaluation forms will be available at each review site. All public evaluations will be presented for consideration at the Textbook Advisory Council’s Sept. 2 meeting. Approved textbooks are adopted for use in schools for a six-year cycle.

More information on IDOE’s Textbook Adoption can be found here: www.doe.in.gov/opd/textbook/.

WHAT: Regional Public Textbook Review Sites
WHEN: July 21, 2010-Sept. 2, 2010
WHERE: Regional review sites are listed in the attached document.

School officials are reminded that the FY2010 (2009-2010) Report of Interest Earned as part of the Cash Management Act Requirements-ARRA was due in the Office of School Finance by July 5, 2010. At this time, many schools have not filed the required report. If you have already filed the required report, please disregard this notice. If you have not filed the report, please do so immediately. Attachment: interest earned form

This serves as a follow up to the July 2, 2010, memo regarding the Survey of Consolidated Purchasing and Shared Services. School corporations and charter schools are required to complete the survey by July 30, 2010 for inclusion in the November 1 report required under I.C. 20-42.5.

The 2010 Improving Teacher Quality allocation notification letters were sent to all superintendents on July 14, 2010. The application is available on the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) website for download at www.doe.in.gov/esea/welcome.html under the Title II, Part A section. The spreadsheet with the allocation amount for each school corporation can be found on the website with the application. Please contact Jeff Barber if you have any questions or need technical assistance with the application. Jeff can be reached by phone at (317) 232-9143 or by email at [email protected].

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett and Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers today announced the Indiana Education Roundtable will develop and execute a comprehensive P-16 plan. The plan aims to better coordinate programs and efforts between the many state government entities impacting P-16 education and career preparation (the State Board of Education, the Indiana Department of Education, the Commission for Higher Education, and the Department of Workforce Development).

“This is a great opportunity to study and strengthen the entire network of educational services we provide students—from childhood to adulthood,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “We want all students not only to graduate from high school but also to complete college or a workforce certification program.”

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The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced today that Marian University will be awarded $500,000 to establish a Turnaround Leadership Academy to identify, recruit, train, and develop transformational leaders who will focus on the challenge of turning around Indiana's chronically lowest-achieving schools. Marian University will build the leadership pipeline and develop an ongoing source of outstanding principals for struggling schools. The university was selected through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process.

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IDOE is pleased to announce the inaugural issue of the “Medicaid in Schools Newsletter"

The opening of the official bids for the 2010 Science and Health Textbook Adoption will take place on July 13, 2010 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Virgil Grissom Room, at the IDOE offices located at 151 West Ohio Street.

The recent changes to Indiana Code place critical new responsibilities on schools to collect verify and report changes in student immunization records. In an effort to underscore the importance of this WebEx, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) would like to stress the critical nature of this presentation.

Mr. Mike LaRocco has been named as the Interim School Transportation Director for IDOE. Mike will be replacing Mr. Pete Baxter who is retiring.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett made this statement regarding the Office of Management and Budget’s Dollars in the Classroom report:

“This report supports my belief that more dollars should be directed to Indiana’s classrooms where they can benefit students most,” said Bennett. “I encourage school board members, administrators, teachers, and citizens across the state to closely examine the way dollars are currently allocated and evaluate whether their budgets truly put student first. I will only be satisfied once we have driven every possible dollar toward increasing student achievement and success.

“While this year’s ratio is comparable to that of prior years, Indiana is still falling behind the national average, and I know our schools can do better. I challenge all school districts to not only meet the national average but to push more dollars to our students’ classrooms than any other state.”

A report released today at a state budget committee meeting revealed the potential for K-12 public schools and state universities to realize at least $450 million in savings annually by giving up their costly health plans for the state’s employee health insurance.

In 2009, the Indiana General Assembly called for the State Budget Agency to review potential savings realized by school corporations and public universities moving to the state’s health plans. The state contracted with Mercer Heath and Benefits to perform the review.

“These striking results should encourage schools across the state to consider moving to the state insurance plans — because doing so could save thousands of teachers’ jobs,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett. “This tool was one option listed on the Citizen’s Checklist we offered to schools in January to help school leaders find ways to trim budgets without laying off great teachers, and this study reinforces my belief that schools can find creative ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of education they provide Indiana’s students.”

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Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett thanked the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) for offering strong written support for the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) grant application submitted by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) today. The application seeks to implement a nationally-recognized program, called TAP: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement, which involves rigorous evaluations, training, and strong incentives to keep successful teachers in classrooms.

“Nate Schnellenberger and ISTA’s support for the TAP system shows the organization values meaningful teacher and administrator evaluations that encourage targeted professional development as well as improved student instruction and learning,” Bennett said. “Implementing a performance-based compensation program, like TAP, is a primary goal of mine—one I believe is absolutely crucial to improving student achievement and ensuring students leave school prepared to enter college or the workforce. I am encouraged by ISTA’s change of heart and happy to receive their support. I look forward to working with ISTA to bring programs like TAP to every Indiana school.”

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Indiana received its Part B Determination for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2008 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on June 3, 2010.Each June, states are given determinations based on their Part B Annual Performance Report, submitted in February to the U.S. Department of Education. You can find Indiana’s Determination letter and checklist requirements at this link: www.doe.in.gov/exceptional/speced/monitoring.html.

The Indiana Department of Education has received questions regarding verification of legal standards and the submission of school improvement plans.

School officials are reminded that the FY2010 (2009-2010) Report of Interest Earned as part of the Cash Management Act Requirements-ARRA is due in the Office of School Finance by July 5, 2010.

I.C. 20-42.5 requires that the Indiana Department of Education survey school corporations on an annual basis. The statute contains a listing of actions that school corporations may undertake individually, or in collaboration with other school corporations, and through Education Services Centers or other units of government to reduce non-instructional expenditures to permit allocation of the resulting savings to student instruction and learning.

Intent to participate in the Apangea Math Intervention Program is now open to all school districts/corporations/afterschool providers in Indiana who service students in grades 5-12.

There are new immunization requirements for students entering preschool or kindergarten as well as for students entering Grades 6-12. A Spanish version of this reminder to parents will be available online very soon at www.doe.in.gov/sservices/healthservices/index.html.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has developed questions and answers about state and federal accountability. This document will be updated as necessary.

As set forth in HEA 1479, the Indiana Department of Education has built a webpage to provide resources and information on scholarship opportunities for prospective educators. This page is just one component of a larger strategy focused on recruiting great teachers and leaders – particularly those from populations underrepresented in the teaching profession. Please visit http://www.doe.in.gov/teachindiana/ to access this important information, and forward this address to school counselors or other individuals who may have the opportunity to share it with students who are considering careers in education.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) awarded four Indiana schools the Federal Title 1 School Improvement Grant (SIG) 1003(g) aimed at turning around the state’s lowest performing schools. The Challenge Foundation Academy ($1.6 million), Indianapolis Metropolitan High School ($2.2 million), Glenwood Middle School ($5.8 million) and Hammond High School ($5.9 million) were selected from a group of 16 applicants. Funds will be awarded to the schools over a three-year period.

“Schools most in need of dramatic improvement were given this opportunity to commit to transformational change that benefits students,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “These four schools developed plans detailing bold and innovative approaches to improve student achievement and take responsibility for performance. I am confident if we raise the expectations for these four schools, they will rise to that challenge. Likewise, with improved instruction, I know students in these schools can succeed academically and in life.”

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The Indiana Department of Education lists available teaching and administrative positions at the following web address: www.doe.in.gov/jobbank Visitors can search for open positions and obtain the necessary information to submit an application. Please Note: Schools and school corporations may post jobs to the job bank. However, the appropriate designee must request an account at the following web address: www.doe.in.gov/peer/stop.html.

The quarterly ARRA surveys for Indiana school corporations are now available at http://doe.arra.in.gov. So that the state has time to validate and summarize these responses, we ask that you complete all of your 2010-Q2 surveys by the end of the day on Wednesday, July 7, 2010.

The 2010-11 grant application for federal Title III funds is now available. The grant application must be submitted by Friday, September 3, 2010.

This memo is a follow up to the June 15, 2010, memorandum on 2011 State Tuition Support and is meant to clarify a line reference in the Restoration Grant section of the 2011 worksheet.

The Biannual Financial Report is the basis for information requested by local, state, and federal educators and others for use in planning the management of school finances.

The last day for IMAP enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year will be Tuesday, July 6, 2010. If you have not enrolled by this date, you will have to enroll in August 2010 and complete your IMAP requirements during the 2010-2011 school year.

Please share this information with school nurses and speech language pathologists as well as the individual who will be submitting the report. In accordance with IC 20-34-3-12, the Indiana Department of Education is electronically collecting vision and hearing screening reports as well as the school health report for the first time through DOE-Online application.

Dr. Tony Bennett invites you to attend the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative’s nationally acclaimed Mentor Training Program developed by Dr. Tony Evans. This program will be held at Crossroads Bible College in Indianapolis on July 31. Please Note: Crossroads Bible College will waive the registration fee ($100 value) for any Indiana principal interested in attending. Please see the attached documents for more information, and RSVP to Selina White at [email protected] by noon on July 6.

Dr. Tony Bennett will lead a discussion on Indiana’s education reform agenda and the nationwide discussion regarding reform efforts on Friday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. This event is part of the Indiana Black Expo Education Conference presented by Cummins, Inc. The two-day conference focuses on educating and training teachers and administrators on how to effectively work in a changing demographic climate with students of all ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. Please Note: IBE has waived the registration fee ($125 value) for the first 600 educators. Visit www.indianablackexpo.com for more information or to register for the conference.

The Indiana Department of Education recognizes the important role school board members play in our state. From making decisions to establishing policy, and from setting goals to building relationships, your time and talent is vital to the success of schools. ANNOUNCEMENT

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) awarded four Indiana schools the Federal Title 1 School Improvement Grant (SIG) 1003(g) aimed at turning around the state’s lowest performing schools. The Challenge Foundation Academy ($1.6 million), Indianapolis Metropolitan High School ($2.2 million), Glenwood Middle School ($5.8 million) and Hammond High School ($5.9 million) were selected from a group of 16 applicants. Funds will be awarded to the schools over a three-year period.

“Schools most in need of dramatic improvement were given this opportunity to commit to transformational change that benefits students,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “These four schools developed plans detailing bold and innovative approaches to improve student achievement and take responsibility for performance. I am confident if we raise the expectations for these four schools, they will rise to that challenge. Likewise, with improved instruction, I know students in these schools can succeed academically and in life.”

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The Legal Standards for school accreditation have been consolidated. Principals and superintendents will complete their assurance of compliance through an on-line certification. There will be no faxed or mailed paper assurances required or accepted.

The 2011 forecast of State Tuition Support funding is now available in the School Finance Application Center.

In the past the Office of Educator Licensing and Development mailed packets of Emergency Permit applications to school corporation offices in the summer for use during the following school year. By making the application available electronically we can ensure you always have the most up to date version of the application and our office saves time and money.

Bennett congratulates schools meeting goals and showing growth

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett released the 2010 Indiana Statewide Testing for Education Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) results today, and students across the state made significant gains. Results show 81 percent of public schools increased the percentage of students passing both the English/language arts and Mathematics portions of the ISTEP+. The assessment resulted in statewide pass rates of 74 percent in English/language arts, 76 percent in Mathematics, 67 percent in Science and 65 percent in Social Studies.

