(UNDATED) – The Indiana Department of Revenue is highlighting how your tax dollars play a role in shaping the future of children.
Let’s start with the overview and break it down. IDOE leads the state’s K-12 school systems by providing guidance and support to more than 2,200 urban, suburban, and rural schools. That is more than 1.1 million children.
The IDOE uses state funds for all aspects of running a school – instructional and operational.
Funds do not only pay teachers and school administrators but also provides an unlimited number of programs for students, Here are just a few:
Ensuring Special Education Students Get a Great Education
Equal access to learning is the goal for all students in special education, which means guaranteeing students have necessary and individualized services and the support to meaningfully participate in the general education curriculum. The Best Buddies Program is part if this effort in helping students with intellectual and developmental disabilities create meaningful relationships with their peers and secure successful careers.
Creating Computer Science Programs For All Students
Governor Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly have made computer science education a high priority by requiring every school to incorporate computer sciences in the school’s curriculum for students in K-12 by 2021. IDOE began by spearheading professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers centered around supporting those educators as they bring high-quality computer science experiences to the classroom and their students.
The State of Indiana is offering and funding a variety of professional development opportunities through a partnership with the following five professional development providers:
- CodeHS (Grades 9-12)
- IndianaComputes! (Grades K-12)
- Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing (Grades 9-12)
- Nextech (Grades K-12)
- Project Lead The Way (Grades 6-12)
Making Sure Students Stay Healthy
IDOE’s School Health Team is dedicated to supporting the physical, mental and emotional health and well-being of students, which IDOE believes is directly related to academic and life-long success. The School Health Team’s main goal is to provide resources and technical assistance to schools, parents, and community partners. The team also creates resources for school nurses, information on current health issues including the COVID-19 pandemic, and more.
Keeping Our Schools Safe
IDOE oversees the School Safety Specialist Academy, who does a lot of work for Indiana schools by providing ongoing, certified training and information on national and state best practices of safety. In addition to safety, the academy provides school resources for security, intervention/prevention, and emergency preparedness planning.
IDOE has so many funding efforts like early learning, dual language immersion, advanced placement, school bus training, and social, emotional, and behavioral wellness.
Considering all the programs and resources offered, it’s no surprise that over half the state’s annual budget goes to education.
Want to learn more about IDOE, visit their website at www.in.gov/doe.
