Introduction
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is the state agency responsible for supporting and overseeing public K–12 education in Indiana, United States. It works with schools, educators, families, and communities to improve student learning, support teachers, administer education programmes, and maintain education standards.
Whether you are a parent searching for school information, a teacher applying for an Indiana teaching licence, a student looking for assessment resources, or a school administrator researching state grants, the department provides a range of official services and information.
The agency’s work includes educator licensing, student assessments, school accountability, education funding, special education, school nutrition, transportation, and academic improvement initiatives.
This guide explains what the Indiana Department of Education does, its major services, how to access its resources, and what families and educators should know about its current education framework.
What Is the Indiana Department of Education?
The Indiana Department of Education is commonly abbreviated as IDOE.
It is a state government agency that supports Indiana’s K–12 education system. Its responsibilities include helping implement state education policies, providing guidance to schools, managing education programmes, supporting educators, and collecting information about school performance.
The department works with public schools, school corporations, accredited nonpublic schools, educators, families, and other education organisations.
The website provides access to education announcements, licensing information, assessment resources, school data, grants, and other services.
Who Leads the Indiana Department of Education?
Indiana’s education system is led by the Indiana Secretary of Education. Dr. Katie Jenner is identified on the department’s official website as Indiana’s Secretary of Education.
The Secretary oversees a broader education structure that includes the Indiana Department of Education and other state education agencies and boards. The role involves developing a statewide education vision and coordinating efforts across K–12 and higher education.
The IDOE website provides official leadership information, updates, and department announcements. <Cite refs={[“turn929736search2″,”turn929736search1”]}/>
Main Responsibilities of the Indiana Department of Education
The IDOE performs several functions to support schools, teachers, and students throughout Indiana.
1. Supporting Public Schools
The department provides guidance and resources to Indiana’s public school system.
Its work includes supporting schools with:
- State education requirements
- Academic standards and curriculum resources
- Student assessment programmes
- School improvement initiatives
- Education data and reporting
- Federal and state education programmes
It also works with local education agencies to support compliance with applicable state and federal requirements.
2. Managing Educator Licensing
The IDOE provides information and services related to educator licensing in Indiana.
Individuals who want to become licensed teachers can use the department’s website to understand the requirements and application process.
Licensing resources include:
- Initial educator licence information
- Practitioner and professional licensing
- Approved teacher preparation programmes
- Educator testing requirements
- Licence renewal and extension information
- Application instructions
- Licensing verification
The department also provides information for prospective educators and current teachers.
Applicants should review the requirements for their specific licence type because education, testing, experience, and preparation requirements may differ.
3. Conducting Student Assessments
Student assessment is another important responsibility of the Indiana Department of Education.
Statewide assessments help schools, teachers, families, and policymakers understand student academic performance and identify areas that need improvement.
The department provides information about several assessment programmes.
| Assessment | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| ILEARN | Measures student achievement in specified subjects and grade levels |
| IREAD | Measures foundational reading proficiency |
| I AM | Alternate assessment for eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities |
| WIDA ACCESS | Measures English language proficiency for eligible English learners |
| SAT and PSAT/NMSQT | Supports high school assessment and college-readiness pathways |
| Early learning assessments | Support assessment of young children’s development and learning |
Assessment requirements vary by programme, grade, and school year. The department publishes assessment policies, schedules, technical guidance, and accessibility information.
For the 2026–2027 school year, the IDOE provides assessment policy manuals and testing-window information on its official assessment website. <Cite refs={[“turn929736search5”]}/>
4. Monitoring School Accountability
The IDOE supports Indiana’s statewide school accountability system.
School accountability provides information about how schools are helping students develop academic knowledge, skills, and preparation for future opportunities.
Indiana approved a new K–12 accountability model on March 4, 2026. The framework is connected to the state’s Graduates Prepared to Succeed (GPS) vision.
The new model considers areas such as:
- Academic mastery
- Career and postsecondary readiness
- Credentials and experiences
- Communication and collaboration
- Work ethic
- Civic, financial, and digital literacy
The framework introduces an A–F school accountability rating system. The 2025–2026 school year is the first year of data collection under the new model, with the first school grades expected to be issued in late 2026.