“Achieving increases of 4 to 6 percent across the board for students in a majority of Hoosier schools is a tremendous step forward, and I extend sincere congratulations to all of our high-performing and improving schools for their hard work and tenacity,” said Bennett. “I am excited to see these gains across the state and am very optimistic that students will continue on this path to excellence. Our goal is that 90 percent of the state’s students are passing both the Math and English/language arts portions of the ISTEP+ by 2012, and I believe our teachers, parents, and communities will help Indiana’s students rise to the occasion.”

Given the Indiana Department of Education’s (IDOE) emphasis on demonstrating and communicating growth data, the department took a close look at schools achieving large gains in the percent of students passing.

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett will release the 2010 Spring Indiana Statewide Testing for Education Plus (ISTEP+) scores during a press conference in his office Wednesday morning. Parents currently have access to individual student’s scores via the Parent Network (http://www.doe.in.gov/istep/parentnetwork/).

WHO:
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett

WHAT:
Release of the 2010 Spring ISTEP+ Scores

WHEN:
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Superintendent’s Office, Statehouse, Room 228

***Scores are currently available under embargo for members of the media. If you did not receive this data and would like to review the scores prior to the press conference, please contact Lauren Auld at [email protected].

On July 9, 2010, at 9:00 a.m., at the Indiana State Library, 315 West Ohio Street, History Reference Room 211, Indianapolis, Indiana, the Indiana State Board of Education will hold a public hearing on LSA Document #09-995, a proposed rule to change the school improvement and performance category labels under Indiana Code 20-31-8 to letter grades.

Led by the state’s Learn More Indiana communications and community outreach partnership, the goal for College GO! Week is to have every Indiana high school student to take specific, practical steps to prepare for college success. Please review this flier for more information. New this year: College GO! Week will now include grade-specific goals for middle school students. Stay tuned for more information.

The 2010 annual DOE Budget Workshop will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, beginning at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) at M.S.D. of Lawrence Township, Lawrence Central School Auditorium located at 7300 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis.

Starting this year, schools that open, close, reconfigure or redistribute students will be required to complete a form posted on Master File site and send additional information providing projected enrollment for all schools in the district.

This memo should be used to clarify issues raised as a result of the May 3, 2010 memo addressing reimbursement of grant expenses.

The Indiana State Board of Education joined State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett at this morning’s monthly meeting in recognizing Dr. Tim Long, Superintendent of the Jay School Corporation, for his efforts to increase intercultural learning opportunities for Hoosier students.

Dr. Long traveled to China in April 2009 with seven other superintendents and principals from Indiana and eight administrators from Massachusetts on a trip sponsored by the China Exchange Initiative. On the three-week journey, Dr. Long learned about the regimen of the Chinese educational system and taught Chinese educators about the creative elements of the educational system in the U.S.

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Since new assessments were administered during the 2009-2010 school year and accountability determinations will be based on these new assessments for the first time, the Department of Education has established this tentative 2010 timeline for state and federal accountability determinations

Your assistance is requested in identifying persons both highly qualified and interested in evaluating science or health textbooks for the 2010 Science and 2010 Health Textbook Adoptions. The evaluation information from the reviewers will be used by the Textbook Advisory Committee to develop the textbook adoption recommendations for the State Board of Education and the official state adoption list.

On June 2, 2010, the Council of Chief State School Officers in conjunction with the National Governors Association for Best Practice released the Common Core State Standards for English-language arts and mathematics for grades K-12. On August 3, 2010, a recommendation will be made to the Indiana State Board of Education to adopt the Common Core State Standards.

The ISTEP+ Parent Network provides access for parents to student results, a process that is required by Indiana law. ISTEP+ student results will be available for parents via the Parent Network beginning June 3, 2010.

The State Board of Education made changes to its meetings scheduled in July and August 2010.

The IDOE notifies Indiana citizens of the state’s intent to request one-year waivers under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

Parent Network now available to view student scores

The Indiana ISTEP+ Parent Network opened today, allowing parents to view student level scores and applied skills images for the annual statewide assessment. This network provides parents access to student results, a process required by Indiana Law.

Parent Network invitation letters were delivered to school corporations the first week of May and schools are required to distribute the letters in a timely manner. Invitation codes included in the letter are specific to each student and enable parents to securely access their student’s results.

The Parent Network is available 24/7 to families as a resource to help them stay involved in their student’s learning and progress. This network not only provides scores and released student responses, but also gives parents additional support to help increase their student’s learning and achievement.

Parents can login and access their students’ scores at www.doe.in.gov/istepparentnetwork. Parents who did not receive an initiation code should contact their student’s school immediately. Questions can be directed to the Indiana Parent Network by calling (800) 481-4769 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Statewide aggregate data will be available to the public in the coming weeks. The Indiana Department of Education will release this as soon as possible once these numbers are final. The 2010 ISTEP+ was administered in two sections; the applied skills assessment was given in March, and the multiple-choice assessment was administered from late April through early May.

For more information on the Parent Network, go to: http://www.doe.in.gov/istep/parentnetwork/parent_network_flyer.pdf

The Indiana Department of Education released a new Advanced Placement (AP) metric today, combining the need for both access and success to the state’s most challenging courses. Along with the release of the new metric, 20 schools were honored for their AP success during a luncheon in downtown Indianapolis.

The event highlighted IDOE’s plan for creating and promoting a statewide culture of academic excellence where 25 percent of Indiana graduates pass at least one AP exam (score of 3 or higher) or International Baccalaureate exam (score of 4 or higher) or earn at least three semester hours of college credit during their high school years.

“What these schools are doing, what they are achieving, the example they set is about preserving the opportunity for upward mobility in our state and our society. The belief that every single kid, as long as we keep our institutions free, every single kid armed with a great education can go anywhere their initiative and drive will take them,” said Governor Mitch Daniels, who attended today’s event. “And so those schools, those teachers, those principals, those superintendents, those who are doing it as well as these schools are right now, we can’t say enough about you. We can only hope that everyone that is not quite where these schools are right now will take notice.”

The new measure for school-level AP achievement reports the percentage of graduates at each school who pass at least one AP exam at some point during their high school experience. It is an unduplicated measure, meaning students count only once in the formula — regardless of how many exams each student may pass. For schools to increase their percentage rate under this measure, called “Access and Success,” they must encourage more students take and pass AP exams.

“Increased involvement in AP courses has been a priority of this administration since the beginning,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “I hope schools will take a look at this 25 percent benchmark and start to examine what they need to do to move the needle in their school. There are so many students in Indiana not taking advantage of these rigorous academic opportunities, and we want to encourage them to challenge themselves by enrolling, taking and passing the test.”
Twelve of the schools honored at today’s luncheon hit IDOE’s highest mark by having at least 25 percent of their 2009 graduates pass an AP exam during high school. In addition, IDOE honored four additional schools that exhibited the greatest one-year growth and four more schools that exhibited the highest three-year growth on the new measure.

“These top 12 schools are setting the bar high, and I applaud those AP students and educators for their unwavering commitment to these challenging courses,” Bennett said. “However, I believe it is equally important to highlight the efforts of the eight high-growth schools, as well. These dedicated schools serve as motivation to schools around Indiana. Even if you have not yet hit the 25 percent measure, hard work and outstanding growth will still be recognized.”

Commissioner for Higher Education, Teresa Lubbers and College Board Vice-President, Trevor Packer were also in attendance for today’s event. The College Board sponsored the event and hopes to continue to honor outstanding schools each year.

To view AP participation data for all Indiana high schools, go to: http://www.doe.in.gov/opd/advpla/docs/2009-06_ap_results_v4_for_web_publishing-short.pdf. Please see attached documents for a full list of the schools honored during today’s event.
For pictures from today’s event, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ineducation/sets/72157624065888059/.

June 2010 Discussion Session and Business Meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

Indiana law, IC 20-33-2-13, requires school corporations to include certain information in the official high school transcript.

Since moving to yearly accreditation last year, schools in Indiana are no longer on either a five-year or three-year rotation for accreditation. IDOE has received several questions about the process for developing and updating a building’s school improvement plan (SIP) and want to make sure that you have the best information going forward. www.doe.in.gov/accreditation

IDOE has been working to develop revisions to the legal standards portion of school accreditation. Our intent was to streamline the process as much as possible and reduce the time required for districts and schools to submit assurances of compliance. As you recall, these assurances previously have involved the completion of many paper forms and either mailing or faxing them to the IDOE. These paper forms have been replaced by an on-line system.

In accordance with IC 20-34-3-12, IDOE is preparing to collect all hearing, vision and health screening data of all accredited schools for the 2009-2010 school year. This data will be collected electronically through the IDOE Online application.IDOE will no longer accept paper submissions; all submissions must be done electronically.

Indiana’s Annual Career and College InformatIon Survey of Students in Grades 9 and 11: Results for Indiana’s Annual Career and College InformatIon Survey of Students in Grades 9 and 11 are now available at www.learnmoreindiana.org/studentsurvey

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Virtual Charter Schools On June 24, 2010, at 10 a.m. EDT, at the Indiana Department (IDOE) of Education, James Whitcomb Riley Room, 151 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, the IDOE will hold a public hearing on LSA Document #10-107, proposed changes to Title 512 of the Indiana Administrative Code to govern the establishment and operation of virtual charter schools, to establish when the article applies, and to establish definitions under the article. Indiana Code 20-24-7-13 requires IDOE to adopt this rule.

Fifteen Indiana elementary schools have been selected to receive support from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to implement the state’s new K-6 Reading Framework in the 2010-2011 school year. IDOE will provide each Opportunity School a consultant with strong knowledge of strategies for effective reading instruction as well as funding for professional development.

“The Opportunity Schools will be some of the first in the state to take advantage of the guidance provided by Indiana’s statewide Reading Framework,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “We know research-based, intensive reading instruction in the early years is critically important for students to succeed over the course of their education. Even more, implementing the framework in schools across the state is an effective way to support the third-grade reading law passed during the 2010 session.

“The framework will help schools use proven strategies and interventions so that students enter the fourth grade able to read and ready to learn more.”

The schools were selected based on free and reduced lunch population, poverty level, and ISTEP+ English/Language Arts data over three years. Schools were not required to participate; they were invited. Those interested in becoming Opportunity Schools submitted applications expressing support from district- and building-level leadership and committing to professional development for at least 85 percent of school staff this summer.

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The agenda for the June 2, 2010, meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

The Office of School and Community Nutrition would like to introduce the first edition of a new newsletter designed to share information and positive success stories, from school corporations throughout the state, with food service directors. The newsletter (that has yet to be named-see contest information on page 3) will be distributed quarterly and a link will appear on the Office of School and Community Nutrition Web page www.doe.in.gov/food/.

On May 18, 2010 the Indiana Education Roundtable voted unanimously to approve Dr. Tony Bennett’s recommendation to delay the implementation of the 2009 Indiana Mathematics Standards. As many of you know, the Common Core State Standards are planned for release on June 2, 2010. Following this release, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) will conduct a final review and analysis of the Common Core State Standards and anticipates making a recommendation to the Indiana Education Roundtable and the Indiana State Board of Education to adopt these standards on August 3, 2010.

