The Indiana Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant is administered by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and funded under the authority of the Indiana State Board of Education. Its purpose is to enhance student learning by supporting the use of formative, interim, benchmark, and similar assessments that inform instructional decisions and improve academic outcomes. The grant provides financial support to Indiana public, charter, and accredited non-public schools, including Choice schools, to adopt and implement approved assessment programs for students in kindergarten through grade 10.
Assessment programs funded through this grant must align with Indiana Academic Standards and, when applicable, be predictive of Indiana's accountability assessments. Programs must also maintain data-sharing agreements with IDOE. The grant funds can be used for the purchase of assessments and professional development provided by approved vendors. During the 2025–2026 school year, most students in grades 3–8 will participate in the ILEARN Through Year Assessment System, which includes three Checkpoints and a Summative assessment. As a result, additional interim assessments for these students will be limited, with grant funds covering up to 10% of the 3–8 student population for specific intervention and monitoring needs.
Eligible applicants must apply through the IDOE’s registration and submission portals. The vendor registration form is due by November 21, 2025, while the program submission form and supporting documentation are due by January 6, 2026. Reviews will occur between January 8 and January 23, and feedback will be issued by January 28. Vendors may submit appeals through February 4, with final determinations made by February 6. Approval recommendations will then be forwarded to the Indiana State Board of Education for final review.
For vendors with previously approved programs from the 2025–2026 cycle, an abbreviated process is available that focuses on confirming alignment to the 2023 Indiana Academic Standards and any substantive changes. New vendors must provide documentation for all evaluation criteria, including third-party alignment studies and predictive validity evidence. The grant evaluation process ensures that approved assessments are rigorous, aligned, and beneficial to Indiana schools.
The final list of approved programs will be published by IDOE and distributed to schools. All purchases using grant funds must be limited to approved programs and associated professional development services. Interested parties should contact the IDOE Office of Student Assessment with any questions or support needs throughout the submission and review period.
Ensure standards alignment; initiate data-sharing agreements early; only approved programs and PD vendors are eligible.
