Update from the DOE

View this email as a webpage Add xxx@doe.in.gov to your address book | Contact Us Important Updates Regarding ISTEP+ and Accountability January 7, 2016 I'm sending you a special DOE Dialogue this week to inform you of two updates regarding ISTEP+ and accountability. This week, two very important bills were discussed at the Indiana Statehouse this week regarding holding teachers and schools harmless for 2014-15 ISTEP+ results. I testified in support of both bills, House Bill 1003 and Senate Bill 200.   As currently drafted, both bills would give much needed flexibility to educators and schools that saw ISTEP+ scores drop as a result of the transition to more rigorous standards and the implementation of a new statewide assessment.  This approach will also allow us to recognize the work of educators and schools that saw an increase in ISTEP+ scores or A-F accountability grades. It is important to note that these proposals do not pause accountability for schools.  Upon the placement of grades by the State Board of Education, positive and negative impacts that utilize an A-F accountability grade will be applied. House Bill 1003 and Senate Bill 200 passed out of committee this week.  We anticipate that the bills will quickly move through the legislative process before being signed into law by the Governor later this month.  Thank you for your voice in making both bills a reality.  The Department is developing guidance on both of these bills for if, and when, they become law. Due to an individualized approach to ensuring that educator evaluations are not negatively impacted by the 2014-15 ISTEP results, you may need both IGM and final A-F grades to finalize 2014-15 educator evaluations.  The Department is planning to release IGM data to schools on January 15th.  A-F grades will be finalized after a vote of the State Board of Education. As we move forward, I will continue to keep you informed of important updates regarding the legislative session and the ISTEP+/Accountability timelines. Have a great week! Glenda Ritz, NBCT Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction

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