The model is intended to consider both academic performance and other indicators of student preparation. <Cite refs={[“turn929736search3″,”turn929736search8”]}/>
5. Providing Education Grants and Funding Information
The Indiana Department of Education administers and supports various state and federal education grant programmes.
These programmes help eligible schools and education organisations fund activities that support student learning and educational improvement.
Examples include:
- Title I programmes
- Title II, Part A
- Title III English learner programmes
- Title IV education programmes
- Charter School Program grants
- McKinney-Vento support for students experiencing homelessness
- Rural and Low-Income School programmes
- Student Learning Recovery grants
- High Ability Program grants
- Out-of-School Time programmes
Eligibility, application procedures, reporting requirements, and funding availability differ by programme.
Schools and local education agencies should review individual grant announcements and official guidance before applying. <Cite refs={[“turn929736search6”]}/>
6. Supporting Special Education
The department provides information and resources relating to special education in Indiana.
Its resources help schools and families understand educational services, requirements, and support for eligible students with disabilities.
Topics include:
- Special education programmes
- Individualised Education Program (IEP) information
- Student assessment and accommodations
- School responsibilities
- Family and parent resources
- Disability-related education guidance
Families should work with their child’s school and consult the department’s official special education resources when they need information about services or educational rights.
7. Supporting School Nutrition and Transportation
School operations are another part of the department’s work.
The IDOE provides resources related to school nutrition programmes, food distribution, transportation, and other operational requirements.
Its nutrition resources include programmes such as:
- National School Lunch Program
- School Breakfast Program
- Child and Adult Care Food Program
- Summer Food Service Program
- Food distribution programmes
The department also provides information for school transportation administrators and supervisors.
These services support schools in managing essential operations alongside their academic responsibilities.
Important Services Available on the IDOE Website
The official Indiana Department of Education website serves as a central access point for several online services and education resources.
Some commonly used resources include:
| Service | What users can do |
|---|---|
| Educator Licensing | Review requirements and access licensing services |
| LVIS | Access the Licensing Verification and Information System |
| Indiana GPS | Explore student and school performance information |
| School Financial Reports | Review school financial reporting information |
| Assessment Resources | Find testing schedules, policies, and guidance |
| Grants and Programmes | Explore funding opportunities |
| Public Records Requests | Request eligible public agency records |
| School Nutrition | Find programme information and resources |
| Education Data Center | Explore education data and reports |
Some services require an account or authorised access.
The official website also provides contact details and help resources for people who need assistance navigating department services. <Cite refs={[“turn929736search0″,”turn929736search7”]}/>
Indiana Department of Education for Teachers
Teachers and prospective educators can use the IDOE website to understand professional requirements and access career-related resources.
Becoming a Licensed Teacher in Indiana
People interested in teaching in Indiana should first identify the licence category that applies to their situation.
The general process may involve:
- Completing an approved teacher preparation programme or meeting an applicable alternative pathway.
- Meeting education and testing requirements.
- Preparing required documentation.
- Submitting the licensing application.
- Paying applicable fees.
- Monitoring the application and responding to any additional requirements.
The exact process depends on the licence type and the applicant’s education and professional background.
Resources for Current Teachers
Existing educators can use the department’s resources to review licence renewal information, professional development guidance, educator evaluation information, and teaching-related announcements.
The website also provides information about approved Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programmes and educator recognition initiatives.
Indiana Department of Education for Parents and Students
Parents and students can use the department’s website to understand Indiana’s education system and locate useful school information.
School Performance Information
Families can explore school performance data and accountability information to understand how schools are progressing.
Indiana’s GPS Dashboard provides information about student outcomes and educational pathways.
Graduation Requirements
The IDOE provides information about Indiana diploma requirements and graduation pathways.
Students and families should review the applicable requirements with their school counsellor because graduation rules and diploma options can depend on the student’s cohort and the year of graduation.
Student Assessments
Parents can find information about statewide testing, assessment policies, and the purpose of different examinations.