Grant Public Law 234-2007, SECTION 9 provides $58.5 million in funding for Full-Day Kindergarten Grant Program in 2010-2011.

• SupplementNotSupplantFullDayK
• FAQ's about Kindergarten Programs
• FDK General Guidance

Over the past year, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has been working to develop its state implementation plan for Response to Instruction (RtI). The foundational component of the long-term plan included the development of the Response to Instruction (RtI) Guidance Document, 2010 which will be publically released through the IDOE RtI website (www.doe.in.gov/rti) on May 25, 2010.

In 2009, the Indiana Legislature passed HEA 1419 which requires the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to develop a model evidence-based plan for improving discipline and behavior within schools. Indiana’s Model Evidence-Based Plan for Improving Behavior and Discipline within Schools, the Sample School Corporation Plan Template, and more can be found online at www.doe.in.gov/discipline/.

The Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy is now accepting registrations from your school corporation to enroll personnel in the Academy Basic Training for school safety specialist certification. Participants will complete three days of onsite training (November 16-17, 2010, and April 11, 2011), along with two days of online training. Indiana School Safety Specialist AcademyBasic Training Commitment Form

The Indiana Department of Education lists available teaching and administrative positions at the following web address: www.doe.in.gov/jobbank Visitors can search for open positions and obtain the necessary information to submit an application. Please Note: Schools and school corporations may post jobs to the job bank. However, the appropriate designee must request an account at the following web address: www.doe.in.gov/peer/stop.html

The Levels of Teaching Innovation (LoTI) survey is open for schools to use in assessing current levels of innovation in classroom practice. Schools are encouraged to have teachers complete the survey by May 21, 2010. Approximately 1,200 Indiana educators have taken the survey to date. The five corporations with the greatest participation are . . . (click here for details).

Indiana State Board of Education rules (511 IAC 6-7-1, 511 IAC 6-7.1-1, and 511 IAC 6.1-1-2) do not restrict high school "credit" to course work completed in Grades 9 through 12. Students who complete courses before entering Grade 9 may earn high school credit for those courses if each course is equivalent to its high school counterpart.

The Office of School Finance would like to remind schools that the May 11 tuition support payment is a partial payment from federal fiscal stabilization funds. The money must be tracked separate from the school’s general fund.

The final draft of the Common Core State Standards is in development and scheduled for release before the start of the 2010-11 school year. A video presentation has been created discussing Indiana’s implementation plan for these standards. Please share the link to this video (http://media.doe.in.gov/curriculum/2010-05-03-CommonCore.html) with anyone in your school who will benefit from learning about this historic initiative in our educational history or use it in a staff meeting at the right time for your school(s).

IDOE has received several questions about what happens next now that REPA (Rules for Educator Preparation and Accountability) has been signed by Governor Daniels. The major areas of change that occur May 14, 2010 revolve around license renewals, license additions and licenses for out-of-state applicants.

In the near future, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) will be posting a blank copy of the 2011 tuition support formula to the Office of School Finance Web site.

A record 110 Indiana schools have received the 2009-2010 Indiana Action for Healthy Kids Healthy Hoosier School Award. This award is sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education, Indiana Action for Healthy Kids Team, the Dairy and Nutrition Council, Inc., Whole Foods Market, and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett gathered several Indiana teachers at the Statehouse today to thank them and educators around the state for their outstanding work and dedication to Hoosier students. Bennett joins administrators across the nation in highlighting teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

The Indiana State Board of Education joined State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett in recognizing Mt. Vernon High School’s High Tech Academy for students’ work in 3-D visualization at this morning’s monthly meeting.

On Tuesday, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett spoke before the U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor in Washington, D.C., to discuss Indiana’s efforts to reform education.

Included in this memo are two new forms that we hope will assist schools in their communications to Department of Workforce Development (DWD) regarding status of employees for summer break and other breaks during the school year.

Last week, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) disseminated the 2010-11 Perkins Basic Grant Amendments and Budget forms to all Area Career & Technical Education (CTE) Directors. A copy of the application is available on the IDOE College & Career Preparation web site at www.doe.in.gov/octe/admin_finance/welcome.html.

Due to changes in reporting requirements for the Indirect Cost Rate methodology submitted to and approved by the federal government, it is necessary for the Office of School Finance to maintain an organization chart for each school corporation, charter school, special education cooperative, or vocational education cooperative in the state.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has participated in monitoring site visits by the United States Department of Education (USDOE), the federal Office of Management and Budget and the Office of the Inspector General, and the Indiana State Board of Accounts with respect to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The site visits resulted in two audit exceptions for the agency, cash management and advancement of funds. IDOE has been informed that non-ARRA federal grants are subject to the same federal regulations and scrutiny.

The General Assembly passed a new law that requires IDOE to create a plan to ensure students are able to read proficiently by the end of third grade. If they cannot, they must be retained. IDOE released the first draft of this plan to the State Board of Education earlier this week and would appreciate hearing your feedback and ideas for improving specific parts of the plan. Please click here to review the draft plan and email us at [email protected] through May 24, 2010 with your ideas.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett gathered several Indiana teachers at the Statehouse today to thank them and educators around the state for their outstanding work and dedication to Hoosier students. Bennett joins administrators across the nation in highlighting teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

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The Indiana State Board of Education joined State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett in recognizing Mt. Vernon High School’s High Tech Academy for students’ work in 3-D visualization at this morning’s monthly meeting.

Using virtual-reality animation, Mt. Vernon High School students created a 3-D visualization for Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (IMPO) as a model for their proposed light-rail system in Indianapolis. Students presented their completed project, which simulates a passenger’s ride on the light-rail train, to the board.

Bennett visited the school in September of 2009 to see the students’ work. “Projects such as this highlight the importance of integrating new technologies into classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences,” Bennett said. “Mt. Vernon students have the opportunity to participate in real-world learning experiences, connecting them with their community. They deserve to be recognized for their hard work and innovation.”

Mt. Vernon High School is the only high school in the country utilizing VisionDome, which allows viewers to watch virtual-reality 3-D presentations. “It has been a great experience for our students to be involved in solving real-world problems,” said Mt. Vernon Superintendent Dr. Bill Riggs. “And this is just the latest in the series.”

Mt. Vernon students have used the VisionDome equipment in the past to create a 3-D visualization of Hancock Regional Health’s new hospital wing before it was built as well as projects for the towns of Fortville and McCordsville.

For more information on Mt. Vernon High School’s High Tech Academy, go to: http://www.mvcsc.k12.in.us/mvhs/High%20Tech%20Academy/tech2.htm.

On Tuesday, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett spoke before the U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor in Washington, D.C., to discuss Indiana’s efforts to reform education.

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Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett will honor Indiana teachers for their dedication to Hoosier students during a ceremony in his office on Thursday. The Indiana Department of Education has been highlighting several educators all week in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett will highlight outstanding educators this week in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3-7.

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The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) 2009-10 and the Classroom Innovation in Mathematics 2010-11 grant competitions, totaling approximately $4.4 million in funding for local school corporations. As a result of a statewide competitive application process, approximately $2.7 million will be distributed to six grantees through the MSP grant. In addition, approximately $1.7 million will be distributed to 18 school districts, which includes 35 schools, through the Classroom Innovation grant.

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The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has made the quality review reports, published through the School Quality Review program, available online via the department’s web site.

The School Quality Review program is designed to provide schools and their supporters specific, action-focused feedback on what is working well and to identify clear targets for improvement. The review provides a structure to improve academic outcomes in schools so they are no longer in the Academic Probation designation. The Indiana Department of Education engaged Cambridge Education (LLC), an international education consultancy organization, to lead these reviews. Review teams included Indiana educators, community representatives, and IDOE staff members.

The tuition support distribution for the month of May will be electronically deposited into your school corporation/charter school account in two separate payments with the first occurring on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, and the second occurring on May 14, 2010. The Federal Cash Management and Investment Act (CMIA) require a grantee or sub recipient to report quarterly interest earned on advanced funds, including ARRA grant funds. To assist in the reporting of interest earned on advanced federal funds, the IDOE has created a form for the reporting of ARRA Stabilization grant funds.

A total of 265 school corporations and charter schools reported expenditure estimates for the 2010 summer school programs that total more than $31.2 million. The actual percentage will be determined when actual expenditure data are received. There will be no reimbursement for Category 2. Please refer to the 2010 Summer School Program Eligible Courses listed at www.doe.in.gov/summerschool.

Important information regarding the process for interested schools to apply to become one of six model PBS sites being established in the state.The application and scoring rubric are available for review.

Each year, the Indiana Department of Education makes Indiana Core 40 and Honors diploma seals and letters available for graduation purposes. As a reminder, congratulatory letters from Dr. Bennett will not be mailed to schools this year.

The state will cover the cost for PSAT exams taken on October 13, 2010, for all Grade 10 students enrolled in Indiana accredited public and non-public high schools.

The Indiana Department of Education recently announced an opportunity for schools to gather data about current instructional practices and to use that data for planning professional development. This update provides directions for taking the survey, an update on progress and information for administrators interested in checking the progress of their schools. Principals of schools with high levels of participation will be invited to a free workshop aimed at using the data gathered in the survey.

In response to requests from the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning is preparing to reimburse public school corporations and charter schools for covered services provided by a Registered Nurse per the Individualized Education Program (IEP) of a Medicaid-enrolled student.

This notice is being sent to all superintendents as reminder of the 1991 legislation, IC 20-26-5-2, requiring each school corporation in Indiana to offer “latch-key” or a school-age child care program. A school corporation may contract with a non-for-profit or for-profit organization to conduct its programs; however, the legislation requires that such programs utilize school facilities. Schools may seek a waiver from the child care program requirement if compliance would result in “undue financial hardship.”

The second annual College GO! Week will take place September 20 – 24, 2010. Led by the state’s Learn More Indiana outreach partnership, the goal for College GO! Week is to have every Indiana student take specific, practical steps to prepare for college. Please mark your calendar and look forward to receiving additional information in the near future.

National Poetry Month and Indiana Poet Laureate

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) 2009-10 and the Classroom Innovation in Mathematics 2010-11 grant competitions, totaling approximately $4.4 million in funding for local school corporations. As a result of a statewide competitive application process, approximately $2.7 million will be distributed to six grantees through the MSP grant. In addition, approximately $1.7 million will be distributed to 18 school districts, which includes 35 schools, through the Classroom Innovation grant.

“Mathematics and Science education are clear cornerstones to student’s academic success and this funding will allow schools across the state to really move the needle for improved achievement in these subjects,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “I am confident these grant recipients will push these dollars directly to the classroom where we will hopefully see immediate impact on academic programs.”

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In preparation for our adoption of and transition to the Common Core State Standards for English/language arts and mathematics, the IDOE will be working with expert teachers and content experts from districts and universities to develop curriculum maps. From the applications, participants will be selected to develop the first set of curriculum maps this summer. The application needs to be completed and returned by May 3, 2010.

The following is intended to provide a brief overview of legislation passed in during the 2010 Session of the Indiana General Assembly. A full version of the bills can be found on www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo under bills and resolutions for the 2010 session. sample resolution

The United States Department of Education (DE) is allowing SEAs to apply for the ability to approve waivers. Public notice about the waivers is available at www.doe.in.gov/stimulus/PublicNoticeWaivers.pdf.

