State offers back-to-school success guides for Hoosier families

Learn More Indiana partnership provides other resources for students and families too

School is back in session, and the Indiana Department of Education and Commission for Higher Education want to help students and families start the school year off right by providing every student with a grade-specific student success mini-magazine titled OnTrack. These easy-to-read publications provide helpful information on key learning topics including study skills, Indiana’s Academic Standards, ISTEP+, Core 40, career exploration, planning and preparing for college, study strategies, tips for parents and more.

“These mini-magazines are a great resource for families and provide practical information to help them support student learning,” said Dr. Suellen Reed, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “If you haven’t seen your copy, ask your child or call your school so you don’t miss out.”

More resources

This year, the mini-magazines offer even more resources for families. New inside the grades 6, 7 and 8 publications is an application for Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars Program. Income-eligible students in grades 6 through 8 who enroll in the program and fulfill a pledge of good citizenship are guaranteed a tuition scholarship at any participating college or university in Indiana.

“We want all students to know they can afford college,” said Stan Jones, Indiana’s Commissioner for Higher Education. “This year, in addition to students in grades 7 and 8, 6th-graders can apply for Twenty-first Century Scholars. Families should be sure to read these great info magazines and complete the Scholars application.”

For information about Scholars, citizenship qualifications or income requirements, visit www.scholars.in.gov.

How to get your copy

Copies of the magazines were sent to all schools statewide to be delivered to all students in grades K-10 at the beginning of the school year. Additional magazines for high school juniors and seniors, NEXT Indiana: A Guide to Life after High School, have also been shipped to every public and accredited nonpublic high school around the state. The helpful booklets provide links to additional resources including Learn More Indiana — the state’s college and career connection. If you have not received your copy, you can download the magazines atwww.learnmoreindiana.org/pubs.

Spanish-speaking families

This year, two publications are offered in Spanish: one for students in grades 3, 4 and 5 and another for students in grades 6, 7 and 8. These publications offer the same practical information for student success as the English versions. The publication for grades 6, 7 and 8 also offers the application for Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars Program in Spanish.

Learn More Indiana

Learn More Indiana’s Web site, www.learnmoreindiana.org, is a resource for students, families, adults, teachers and school counselors regarding the steps it takes to get to college. Hoosiers can get free publications, planners and checklists to keep them on track for college. Learn More Indiana’s free Helpline (1-800-992-2076) provides personalized assistance 24/7 including information on paying for college and applying for financial aid.

Learn More Indiana is a partnership of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana, with additional support from Indiana’s colleges and universities, USA Funds, and the Lumina Foundation for Education—all working together to provide information that supports learning. 

Source: Indiana DOE