These resources can help families understand what students are expected to complete during the school year.
School Support and Improvement
The department also provides information about school improvement efforts and support for schools facing educational challenges.
Its Office of School Support and Transformation works with eligible schools and districts to develop improvement plans and strengthen student outcomes. <Cite refs={[“turn929736search4″,”turn929736search8”]}/>
Indiana Department of Education vs Indiana Commission for Higher Education
The Indiana Department of Education and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education are different organisations within the state’s broader education structure.
| Feature | Indiana Department of Education | Indiana Commission for Higher Education |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | K–12 education | Higher education |
| Primary area | Schools, educators, and school-age students | Colleges, universities, and postsecondary policy |
| Key responsibilities | School support, assessment, licensing, grants, and accountability | Higher education planning, affordability, and postsecondary policy |
| Main users | Schools, teachers, parents, and students | Colleges, universities, and prospective college students |
People looking for K–12 school services, teacher licensing, or Indiana school assessment information should generally start with the IDOE.
People looking for state higher education information should consult the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
How to Contact the Indiana Department of Education
Individuals can contact the department through its official website or telephone number.
Telephone: 317-232-6610
Online contact: Use the contact form available on the department’s website.
For specific questions, contacting the relevant office may help you receive a more direct response.
Examples include:
- Educator licensing questions
- Student assessment questions
- Special education enquiries
- Grant application questions
- School financial reporting
- Public records requests
Before contacting the department, prepare relevant information such as your school name, licence category, assessment programme, or grant reference where applicable.
How to Find Information on the Indiana Department of Education Website
If you are using the IDOE website for the first time, follow these steps:
- Visit Indiana Department
- Choose the section that matches your needs, such as Educators, Students, School Operations, or Grants.
- Open the relevant service or information page.
- Read the eligibility requirements, instructions, and deadlines.
- Use the listed contact information if you need further assistance.
For example, a prospective teacher can open the Educator Licensing section, while a parent can explore assessment information, school accountability, or student learning resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Indiana Department of Education
1. What does IDOE stand for?
IDOE stands for Indiana Department of Education. It is the state agency responsible for supporting and overseeing Indiana’s K–12 education system.
2. What does the Indiana Department of Education do?
The department supports schools, provides educator licensing information, administers statewide assessments, manages education programmes and grants, supports special education, and publishes school accountability information.
3. What is the official website of the Indiana Department of Education?
The official It provides information about education services, licensing, assessments, grants, school operations, and department announcements.
4. How do I apply for a teaching licence in Indiana?
Visit the IDOE Educator Licensing section to review the requirements for your licence category. You can access application instructions, approved preparation programme information, and licensing resources.
5. Does the Indiana Department of Education provide student assessment information?
Yes. The department publishes information about ILEARN, IREAD, I AM, WIDA ACCESS, SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and other assessment programmes.
6. What is Indiana’s new school accountability system?
Indiana approved a new A–F K–12 accountability model on March 4, 2026. It considers academic mastery alongside student success indicators such as attendance, career readiness, and skill development.
7. Does the IDOE provide grants to schools?
Yes. The department offers information about various state and federal grant programmes, including Title I, Title II, Title III, Charter School Program, and school improvement funding.
8. How can parents find school performance information?
Parents can use the department’s school accountability resources and Indiana GPS Dashboard to explore school and student outcome information.
9. Is the Indiana Department of Education responsible for colleges and universities?
Its primary focus is K–12 education. Indiana’s Commission for Higher Education handles major statewide higher education responsibilities.
10. How can I contact the Indiana Department of Education?
You can call 317-232-6610 or visit the official website to use its online contact form and locate the appropriate department office.
Conclusion
The Indiana Department of Education plays an important role in supporting the state’s K–12 education system. Its responsibilities include educator licensing, student assessments, school accountability, education grants, special education, school nutrition, and school improvement.
For teachers, it provides professional licensing information and career resources. For parents and students, it offers assessment guidance, school performance information, and educational resources. For schools, it provides programme support, funding information, and operational guidance.
The department’s the main official starting point for accessing these services and keeping up with Indiana education policies and programmes.