During the 2008-09 school year, the ISTAR assessment window moved from the fall to the spring, along with the administration of ISTEP+. Moving ISTAR to the spring necessitated the review and revision of the ISTAR assessment and provided an opportunity to redesign the existing ISTAR system to better meet the needs of students and schools. As the purpose of ISTAR is to find the essence of students’ knowledge, skills and abilities based on the Indiana Academic Standards, a continuum of learning progressions was developed and implemented in the spring of 2009.

School personnel with the appropriate administrative access to the Learning Connection portal can now log on and view Additional Pupil Count (APC) calculations at the school corporation level. A drill down is also available with this report to allow the user to examine how individual students are counted for funding. You will be able to view all STN records of students for which your corporation was reported as either the school corporation of legal settlement or the school corporation of service in the DOE-SE or the DOE-ME.

The agenda for the May 5, 2010, meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett today announced 12 graduating seniors from Indiana have been selected 2010 Presidential Scholars Program semifinalists. The program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize the nation's most distinguished high school graduates. If selected, students are honored in Washington D.C. in a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

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Yesterday, the Indiana State Teachers Association declined an invitation (letter attached) to meet and further discuss union support for vital components of the state’s Race to the Top (RttT) application that are the foundation for Indiana’s student-focused reform agenda. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett issued this statement in response:

“I received notice yesterday that the Indiana State Teachers Association is unwilling to join me for an open and transparent discussion regarding union support for vital components of Indiana’s Race to the Top application. Without support from the union that represents more than 90 percent of Indiana’s school districts, our application will not be competitively positioned. Therefore, Indiana will not apply for Phase 2 funding.

“Instead, just as today’s students have no time to waste, IDOE will waste no time as we continue our efforts to implement Indiana’s Fast Forward plan without the federal funding. I am hopeful the unions will work with us throughout the implementation process, and I promise to make sure discussions between IDOE and the unions are transparent to all stakeholders.”

2010-04-21 ISTA Letter

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) today unveiled a network for improved support for students with special needs made possible through Indiana Resource Centers for Improvement Activities special education grants. These six resource centers, called the Indiana Resource Network (IRN), and the grant recipients will work together to provide Indiana's schools targeted and comprehensive special education support and assistance.

Under this new and more coordinated grant process, IDOE will distribute funding to recipients who will provide professional support for special education to schools across the state. Several levels of support will be available based on individual districts' needs.

"Our goal as a department is to make the pathways between resources and students more direct and efficient," Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. "This revamped method for providing special education services is a more organized way to target schools' individual special education needs, and it's a great example of the ways we're working to streamline every area of education funding and support."

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Today, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett announced the addition of the Indiana Department of Education’s (IDOE) first Diversity Coordinator, Shanida Sharp-Byrnes. Legislation recently passed by the Indiana General Assembly, which allowed for the creation of this new position, partners the IDOE with nonprofits, the Commission for Higher Education and state educational institutions in order to recruit and retain qualified teachers from underrepresented populations.

“In a time when resources are scarce, I am pleased that IDOE can demonstrate the state’s commitment to making a powerful impact on our students’ lives,” said Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett. “By creating this position and hiring Shanida, we have filled a long-standing void. I am thrilled to have a staff member focused on recruiting effective teachers who will serve also as role models for Hoosier students, into the classroom.”

As Diversity Coordinator, Sharp-Byrnes will advise the Director of the Office of Educator Licensing and Development on state policy involving diversity in schools. She will focus on recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, lead in the development of achievement gap closure strategies and serve as a resource to the State Board of Education on diversity issues. According to Sharp-Byrnes, public schools are becoming increasingly diverse, while the percentage of educators from underrepresented populations has decreased.

“Early outreach is key to raising student awareness and interest in teaching as a career,” said Sharp-Byrnes. She will work to promote career and scholarship opportunities in the classroom and assist career changers as they complete Indiana’s teacher licensing requirements. She will also work to ensure information regarding outreach and transition to teaching programs will be organized online and available to the public as a resource.

Sharp-Byrnes worked previously as a complaint investigator in IDOE’s Office of Legal Affairs where she analyzed violations of state and federal special education laws. As IDOE’s Exceptional Learners Specialist she monitored school corporation compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act and prepared school corporation performance reports for the United States Department of Education. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and her law degree from the Indiana University Mauer School of Law-Bloomington.

What Will Schools Look Like in 2020? How Do We Begin To Prepare? will be presented by Will Richardson. During this 1 hour and 30 minute presentation, Mr. Richardson will explore what schools will look like in 2020 and what schools and Superintendents need to do now to help ensure success in the future.

The 2010 annual DOE Budget Workshop will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, beginning at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) at M.S.D. of Lawrence Township, Lawrence Central High School Auditorium located at 7300 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis.

Recently, the IDOE has fielded a number of inquiries regarding the collection of student social security numbers in order to receive a high school diploma. Many school counselors subscribe to SS InTouch and the following information was written in the April issue. If your counselor(s) does not receive the newsletter please forward this memo.

On June 15th, the Indiana Department of Education is sponsoring a leadership seminar for school principals interested in increasing innovative classroom instruction. A statewide survey will be used to collect information that will help principals understand current levels of student engagement and classroom innovation. The data gathered can be used to support efforts to increase the effectiveness of instructional staff as well as support digital-age learning. The leadership seminar will focus on using the classroom innovation data collected from the instructional staff at the principal’s school.

After reviewing feedback, the Indiana Department of Education will post a revised draft of our application and the work plan associated with it. This draft application will closely mirror our final application, with the exception of minor changes or corrections. We expect to post both of these documents on Monday, May 3 for your review. We want all education stakeholders to have ample time to read our application before signing the partnership agreement. The partnership agreement will be due to the IDOE by Tuesday, May 18.

I.C.5-3-1-3 requires the secretary of each school corporation to publish an Annual Financial Report. The Report must be published one time annually, not earlier than August 1 or later than August 15 of each year. The statute also requires the Department of Education to develop guidelines for the preparation and form of the Report and to provide assistance to school corporations in preparation of the Report.

Last week, I asked the leaders of the Indiana State Teachers Association and the Indiana Federation of Teachers to support specific reforms that align to Indiana’s Race to the Top application and the Obama Administration’s educational agenda. I believe these reforms are essential to ensuring all Indiana students receive the quality classroom instruction they deserve. Instead of simply sharing their positions, the union leaders responded with bureaucratic rhetoric and no specifics.

I asked if they could support the idea that every teacher in our students’ classrooms should have annual performance evaluations. It is worth noting that these evaluations would be modeled after a framework the unions actively helped us create during a series of meetings. I also asked if they could support the premise that those evaluations should then be used to inform employment and compensation decisions. But once again, they have responded with more talk about process.

Although our full application has been available online for nearly three months, the unions’ leaders have failed to offer any comments, suggestions or ideas to improve the plan. Because time is limited, we need specific commitments on both the regulatory and legislative reforms they are willing to support.

While the labor unions have bemoaned the difficult financial status of Indiana’s schools, it doesn’t appear they are willing to support any change that could bring an additional $250M to our state. However, I wish to extend one final invitation to the unions to declare their support for specific reforms.

To that end, I invite Nate Schnellenberger and Rick Muir to join me in my office at 9:30 a.m. on April 27 for a Race to the Top Summit to discuss their organizations’ positions on these specific reform plan components and to determine Indiana’s way forward with regard to Race to the Top. I want to make this a meaningful discussion among the three of us, and therefore, members of my staff will not attend the meeting. I would ask Nate and Rick to follow suit.

In the interest of transparency, IDOE would welcome interested members of the media to attend and observe. We will also post video footage of the meeting to our Web site as soon as possible.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett contacted superintendents and principals today, providing a Race to the Top update and inviting public comments and suggestions on Indiana’s Fast Forward reform plan and Race to the Top application. Bennett asked superintendents and principals to share the update with local school board members and teachers’ association presidents.

See the attached letter for more details.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is pleased to announce the release of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLCs) 2009-10 grant competition winners. The primary purpose of the program is to award grants to public school districts, community-based organizations, public/private organizations, faith-based organizations, or a consortium of these organizations, in order to provide communities opportunities to establish or expand community learning centers.

The applications this year were highly competitive with the largest amount of request for proposals to date. Statewide, approximately $24 million was requested, with $12.4 million being funded to 52 grantees. A list of the funded organizations can be found in the attached document.

The 21st CCLCs provide students — particularly students in high-poverty, low-performing schools — academic enrichment opportunities to meet state and local student performance standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and mathematics as well as activities designed to complement students’ regular academic program.

IC 20-43-4 requires school corporations to submit three membership counts each school year. The third count for the 2009-2010 school year is Monday, May 3, 2010.

In addition to the portfolio’s standard requirements, which were sent via Superintendents’ Mail on February 26, 2010, the Indiana Department of Education expects each teacher to address how he or she has improved student achievement aligned to 90-25-90.

On March 10, the Department of Education released a grant opportunity for Indiana schools. The Classroom Innovation in Mathematics Grant will provide schools the opportunity to pilot digital curricular materials for the 2010-11 school year, in lieu of a traditional textbook.

An innovative new leadership training program being offered at the University of Notre Dame which is designed explicitly to help school corporations deepen their leadership talent pools.

For any fiscal year for which the federal allocation received by an LEA under § 300.705 exceeds the amount the LEA received for the previous fiscal year, an LEA may reduce the level of expenditures otherwise required by § 300.203(a) by not more than 50 percent of the amount of that excess as explained in the CFR § 300.205 [46780] http://idea.ed.gov/download/finalregulations.pdf

Indiana educators are encouraged to remind families to participate in the 2010 Census. When local schools include census ideas in their curriculum, Hoosier children learn about the important role the census has played throughout American history, increase their awareness of the 2010 Census and deliver this message to their families.

99% of K-12 schools quickly and thoroughly completed the health care survey required by the budget bill. It is also exciting to announce that surveys from all seven of the state’s public universities.

The distribution and allocation of state funds to support internet connections is undergoing a change beginning on July 1, 2010. In the past, the state funds were distributed in the form of a credit on the ENA invoice. For the E-rate service year beginning July 1, 2010, state connectivity funds will be distributed directly to schools on a quarterly basis. The DOE is hosting a webinar on April 21st, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. EST to answer questions that schools may have about these changes.

The Indiana Department of Education is conducting a standard setting to recommend cut scores for the new graduation examination in Algebra I and English 10. Superintendents are invited to nominate teachers or curriculum specialists who will serve as participants on the Cut Score Setting Committee. Participants will recommend Pass and Pass+ scores for Algebra I and English 10 End-of-Course Assessments (ECAs).

The Indiana Department of Education is conducting a standard setting to recommend cut scores for the new Indiana Modified Achievement Standards Test (IMAST). Superintendents are invited to nominate special education and general education teachers or curriculum specialists who will serve as participants on the Cut Score Setting Committee. Participants will recommend Pass and Pass+ IMAST scores for grades 3-8 in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

Please view the attached letter and performance evaluation guidelines document recently sent to leaders of the Indiana State Teachers Association and the Indiana Federation of Teachers. The letter calls for state-level union support for key aspects of Indiana’s Fast Forward reform plan and Round 2 Race to the Top application.

