It’s summer, and we have finally reached the months we have all been awaiting! Perhaps your family has already enjoyed some down time, but now you see that your child is seeking mental stimulation and/or some time outside with plenty of wiggle room and fresh air. Maybe you have registered for camps but are now realizing that you need additional inspiration when it comes to your family’s summertime scene!
These lazy days of summer are a great time to be together learning more about art, science, history, or something else. You may choose to begin with time in museums because they are a nice, cool place to participate in a variety of learning experiences. Staycation this year? Find museums! Traveling? Find museums! You can never go wrong with a museum visit!
However, if your crew wants to spend as many summer hours outside as possible, maybe some of these next ideas will be perfect!
Indiana State Parks, Indiana Historic sites, and National Memorial sites are amazing resources for family fun and learning. Regardless of your child’s age, there is something to be learned or experienced. Is your child entering 4th grade? Maybe a trip to Lincoln’s Boyhood Home, the Levi Coffin House, Vincennes, or to New Harmony is in order. This list from the Indiana DNR may give you some ideas of events and educational content to check out. The historic sites found at state parks and in historical towns are fascinating. Maybe your child would enjoy becoming a Junior Indiana Master Naturalist. (I know I did!) Whatever your family experiences at these locations can be continued at home through the use of websites and books. (Traveling out of state? Check out State and National Parks near your destination!)
- Makerspaces are another place to stimulate your child’s mind while encouraging creativity and problem solving. Try some hands-on, imaginative ways to design and experiment while engaging with various tools and technology. Makerspaces are multidisciplinary in their approach as well as in the types of products created. Check out this list of Indiana Makerspaces.
- Geocaching is a great family activity, and Indiana has a plethora of geocaching sites. Here are two lists of geocaching sites that could make a nice day trip complete with a picnic lunch or a meal enjoyed in a nearby eatery. Indiana DNR Caches Indiana Challenge Caches
Local libraries almost always have many free summer events and activities planned. These might include reading, arts and crafts, playtimes, puppet activities, book clubs, literature circles, and more.
Regardless of your child’s age, there is a wealth of adventures to be had if you think outside the box! We would love to know how your adventures go!
Busy Legislative Session for IAG’s Advocacy Committee
Although the 2024 legislative session was supposed to be “quiet,” it was anything but for the IAG Advocacy Committee. While reviewing pending legislation on the new diploma requirements, IAG became concerned because IAG did not see a diploma path for students who would be applying to competitive STEM-based programs or highly selective universities that prefer advanced coursework (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge International). IAG conducted a survey of High Ability Coordinators from across the State (many thanks to those who participated!) to determine advanced coursework offerings. IAG also contacted college admissions counselors from public and private universities in and around Indiana.
IAG testified at an Indiana Senate Education Committee hearing about these concerns. Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana’s Secretary of Education, was in attendance at the hearing and asked to speak with IAG. Dr. Jenner and her senior staff listened intently and agreed to work with IAG to propose an amendment to allow a path for students pursuing advanced coursework. That amendment was incorporated into HEA 1243 before its passage.
Now that the law has passed, the IDOE and SBOE have begun the diploma requirement rulemaking process. They are currently gathering informal feedback from stakeholders and will seek internal approval for the proposed rule from the State and then publish it for formal public comment. IAG anticipates submitting comments.
One barrier that IAG anticipates is that many students do not have access to advanced coursework. As of the 2023-2024 school year, 41% of high schools in Indiana do not offer 5 or more AP classes. IAG’s Advocacy Committee is working on ways to increase access for all students. If you have any ideas, please feel free to contact us at advocacy@iag-online.org.
New Diplomas Requirements Proposed
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) are proposing significant changes to the high school diploma system for the first time since the 1980s, introducing two new pathways: the "Indiana GPS Diploma" and the "Indiana GPS Diploma Plus." These pathways aim to align graduation requirements with the state's Graduates Prepared to Succeed (GPS) characteristics, emphasizing skills essential for post-secondary success. The proposal emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to personalize their learning experiences and earn credits outside the classroom through activities like internships and apprenticeships. The diploma requirements include foundational courses and competencies in areas such as academic mastery, career readiness, and communication skills.
These proposed changes were announced at a SBOE meeting at the end of March. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here. Educators, students and families are invited to share their feedback with IDOE and SBOE here. IDOE and SBOE are taking the informal feedback and revising their proposal. We expect to hear about more revisions at the July 17 SBOE meeting.
Sometime after the July meeting, it is expected that the IDOE and SBOE will publish a proposed rule - this is the official beginning of the formal rulemaking process. When the proposed rule is published in the Indiana Register, the official 30-day rulemaking period will begin and a hearing date will be announced. At the end of the comment period, IDOE and SBOE will consider all the comments that they receive and they will publish a revised rule in the Indiana Register with a second 30-day comment period and hearing. After the second comment period closes, IDOE and SBOE will consider any new comments they receive and will then publish a Final Rule in the Indiana Register.
One revision that we have seen so far is the addition of diploma seals. Students would earn the Enrollment-Ready, Enlistment-Ready or Employment-Ready seal by completing a required set of course offerings. Students can earn these seals with either diploma (Indiana GPS or Indiana GPS+) and can earn more than one seal. This revision was made in response to comments that requested more of a framework for students to follow.
Upcoming Webinars
https://nagc.org/page/webinars
Supporting Youth Who Are LGBTQ+ and Gifted
June 18, 2024 | 6:00 p.m. ET
Free & Open to All
Doug Alexander & Andy Parra-Martinez
Boredom Busters and Ideas for At-Home Learning
July 31, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. ET
Free & Open to NAGC Members Only
Advocating for Brilliance: A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Gifted Education (Part 2)
September 25, 2024 | 7:00 p.m.
Free & Open to Everyone
Indiana Association for the Gifted
Email: mail@iag-online.org
Website: www.iag-online.org
Location: PO Box 84 Whitestown, IN 46075
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