Sarah: (wrapping her scarf tighter) Fall is definitely here.  Leaves are turning, temps are dropping, and I just heard Halloween’s on a Friday this year. You ready?

 

Maria: Barely! But I was more awake when I read Dr. Jenner’s message. Indiana is shifting how we see student success; not just test scores, but skills, experiences, and the full picture. They’re calling it a new accountability model.

 

Sarah: Right. The “Portrait of a Graduate” stuff. Meaning your kid’s success is more than ELA/math scores; it’s about communication, work-based learning, critical thinking. Makes sense, and I like it.

 

Maria: Me too. And now there’s a second draft of the accountability rule open for public feedback until Nov. 17. You can view the draft rule or the overview presentation (assuming IDOE posts them) and share comments in the JotForm. There’s also a public hearing on Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Indiana State Library.

 

(Traffic creeps forward. A parent behind honks.)

 

Sarah: Jackie’s waking up. Focus, Karen...I mean, Maria and I were just getting into this.

 

Maria: (laughs) Always our Jackie moments. On deadlines: the Graduation Rate Audit still closes Oct. 24. High schools, check your cohorts.

 

Sarah: And for younger grades, there’s a new Universal Mathematics Screener Committee Interest Survey (for grades K–2) and also a Formative Assessment Committee Interest Survey for next year. Teachers can volunteer to help evaluate tests.

(A teacher in a bright vest walks over.)

 

Teacher: Hey ladies!  I don’t want to interrupt homework planning, but quick heads-up: October certification is closing today, membership counts lock now, and the audit clock is ticking. Also, don’t forget Nimble hiring support and free science of reading PD for eligible teachers.

 

Maria: Thank you! And yes...teachers, I know you’re doing double duty.

 

Teacher: One more thing: IDOE is partnering with Data Science for Everyone (DS4E) to get feedback on growing data science in Indiana classrooms. Also, CS teachers, there’s a feedback form open on CS strategic planning.

 

Sarah: Oof, so many angles. But this is good, it means schools are listening.

 

Maria: Exactly. Parents, you have a voice here. Engage. Especially with this accountability framework. Your feedback shapes what gets measured.

 

(Kids appear with backpacks, teachers wave them forward. Sarah and Maria share a look.)

 

Sarah: All right; new metrics, new models, new ways to show growth. I’m embracing it.

 

Maria: Me too. Bring on the snow (JK).

 

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🔍 Highlights for Parents

 

• Indiana is drafting a new accountability model that values more than test scores (feedback open until Nov. 17)

• Graduation Rate Audit closes Oct. 24:  high schools, double-check cohorts

• New opportunities: volunteer for Math/Assessment committees to influence future tests

 

🧑‍🏫 Insider Note from the Teacher

 

• Certification, audit, membership counts deadlines are live

• Free Nimble hiring support + Science of Reading PD available

• Invitation to help shape Data Science & Computer Science strategy in schools