On April 30, 2010, at 9 a.m., at the Indiana Department of Education, James Whitcomb Riley

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett sent the attached letter and performance evaluation guidelines document to leaders of the Indiana State Teachers Association and the Indiana Federation of Teachers, calling for state-level union support for key aspects of Indiana’s Fast Forward reform plan and Round 2 Race to the Top application.

April 2010 Discussion Session and Business Meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

The Indiana State Board of Education joined State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett in recognizing John H. Castle Elementary for raising student achievement through data driven instruction at this morning’s monthly meeting.

Over the last five years the administration and faculty at Castle Elementary have implemented a variety of educational programs that address key areas of instructional need. Indiana’s Growth Model identifies the school as High Growth/High Achievement in both English/language arts and Mathematics.

“While we have known of Castle’s success for some time, the growth model has allowed us to take a comprehensive look at the school’s substantial improvement and performance,” Bennett said. “I applaud the students for their hard work, as well as their teachers for expecting excellence. Furthermore, I commend these teachers for holding each other accountable and continuing to measure their own performance based on student success.”

Castle’s approach reflects a commitment to addressing and realizing the Indiana Department of Education’s key goals. Teachers are given the freedom to implement new and different instructional programs and are held accountable by measurable student data. The curriculum centers on English/language arts instruction, encouraging students to view reading as a vital pathway to academic success and career preparation.

“The teachers and parents of John H. Castle Elementary have worked tirelessly to ensure that accountability is an integral part of our school culture,” said Principal Debbie Scales. “Innovative curriculum and a focus on measurable results have inspired our students to view reading as a lifelong adventure while allowing them to take responsibility for their efforts.”

The school’s Accelerated Reader program serves to increase the amount of material students read while tracking growth and setting benchmarks for success. Castle Elementary also utilizes the Learning Connection’s remediation program to monitor progress and provide extra support to students who may be falling behind.

Such steps have positioned Castle Elementary as a leader within the Indiana education community. In 2009, Castle Elementary was named an Indiana Four Star School for performing in the top 25 percent of all the schools in the state in student attendance rates, Mathematics proficiency scores, English/language arts proficiency scores and the percent of students passing both subjects on the ISTEP+ assessment.

Click here to view Castle Elementary’s academic profile on the Learning Connection. To visit the schools web site, go to: www.johnhcastle.com

The 2010-11 Alternative Education Renewal Grant Application is now available at http://www.doe.in.gov/alted/ in the ‘Find It Fast’ box. This page must be RECEIVED by the Department with the superintendent’s original signature by June 11, 2010, at 4:30 P.M. (EDT). If it is not received by this date and time, your program will not be approved as a renewal, and you will be required to go through the new program approval process. Please note that there will be no exceptions to the June 11 deadline.

P.L. 109-2010, with a retroactive effective date of January 1, 2010, changes the Restoration Grant calculation in the tuition support formula.

At this week’s meeting of Indiana’s Education Roundtable, New York City (NYC) Schools Chancellor Joel Klein shared the city’s strategy to improve student success and bridge the achievement gap.

New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein shares the city’s strategy to improve student success and bridge the achievement gap.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced today the expansion of its virtual charter school pilot program authorized by the Indiana General Assembly during the 2009 special session.

Rural Community Schools will operate a virtual charter school serving up to 280 students in grades one through eight during the 2010-2011 school year. Currently, Indiana based Hoosier Academies operates a virtual charter school instructing students in grades one through five. This program will expand to include grade six and will serve up to 220 students in the 2010-2011 school year.

“Parents must have the freedom to choose academically rigorous learning opportunities tailored to me meet the needs of their children,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett said. “The virtual charter school program is part of an effort by the Indiana Department of Education to offer instructional options to students who may be previously underserved by the traditional education community.”

Virtual charter schools deliver more than 50 percent of instruction through virtual distance learning, online technologies or computer based instruction. These schools serve children whose circumstances prevent them from attending school or for whom a virtual charter school is a better alternative than a traditional setting.

“I am proud that Indiana’s virtual charter program will reach more students next year,” said Bennett. “If we hope to reach the diverse spectrum of learners in Indiana’s classrooms, education cannot be a one-size-fits-all system. Only by encouraging innovation and setting lofty goals will we prepare our children for the demands of a 21st century global economy.”

All virtual charters must comply with both state and federal regulations, as well as rules developed by the State Board of Education and Department of Education. State assessments must be administered to every student participating in the program. For more information on the virtual charter school program, including a full list of eligibility requirements and operation standards, go to: www.doe.in.gov/super/2010/02-February/021210/documents/vpss_slicitation.pdf.

Both schools will host information sessions for families interested in the virtual school pilot program. During these information sessions, families may review the instructional model and curriculum (including the online systems) of each school and ask questions. For more information about these sessions and about the schools, visit Hoosier Academy at www.k12.com/ha and Rural Community Academy at www.connectionsacademy.com.

At today’s meeting of Indiana’s Education Roundtable, New York City (NYC) Schools Chancellor Joel Klein shared the city’s strategy to improve student success and bridge the achievement gap. Klein’s presentation highlighted the importance of teacher quality and strong accountability — reform objectives also central to Indiana’s efforts to increase student achievement.
"In New York City, our education policies have focused squarely on putting children first,” New York City Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein said. “Putting children first means attracting and retaining the best teachers, giving principals the flexibility and decision-making power to meet students’ needs, and holding schools accountable for helping all students to learn and make progress. While much work remains, students across the city have achieved steady and significant gains over the past eight years, and today, our approach to school reform is widely recognized as a national model for improving education.”

Klein described NYC Schools’ two-phase model, in which reforms focused first on depoliticizing and building leadership and then on empowering schools while holding them accountable. The results of NYC Schools’ changes were remarkable: 33 percent more students graduated high school; the city made larger academic gains than the rest of New York State; and nearly 50 percent more NYC students enrolled in colleges and universities.

Many of the reforms championed by Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett mirror changes made under the NYC Schools’ strategy. Reforms common to both state’s plans include improving teacher and leader preparation and professional development, ending social promotion, implementing an A-F rating to schools, and reducing burdensome regulations.

"Chancellor Klein’s presence today should bring a fierce sense of urgency to Indiana’s education stakeholders,” Bennett said. “New York City’s success — in particular its ongoing efforts to bridge the achievement gap — underscores the need for aggressive reforms that will bring competition and accountability to Indiana education.”

To view Chancellor Klein’s presentation to the Roundtable, visit www.educationroundtable.in.gov.

Indiana’s Education Roundtable is co-chaired by Gov. Mitch Daniels and Dr. Bennett. The Roundtable is a bipartisan group of key leaders from K-12 and higher education, business and community, and the Indiana General Assembly focused on improving educational opportunity and achievement for all Hoosier students.

More than 25,000 Indiana high school students participate each year in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) in order to connect classroom learning with real life applications and develop leadership skills.

On March 18, 2010 Governor Daniels signed into law HB 1135 (PL 91-2010). Starting with the 2011 Advanced Placement (AP) exams, students that earn a score of 3 or higher shall receive college credit towards their degree if they attend any Indiana public institution of higher education; this includes all two and four year schools and any accompanying satellites.

This information is an update of the student record and school data collections. Notification of other collections will be sent as soon as dates have been confirmed. Our continuing efforts to ease the burden of data collection and reduce data redundancy are reflected in the data collections for the 09-10 school year. When a collection closes and the data are considered final by the state, no corrections or additions are allowed. All related information, including specific due dates and data layouts, are available online at www.doe.in.gov/stn/welcome.html under the “Data Collection and Reporting” section or the “DOE-Online and K-12 Data Page Data Collection and Reporting” section.

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the federal Treasury has continued the Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) program for 2010. Indiana’s authorization for the 2010 program is $182,583,000. Of this amount, $82,583,000.00 will be designated for bonds up to $2,000,000. The remaining $100,000,000.00 will be designated for bonds over $2,000,000 but no larger than $10,000,000. The Department of Education reserves the right to adjust the allocation amounts and award criteria. It is the Department’s expectation that schools will sell the bonds within nine months of the allocation award letter or the Department retains its flexibility to consider revocation of the allotment award amount.

The Indiana Department of Education maintains a file of emerging classroom leaders that consists of a cadre of distinguished teachers and principals. These educators are considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces, as well as candidates for special recognition programs. We ask for your recommendations to identify such educators. Recommendations must be sent by May 14, 2010.

State Board of Education meeting, April 7, 2010 at the Indiana Department of Education, James Whitcomb Riley Conference Room.

Although Indiana fourth and eighth graders outscore the national average, results released today by the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) on reading achievement show Hoosier students have not shown statistically significant improvement in more than 15 years.

NAEP is the only national assessment that measures U.S. students’ academic proficiency in various subject areas over time.

“I’m proud of Indiana students for outscoring most of their peers across the country, but our scores have demonstrated only minimal growth over the years and I’m worried about this lack of progress,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “Thirty percent of Indiana’s fourth graders and 21 percent of our eight graders were unable to demonstrate a Basic level of understanding as defined by NAEP. These percentages have changed little over the years, and that’s just not good enough.”

While Florida’s scores were not markedly different from Indiana’s, it is worth noting the progress the state has made over the years. For example, Florida’s fourth graders gained 18 points from 1992 to 2009, compared to two points gained by Indiana’s fourth graders. In 2009, Florida’s fourth graders not only caught up to Indiana’s students but also outscored them by three points.

“Indiana may rank above the national average, but how long can our students maintain that position if they fail to make gains? Our goal must be continual improvement,” Bennett said. “I have no doubt Florida’s progress has been due to the aggressive reform efforts there, including early-literacy assurances and a strong focus on strengthening reading instruction. As Indiana begins to implement similar initiatives, I’m confident our students’ performance will grow by leaps and bounds in every subject area.”

In just over a year, Dr. Bennett and the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) have worked to advance reforms that increase instructional quality and student achievement. With a strong eye toward improving reading achievement, the IDOE urged the successful passage of legislation to assure all students will be able to read at the appropriate level upon entering grade four. A research-based statewide reading framework will act as the foundation to support this bold initiative.

Reading
Indiana students showed a statistically insignificant change in scores at both grade levels with average scale scores in fourth grade at 223 and eighth grade at 266. The fourth-grade scores show an increase of one point since 2007, and, in eighth grade, Indiana students’ average score increased two points from 2007 results. (See attached graphs.)

Comparatively, the nation as a whole remained steady in both grade levels for reading. Hoosier students scored similarly to 21 other states/jurisdictions at both grade levels.

Other NAEP Highlights
NAEP assessments are scored with four performance descriptors: Advanced, Proficient, Basic and Below Basic. Thirty-four percent of Indiana’s fourth graders and 32 percent of eighth graders scored At or Above Proficient. Nationally, 32 percent of fourth-grade students and 30 percent of eighth graders scored At or Above Proficient. In both cases, scores have remained relatively flat.

Additionally, 11 percent more of Indiana’s special education fourth graders scored At or Above Proficient this year, jumping from 35 percent to 46 percent.

About NAEP

NAEP tests a representative sample of students from each of the 52 states and jurisdictions. The test was administered to 168,800 fourth graders and 161,700 eighth graders nationwide. Since the passage of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act in 2001, states have been required to participate in the NAEP mathematics and reading assessments every other year or risk losing Title 1 funding. Science scores from this year’s test will not be released until the spring of 2010 after developing the new cut scores.

Indiana’s participation in NAEP preceded NCLB, and the state has taken part in NAEP voluntarily since the 1990s. The test is composed of multiple-choice, short constructed-response and extended-response questions. Known as “The Nation’s Report Card,” the assessment allows educational comparisons between the states and the nation.

For more information about the NAEP, visit www.nationsreportcard.gov.

No Child Left Behind, Title III, section 3122, requires each State to develop annual measurable achievement objectives (AMAO) for limited English proficient (LEP) students served under Title III that relate to such children’s development and attainment of English proficiency while meeting challenging State academic content and student academic achievement standards as required by Title I, section 1111(b)(1).

The quarterly ARRA surveys for Indiana school corporations are now available at http://doe.arra.in.gov. So that the state has time to validate and summarize these responses, we ask that you complete all of your 2010-Q1 surveys by the end of the day on Monday, April 5, 2010. For those corporations on Spring Break the previous week, we encourage you to complete as much of the responses as possible beforehand.

he Indiana Department of Education is again sponsoring Reading is Fundamental (RIF) mini-grants. This program supports the distribution of free paperback books to promote reading to children throughout the state. Reading is Fundamental (RIF) mini-grants application

The Right Move for Indiana’s K-3 Students By Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett offered the following statement supporting School Town of Munster teachers for voting to approve pay cuts and increased insurance premiums.

“I commend Munster’s teachers for coming together to put the best interests of students first. Schools across Indiana are tackling trying fiscal challenges, and many are making uncomfortable, difficult decisions. Munster’s teachers voted to give back their raises and pay more for their medical coverage; these are incredibly selfless moves that demonstrate their commitment to the children they teach.

“These budget cuts will not be painless for any of us, but they should not negatively affect the quality of instruction delivered to Indiana’s students. Last night, Munster teachers demonstrated the types of sacrifices and negotiations that must take place if we hope to achieve that goal.”

Superintendent of Public Instruction made these remarks following the conclusion of the 2010 legislative session on Friday:

“The General Assembly proved its dedication to Indiana’s children by passing important legislation that empowers us to make reading Indiana’s number one instructional priority. Language included in HB 1367 recognizes the importance of a two-fold approach to improving early reading achievement: Targeted instructional support and true accountability are crucial if we are to ensure every Hoosier student is able to read.

“I have full faith in our state’s educators and school leaders to succeed. At the state level, we will help schools implement research-based reading instruction that works for the children in their communities. With that support comes the promise that we will not socially promote students into a future destined for failure because they cannot read.

“Schools struggling to make ends meet with extra-lean budgets also will benefit from the added flexibility provided in this legislation. In general, Indiana’s legislators should be commended for the steps they’ve taken to benefit Indiana students.”

U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar and Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett today launched the Lugar Education Patriot Award.

“Many teachers, schools and school districts are taking innovative steps and helping their students to excel despite the odds,” Lugar said. “It is important that we take the time to celebrate those achievements.”

“We can’t do enough to honor excellence in educating Indiana’s students,” Bennett said. “I’m proud to join Senator Lugar in kicking off this prestigious award that targets some of our most remarkable educators and school leaders - those whose students make marked gains in academic achievement.”

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Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett congratulated Hebron High School seniors and Principal Mark Lutze for their outstanding progress in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Already this year, 15 percent of the senior class is taking an AP course compared to none last year.

“Increased participation in AP has been at the forefront of our education reforms, and I couldn’t be more proud of these Hebron seniors for their willingness to challenge themselves academically,” Bennett said. “What was at one time a rare opportunity is now the norm for these outstanding students and educators.”

The local school board finalized plans at Tuesday’s meeting to create more flexibility for students taking AP courses. Now, seniors enrolled in two or more AP classes will be allowed to enroll in a first or last period study hall but they will not be required to attend these study halls. Hebron High School currently offers calculus and English AP courses, but intends to add chemistry, biology, anatomy/physiology, environmental science and US history in hopes of continuing the upward participation trend.

“Rewarding excellence creates a culture in which students want to push their academic boundaries throughout their education,” Bennett said. “Hebron’s creative approach to recognizing students’ academic success is a great model for schools in every corner of the state. Educational stakeholders at every level must make a similar investment in efforts that distinguish students who exceed our expectations for achievement.”

State Rep. Greg Porter and state Sen. Dennis Kruse authored and sponsored HB 1135 in the General Assembly this session. The bill will secure college credit for all AP test scores of 3, 4 and 5 at all public universities beginning in 2011. This legislation benefits those who receive a 3 on AP exams, roughly 45 percent of the students who take them.

In 2009, 20.7 percent of Indiana graduates took an AP exam in high school, but only 10.4 percent of those students passed an AP exam during high school. Bennett has made it his goal to have 25 percent of all graduates taking an AP course and passing an AP test in the next three years.

For more information on AP, go to: www.doe.in.gov/ap.

Included with this Memo are three attachments detailing specific information on the Common Core Standards.

• Common Core State Standards Initiative Update 3-10-10
• Mathematics Textbook adoption and the Common Core Standards
• Classroom Innovation in Mathematics Grant Fast Facts

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is pleased to announce the availability of federal Tech Prep funds for 2010-11. The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit proposals from consortia comprised of area CTE districts, secondary and postsecondary institutions, and business and employer partners for the planning and implementation of projects that meet the requirements outlined in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (Perkins IV).

OMB Circular A-133, Subpart D Section 400 requires the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to inform subrecipients of certain Federal award information for the funds that you received. This notification applies to the federal stabilization funds that were distributed in June 2009 and September 2009 for your monthly basic tuition support payments.

Effective June 1, 2010, an increase to GED® Test fee,maximum of $70. The fee increase is to offset the increasing costs to GED® Testing Centers in Indiana associated with administering the GED Test.

On May 10, 2010, the Indiana Department of Education’s, Office of Special Education will submit its application for the Federal Fiscal Year (“FFY”) 2010 Grant Award under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as amended in 2004, 20 U.S.C. §1412 (the “Part B Application”).

The Office of Educator Licensing and Development has created a Frequently Asked Questions document about the Rules for Educator Preparation and Accountability (REPA) that are anticipated to be effective on or around August 1, 2010. The link is www.doe.in.gov/educatorlicensing/REPA_FAQ.html. Questions not answered in the FAQ can be emailed to [email protected] or to Risa Regnier at [email protected]. In addition, if you have questions about what license is appropriate for teaching State Board of Education approved courses, please refer to the Assignment Code at www.doe.in.gov/educatorlicensing/pdf/AssignmentCode.pdf . This document is a valuable resource for administrators who are dealing with staffing issues.

The State Board of Education met on Friday, January 8, 2010, and passed the 2010 summer school program. These costs will be deducted from the total summer school appropriation and the remaining funds allocated to reimburse Category 2 eligible costs.

Pursuant to the 2009 budget bill, SECTION 494, effective, July 1, 2009, the State Budget Agency is required to oversee a review of employee insurance for the State, School Corporations and Public Universities. Mercer Health and Benefits (Mercer) has been selected by the Budget Agency to gather and conduct an analysis of health care benefits offered by Indiana educational entities.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is requesting information about each corporation’s teacher and principal evaluation practices. This data is being collected as part of aggregated information that must be provided to the U.S. Department of Education.

The Indiana Department of Education has established new guidelines for payment of AP math and science exams for 11th and 12th grade students and for AP exams for students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch.

Phase 2 of the Indiana Growth Model is now available for your access and review at https://learningconnection.doe.in.gov/GrowthModel/Search.aspx. The Growth Model displays now allow you to “drill” down into both your corporation and school information by school, grade, gender, ethnicity and the other AYP disaggregation categories.

For a number of years, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has collected aggregated data on participation in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses through the Voc30A report. Similarly, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has collected this information through the INTERS reporting system.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered that all wireless microphones that broadcast in the 700 MHz frequency band (which includes any frequencies between 698 MHz and 806 MHz) must cease operating no later than June 12, 2010.

Aggressive reform agenda unchanged, says Bennett

Indiana was not among the Phase 1 Race to the Top finalists announced today by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). Sixteen states were notified today and will travel to Washington, D.C. to present their applications for final consideration.

The Race to the Top competitive grant program was announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to encourage states to dramatically reform education. Indiana was one of 40 states to apply in Phase 1 of the competition for a portion of $4.35 billion.

“We presented a strong reform plan, and we’re disappointed Indiana was not selected today,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “I look forward to receiving feedback from the peer review team that reviewed our application.

“Indiana’s Fast Forward reform plan is more than just our Race to the Top application — it’s our reform agenda for the next three years,” Bennett said. “My goals have been the same since I took office. Race to the Top doesn’t change those goals. The scope and trajectory of reform will remain aggressive despite the results of Race to the Top.”

Read Indiana’s Fast Forward reform plan in its entirety at www.doe.in.gov/fastforward.

March 2010 Discussion Session and Business Meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

The Indiana State Board of Education joined State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett in recognizing Lebanon Community School Corporation’s cost-saving efforts at this morning’s monthly meeting.

“Lebanon Community Schools should be commended for their efforts to reduce costs without sacrificing rigorous academic instruction,” Bennett explained. “Their creativity and success serves as a model for all Indiana school corporations working to cut costs and direct resources to student learning during these difficult economic times.”

Lebanon Community Schools Superintendent Bob Taylor stressed the corporation’s multi-faceted approach to reducing costs. Wage freezes were instituted for non-certified employees while programs were consolidated in an effort to deliver high-quality services in a cost effective manner. In addition, the corporation’s leadership took action to reduce utility costs while continuing to examine salary structure and benefits.

“Providing the highest quality educational programming and instruction regardless of the challenges is not only our professional obligation, it is my unwavering commitment to our staff and students,” said Taylor.

Bennett pointed to the state-board authored Citizens’ Checklist as a tool to help other Indiana school corporations realize similar savings.

“We must prepare our students for the demands of 21st century global economy no matter the circumstances,” Bennett said. “The Citizens’ Checklist consolidates a wide array of common-sense strategies for savings that should help schools cut back while still funding student achievement.”

View the Citizen’s Checklist at the Indiana Department of Education Web site at www.doe.in.gov/news/2010/01-January/ChecklistMemo.html

For more information on Lebanon Community Schools, go to: http://www.leb.k12.in.us/

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett will visit Christel House Academy at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday March 2, 2010, to participate in the charter school's Read Across America activities.

Christel House is authorized by the mayor of Indianapolis and serves a diverse student population. For more information about the Christel House Academy, visit www.christelhouse.org. Visit www.nea.org/readacross/ to learn more about the National Education Association's Read Across America program.

WHO: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett

WHAT: Read Across America

WHEN: 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2010

WHERE: Christel House Academy
2717 South East Street
Indianapolis, IN 46225-2104

Net Literacy, an Indiana-based organization, has received a $98,000 grant from State Farm Insurance to provide a project based learning component for schools teaching financial literacy.

The application for the 2011 Indiana Teacher of the Year is now posted at www.doe.in.gov/toy. All licensed teachers in state accredited public and non-public schools are eligible.

An update of Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Indiana’s High School Course and Credit Requirements is now available at www.doe.in.gov/core40/diploma_requirements.html. This also includes the most recent Core 40 diploma chart.

Dr. Graves has decided once again that retirement is calling his name. The Indiana Department of Education has been very lucky to have Dr. Ray Graves on our team for the past year. Dr. Graves’ involvement in our proposed rule revisions for educator preparation and accountability (REPA) was pivotal to its passage. Not only has he been an excellent colleague, but many around the state have also found him a critical and invaluable resource to their school or school corporation. We wish him the best of luck and appreciate his outstanding work during his time here.

State funding may be reimbursed to school corporations who conduct an adult education program. Adult Education programs should be organized to meet the needs and circumstances of adult students and should be responsive to adult needs, interests and responsibilities (511 IAC 11-1-1). Adult education programs are defined as Adult Basic Education (ABE - basic academic skills), GED (high school equivalency) and/or Adult Secondary Credit (ASC - offering high school credit leading toward a high school diploma).

This program enables local school districts to hire a highly-qualified native Spanish speaker to teach at elementary, middle and high school levels.

Last year Indiana’s 73 Medicaid-participating school corporations received over $2 million in federal funds for related services provided to eligible students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). These additional revenues helped local districts cover costs for staff professional development, parent training, assistive technology, specialized durable medical equipment and supplies.

In light of the recent winter weather around the state, the Department has received a number of questions related to instructional days and school calendars. The purpose of this memorandum is to answer those questions. In short, a corporation will be funded for 180 days of instruction only when students are in the classroom for 180 days of instruction.

To focus attention upon the rapidly approaching tornado and severe weather season, the National Weather Service in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Education, Indiana State Police, Indiana Homeland Security and various other agencies announces March 14-20, 2010 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.

The federal government has extended the Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB) program for 2010 by allocating $27,302,000 to Indiana. Including the remaining $12,230,000 in allocations available from 2009, the total amount available for the 2010 QZAB program is $39,532,000. Applications will be accepted from March 1, 2010, through July 30, 2010 on a first come first serve basis.

The Diagnostic Assessment Tools Application is due March 1 and is submitted via an electronic survey. The survey link to apply for the 2010-11 diagnostic assessment tools is open until 4:30 p.m. EST on March 1. (Click on the word “link” in the previous sentence to access the survey.)

Teachers, parents, students and administrators are taking advantage of the Indiana Department of Education’s recently launched secure and powerful collaborative portal called the Learning Connection (LC). This website serves as a vital channel of communication for everyone involved in K-12 education in Indiana. It provides data, resources and tools to support student achievement, and it will play a prominent role in supporting the implementation of IDOE’s strategic initiatives, including efforts outlined in the State’s Race to the Top application.

“The Learning Connection has proven to be quite popular, with over half of Indiana’s school corporations registered already,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett. “This valuable tool offers a number of useful features to support student achievement, and at a minimum, we believe educators will appreciate having a single access point for the full range of historical data on individual student achievement. This will include data based on Indiana’s growth model as well as a common platform for collaboration with other educators from across the state.”

While the LC was not formally launched until last week, IDOE began conducting weekly webinars to introduce the features of the LC to Indiana educators in November of 2009. The largely grassroots-inspired growth has resulted in the registration of over 5216 registered users from 182 school corporations. More than 350 schools (representing 200,000 students) are already taking advantage of the access to the historical student achievement data now available through the Learning Connection.

Similar to other social networking sites, the Learning Connection allows online interest groups to form around educational topics or projects. Dozens of such groups have already formed on topics ranging from the use of technologies in the classroom to the advance of high quality literacy instruction. Because users determine the setup of their personal accounts, they are able to select the features and resources they want to use. Users may utilize the tool in a number of ways, like the following:

Reviewing individual student performance and historical achievement and monitoring that student’s performance going forward Collaborating with other professionals Planning, scheduling, and publishing lessons Finding and using digital content aligned to Indiana Academic Standards Connecting schools to home by posting information on homework assignments, class lessons or other announcements “The Learning Connection offers educators an online complement to the traditional classroom,” Bennett said. “This tool is available to schools, teachers and parents at no cost, and I believe it will be an indispensable resource for those involved in education in Indiana for years to come.”

Educators can sign up through the web site at http://learningconnection.doe.in.gov. Parent and student access is provided through the local school.

The Learning Connection was tested throughout the state in 2009 by a group of 40 educators. Key funding for the Learning Connection was provided by a federal grant for the development of state data systems. Lilly Endowment Inc. provided funding for the smartDESKTOP, a precursor of the Learning Connection, through a series of grants beginning in 2002 to the Indiana Humanities Council and then to The Learning Collaborative, a supporting organization of the Indiana Humanities Council. In 2007 the smartDESKTOP was transferred to the Indiana Department of Education by The Learning Collaborative. Users of the smartDESKTOP have received Learning Connection accounts.

For more information on the Learning Connection, go to http://learningconnection.doe.in.gov.

The Indiana Department of Education is committed to continuous improvement of K-12 teacher quality. The Indiana Teacher of the Year program distinguishes outstanding classroom teachers through the selection process that begins in individual schools and culminates in the announcement and celebration of state level award recipients.

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A technical assistance workshop for the Title I, Migrant Education Program will be held via Web Ex on Friday, March 26, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT. The goal of this Web Ex is to provide updates on changes to the grant application process and funding formula. The intended audience includes current and prospective Title I, Part C, Migrant Education project directors.

Calculations for the distribution of Alternative Education grant funds for the 2009 calendar year indicate the payment amount to be $582.16 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student.

The Office of Accreditation has determined that Spring ISTEP testing and other factors have made a June 30th deadline for submission of a school’s required School Improvement Plan (SIP) impractical.

State Board of Education March 2009 Agenda

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett applauded Indiana schools today after the College Board’s 6th Annual AP Report to the Nation verified Indiana’s jump in Advanced Placement (AP) participation. For the 2009 AP exams taken in May by students in grades 9-12, Indiana had the third highest increase in the country for students taking an AP exam over the previous year — including the second highest increase for Hispanics and the fifth highest for African Americans nationwide. Indiana narrowed the AP exam participation gap for these Hoosier students by 4.8 percent and 5.4 percent respectively.

“As an administration, we have made student participation in AP courses a clear priority and couldn’t be more pleased with the 2009 exam participation results,” Dr. Bennett said. “I applaud Hoosier students for taking more rigorous courses and for their overall success in AP classes. I also appreciate the work Indiana educators have done to provide more students with access to these important courses.”

The College Board also annually reports graduating classes’ performance on AP exams. In 2009, 20.7 percent of Indiana graduates took an AP exam while in high school — compared to 19.8 percent in 2008. Of those taking an exam, 10.4 percent passed in 2009 compared to 10.0 percent in 2008, resulting in a passing rate (earning a score of 3, 4 or 5 on a 1-5 scale) of 50.3 percent.

With only 10 percent of Indiana’s graduates passing an AP exam in 2008, Dr. Bennett made AP a priority on his list of education reform initiatives. After taking office in January 2009, he and the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) set a goal of increasing student participation and success in AP courses and exams.

“Research shows a student’s AP exam performance is a top predictor of college success. Far more than 20.7 percent of Indiana graduates are capable of taking rigorous AP courses, and definitely more than 10.4 percent can pass the end-of-course exams,” Bennett said. “It’s our obligation — as teachers, administrators and parents — to challenge students, set expectations high, and continue to provide more access to a strong array of AP courses while facilitating greater success on AP exams.”

For more information on Advanced Placement in Indiana, visit www.doe.in.gov/ap.

New Community School, a charter school in Lafayette, will join Indiana’s health care plan beginning March 1, 2010, making it the second in the state to take advantage of the flexibility provided in the 2009 state budget and creating a 40 percent annual reduction in health-benefit costs.

“Faced with reductions in state funding, all schools must perform a line-by-line examination of their budgets and find the best ways to reduce costs,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said.“Switching to the state health insurance plan is a good option for many schools that could realize thousands of dollars in savings each year, and it is one of the options suggested in the State Board of Education’s Citizen’s Checklist, which provides considerations for schools as they close budget shortfalls.”

The charter’s current healthcare plan rates coverage differently for each of the school’s 19 employees, and New Community School pays 100 percent of the premium—costing the school about $162,000 per year. By switching to the state’s plan, the school will save approximately $64,000 annually, and it could save even more.

The state offers three options for health insurance coverage, each requiring a different level of employee and employer contribution. All three state plans will allow the charter to reduce healthcare costs considerably.

“It is essential that New Community School continue to make strides to maintain fiscal stability while providing a high quality of education and educational resources,” Director of Finance and Operations Dan Beaver said. “When examining the opportunity afforded schools in the 2009 fiscal budget, it was clear that an election of the state insurance plans would provide a sizable cost savings to the school, while expanding insurance options and benefits to our employees.”

New Harmony Town and Township Consolidated Schools was the first corporation to move to the state plans, effective Jan. 1, 2010. It is estimated they will save nearly $12,000 in 2010 over 2009.

To view the plans offered by the state of Indiana, visit www.in.gov/spd/files/2010_rates.pdf. Visit www.doe.in.gov/news/2010/01-January/ChecklistMemo.html to view the State Board of Education’s Citizen’s Checklist.

The Learning Connection (LC) is a newly developed system that provides access to longitudinal student-level achievement data, digital teaching and learning content and curriculum design tools.

Schools across Indiana are preparing for the state’s Cash for College campaign, an initiative designed to encourage Hoosier students and families to plan to pay for college. Made possible by the federal College Access Challenge Grant, the campaign promotes practical, grade-specific steps for Hoosier students, all leading up to the state’s March 10th deadline for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Indiana school corporations must publish the 2009 Annual Performance Reports required under Indiana Code 20-20-8 between February 9 and February 25, 2010. The manner of publication is specified in Indiana Code 5-3-1.

The United States Department of Education monitors the administration of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title II, Part A Teacher and Principal Quality grants.

The Indiana State Board of Education adopted the Indiana Academic Standards for American Sign Language (ASL) and related ASL course descriptions at the February 2, 2010 Meeting.

The Indiana Department of Education has been working diligently for nearly three years to create a version of the 2% assessment (Alternate Assessment of Modified Achievement Standards, or AA-MAS) for students with disabilities who meet eligibility criteria. We are pleased to report that the 2% assessment (now known as IMAST – Indiana Modified Achievement Standards Test) will be available this spring in Grades 3-8 for students who have been identified through the IEP Case Conference Committee process as meeting eligibility criteria (see page 4 of this memorandum) for one or more content areas (including English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies).

Pursuant to Indiana Code 20-24-7-13, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) shall establish a pilot program to provide funding for a statewide total of up to five hundred (500) students who attend virtual charter schools in the 2010-2011 school year.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett contacted leadership from three Indiana school districts — Evansville Vanderburg School Corp., Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., and Lebanon Community Schools — to commend them for their successful efforts to cut budgets without compromising classroom instruction.

“These three corporations couldn’t be more different,” Bennett said. “They have different student populations with different needs, and they face different challenges in light of difficult economic circumstances. But all three have demonstrated tremendous leadership in addressing these challenges proactively with a strong commitment to maintaining instructional quality.”

Under Superintendent Vince Bertram, Evansville Vanderburgh schools are working on a plan to cut $8 million — on top of nearly $5 million the corporation cut before the state announced budget reductions. Among many creative measures, the district has sold and consolidated buildings and initiated a collaborative purchasing organization including all schools, city-county government and 73 community organizations to realize economies of scale and save money.

“We are committed to operating as efficiently and effectively as possible to protect and grow our core business of educating children,” said Bertram.

Superintendent John Quick and Bartholomew schools have used careful staffing examination as well as creative ideas to maintain an efficient, student-focused budget. The district has reduced and consolidated course offerings, provided a single health care plan for teachers, administrators and support staff, and aggressively pursued grant opportunities.

“As a school administrator, it’s my job to continually ask what can we do as schools and as a school corporation to further improve teaching and learning in a more competitive environment with declining resources,” Quick said.

Lebanon Community Schools Superintendent Robert Taylor looked for ways to deliver high-quality services in different, more cost-effective ways by consolidating programs wherever possible. In addition, the district’s leadership took action to reduce utility costs and continues to examine the district’s salary structure and benefits.

“Providing the highest quality educational programming and instruction regardless of the challenges is not only our professional obligation, it is my unwavering commitment to our staff and students,” said Taylor.

“There is a common thread in the strategies utilized by these three corporations: an ongoing, proactive approach to providing high-quality student instruction that is also fiscally responsible,” Bennett said. “That kind of success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of solid decision-making, examining budgets line by line for ways to save, and effectively communicating goals and expectations.

“These aren’t the only success stories. There are corporations across the state diligently working to get the most education they can with their money with minimal effect on teaching staff. Examples include Center Grove Community Schools, Elkhart Community Schools, New Prairie United Schools and Lafayette Schools. I commend all these school corporations for their efforts and many others that are in the midst of these very challenging discussions now. They are proving it is possible for all types of schools to cut back without hurting students, and I will continue to support our school leaders as they work to develop cost-saving plans for their communities and children.”

In December, 2009, Gov. Mitch Daniels announced that cutting education funding would be necessary given economic forecasts indicating significant revenue shortfalls. In response, the State Board of Education offered a Citizen’s Checklist of recommendations to reduce costs for school corporations. These recommendations have been utilized by the corporations above and others throughout the state.

View the Citizen’s Checklist at the Indiana Department of Education Web site at www.doe.in.gov/news/2010/01-January/ChecklistMemo.html

In an era when high-stakes accountability is at the forefront of education, often schools are judged on which students are proficient and which are not, leaving the measurement of student growth out of the equation completely. But with the recent submission of Fast Forward, Indiana’s Race to the Top plan, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett proudly announced today the Indiana Department of Education’s (IDOE) creation of the Indiana Growth Model.

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Indiana school corporations and newspapers across the state are working together to publish report cards for local school communities. Required for publication by Feb. 25, the Annual Performance Reports include the most recent data available on student test scores, graduation rates, school safety, teacher salaries, school corporation expenditures and more.

All data to be included in the Annual Performance Reports will be available online at www.doe.in.gov/apr. While newspapers and the public have access to this information, each school corporation is responsible for notifying local newspapers and authorizing the publication of the Annual Performance Report.

The Annual Performance Reports represent an ongoing effort to encourage students, parents and concerned citizens to play a more active role within their school communities. The Indiana Department of Education makes additional detailed information available year-round online at www.doe.in.gov/schooldata. This Web site extends beyond the capabilities of the printed page, allowing anyone to access a variety of school data, graphically display the results and even compare schools based on a number of characteristics.

The Office of School Finance will accept Petitions for advancements from the Common School Fund from February 8, 2010 through March 5, 2010. Petitions must be received by the Office of School Finance by March 5, to be considered.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has been collecting data on evaluation timelines for many years through the IEM system managed by the CODA Project. This year, the initial evaluation information will be submitted through the STN Application Center using the DOE-EV collection.

As put forth in IDEA, amounts provided to a Local Education Agency (LEA )under Part B of the Act may be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, BioCrossroads, and the Indiana Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (I-STEM) Resource Network, today held the first Indiana Science Summit at Lilly’s Corporate Center. The event brought together industry, education and community stakeholders and experts to highlight the significant gap between Indiana’s economic dependency on science-related industry and students’ academic achievement.

“Today’s Summit kicks off 2010 as The Year for Science Education Reform,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “Our department is making science education a high priority so all students leave school prepared for success. I am confident if all stakeholders commit to moving the needle on science achievement, our entire state will benefit.”

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Today the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) advised Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) that its recent decision to schedule a two-hour delay on Monday, February 8, the morning after the Super Bowl, does not meet the requirements under state guidelines for an automatic waiver for two-hour emergency delays.

“While we support the Colts, two hour delays are reserved for emergency situations,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. “We have presented IPS with alternatives that ensure our children receive the instructional time they deserve.”

Schools receive automatic waivers of instructional time for “emergency” purposes. If a delay is caused by an emergency, such as weather, state guidelines do not require schools to make up that lost instructional time.

A school corporation that cancels school for an entire day is required to make up that lost instructional day. School cancellation decisions are made by the local school corporation. State law requires schools to have 180 full instructional days per school year.

Click here for more information on the 180 instructional day policy.

February 2010 Discussion Session and Business Meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.

The Indiana State Board of Education along with Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett recognized Crawford County Community School Corporation for its academic performance at this morning’s monthly meeting. Crawford County’s English Elementary is a 2010 nominee for the National Blue Ribbon Program, while Milltown Elementary and Leavenworth Elementary were honored with the distinction in 2006 and 2009.

“Crawford County School Corporation continues to raise the bar for Indiana education,” Bennett said. “By setting high expectations for students, teachers and administrators Crawford County has demonstrated the type of ‘no excuses’ attitude that leads to improved instruction and measurable academic achievement.”

The National Blue Ribbon Program rewards schools that score high or dramatically improve performance in accordance with state assessment systems.

English Elementary’s scores reflect a commitment to this goal. One hundred percent of the schools sixth graders passed the Math portion of the 2008-2009 ISTEP+ while 91% passed the English Language Arts portion.

“These accomplishments are a testament to the efforts of students, caring parents, dedicated educators, visionary administrators andsupportive community,” Crawford County School Corporation Superintendent Mark Eastridge said. “I truly believe that we are building something special as wefocus onour vision statement, ‘Growing Toward Greatness,’on a daily basis.”

The U.S. Department of Education determines how many schools states may nominate based on the numbers of K-12 students and schools in each state (eight in Indiana). Nominated schools cannot have been selected in previous years and of the schools submitted by each state, at least one-third must meet the criterion of having 40 percent of the students from disadvantaged backgrounds. For more information on the Blue Ribbon Program, go to: www.doe.in.gov/accreditation/blueribb.html.

Indiana will join the country in celebrating National School Counseling Week, February 1-5, 2010, to recognize the unique contributions of professional school counselors in improving student achievement and preparing all K-12 students for success in the future. Indiana School Counselor Association letter.

Indiana was awarded a 2009 USDA Team Nutrition Training Grant to implement Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge during school year 2010-2011. This program provides specific instruction and resources designed to engage students, teachers, administrators, nutrition staff, parents and community volunteers.

2010 State Tuition Support Distributions - provide additional details and clarify some salient points concerning recent necessary adjustments of the K-12 distributions to Indiana public schools.

Each year, Indiana high schools are asked to submit the total number of students who are expected to graduate with a Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma. The Indiana Department of Education uses this information to provide diploma seals and congratulatory letters to schools for each recipient.

Exams fees for the 2010 Math and Science Advanced Placement exams taken by 11th and 12th grade Indiana students from accredited public and non-public schools will be covered in full by the Indiana Department of Education.

The Department of Education has established February 9 – 25, 2010, as the publication period for the 2009 Annual Performance Report.

Enhancing early reading proficiency and greatly reducing the practice of social promotion remain the goals of Senate Bill 258, say Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) and Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn). The two senators join Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett in supporting the bill’s changes following an amendment added in the Senate Appropriations Committee Tuesday.

Kenley offered an amendment removing some of the bill’s detailed provisions regarding prescribed actions in Indiana classrooms and schools. The new language empowers the State Board of Education to devise and implement a plan to ensure third grade students are reading at third grade level before being promoted. Without this directive, the board had no authority to consider social promotion or to require schools to retain students who aren’t prepared to move to the next grade level.

“I am pleased we have been able to keep the core focus of the bill intact while removing sections that might have added costs,” Kenley said. “The primary objective for any K-3 student should be to become a great reader- and we must ensure this happens”

The bill, authored by Kruse, now includes safeguards requiring the State Board of Education to make sure the plan has no fiscal impact, provides legislative oversight and allows public input.

“I cannot imagine anything more important to address in my first year as Senate Education Committee chair than early childhood reading,” Sen. Kruse said. “This bill keeps the focus on the most important skill students must master and will help prepare them for a lifetime of success.”

SB 258 is now eligible for Second Reading amendment before the full Indiana Senate.

“I am thrilled by the cooperation and efforts of Sens. Kenley and Kruse to ensure students are not passed on to the next grade level before they are ready,” Dr. Bennett said. “This bill gives the State Board of Education the authority it needs to take action to end the practice of social promotion in our schools.”

For more information about SB 258, visit www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo.

“Senate Bill 258 addresses a key driver of educational success — early reading proficiency. I’m very glad members of the Senate Appropriations Committee voted today to allow this legislation to come before the full Senate for consideration. In particular, I want to thank Senator Kenley for his terrific leadership, and I commend Senator Rogers for offering her bipartisan support on this important initiative. I believe our essential goal is the same: to make sure all Indiana students have the basic literacy skills they need to succeed in school and in life.”

“I’m pleased the Senate Education and Career Development Committee took this first step and heard testimony on Senate Bill 258. This legislation addresses the most critical aspect of a child’s early education —learning to read. We know that children who cannot read at grade level by grade three rarely catch up to their peers. Students spend 3,000 to 4,000 hours in school before they reach grade four; if we’re not teaching them to read in that time, we’re not doing our job. It is the responsibility of every parent, school and community to ensure every child is a proficient reader.

“While I understand some may have fiscal concerns with the legislation, I believe taxpayers provide schools funding to teach children. Asking schools to realign their resources to support this critical foundation for educational success only makes sense. As we have directed the Department’s resources and time to focus on early childhood reading, I am sure schools will do the same successfully.”

Rule changes from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH. For a current list of requirements, please go to https://chirp.in.gov/chirp_files/chirp_docs.htm.

2010 Quick Reference Chart
Letter from the Indiana State Department of Health
Minimum Immunization Requirements
Example Letter to Parents and Guardians

The Indiana Department of Education/Learn and Serve Indiana Program is accepting applications to engage students in academic service-learning. Service-learning is a teaching strategy that combines service to the community with classroom curriculum that supports students in “learning by doing.” An Intent to Apply is due electronically to Andrew Conway ([email protected]) by March 12, 2010.

The United States Department of Education (USDE) is allowing State Education Agencies (SEA) to apply for the ability to approve waivers for Local Education Agencies (LEA) for select items regarding 1003(g) School Improvement Grants. Public notice about the waivers is available at www.doe.in.gov/stimulus/PublicNoticeWaivers.pdf

This is a reminder that the Biannual Financial Report (Form 9) for July 1 to December 31, 2009 is due in our office on or before February 1, 2010.