Campaign pledges to raise teacher pay face uncertain future at Statehouse
Raising base salaries for teachers was a key focus of Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s platform during the governor’s race, but anxiety about the state budget might be a roadblock.
Aleksandra Appleton, Chalkbeat Indiana
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Tutoring programs funded by feds face uncertain future in Indiana
Tutoring and intervention programs helped Indiana students recover from COVID-related learning loss. Now the programs—funded by federal COVID relief money—could end if Indiana lawmakers don’t make room for them in the state budget.
Indiana licensing program ‘putting a dent’ in shortage of special educators
A special educators shortage in Indiana once violated federal law, but the I-SEAL program helps current educators earn their special education certification for free while remaining in the classroom.
Vouchers nearly universal at half of Indiana private schools that take them, data shows
Last year, in 178 of the 349 private schools in the state that accept vouchers, more than 90% of students enrolled used a voucher to pay for tuition.
Indiana counting on more data to help bring down chronic absenteeism
Student attendance has improved incrementally since 2022, but Indiana officials hope more data can help schools identify students with attendance issues and intervene sooner.
Participation in voucher-like education choice programs soars in Indiana
Participation in Indiana’s Education Scholarship Accounts and Career Scholarship Accounts has grown dramatically after lawmakers expanded student eligibility and allowed uses for funding.
Ex-Edison School chief fired over racial slur now leads Indianapolis charter school
Nathan Tuttle, who was previously executive director and CEO at Edison School of the Arts, started as the K-8 principal of Matchbook Learning on June 1.
Purdue, IU weigh in on the state’s new high school diplomas
Purdue University says the proposed new diplomas would not meet admission requirements, while Indiana University supports a special seal for college-bound students.
IPS says it’s ready for state requirement to offer college credit, career training
Educators around the state have raised concerns that schools will not be able to find the staff, transportation, and workforce partners needed to implement the changes.
IPS cuts back tutoring as federal COVID aid expires
Tutoring programs last year appeared to spur academic gains for Indianapolis Public Schools, but the district is scaling them down as funding ends.
Perry’s school board has just 2 candidates for 4 seats. Here’s what could happen next.
Few candidates and low voter participation and engagement with schools can pave the way for outside groups to sway elections.
Indiana schools embrace AI, but seek to ‘keep humans in the loop’
About 45,000 Indiana students across the state learned with AI tutors last year as part of a state grant to reduce teacher workloads while improving student learning.
New diploma requirements could have big impact on Indiana college-going students
A plan to refocus Indiana’s graduation requirements on work experiences would eliminate a diploma linked to college-going without providing a clear alternative for students seeking postsecondary education.
Tindley Accelerated Schools’ former CEO charged with defrauding charter network
Brian Metcalf, who served as CEO of Indianapolis-based Tindley Accelerated Schools from July 2019 to December 2022, was charged with nine counts of wire fraud.
Indiana sees big spike in voucher students from wealthy families
Indiana spent roughly $439 million on its voucher program for the 2023-24 school year as enrollment in private schools hit a record high.
Indiana’s new diplomas emphasize flexibility, but some requirements are controversial
Proposed high school diplomas for the class of 2029 will place a greater emphasis on work experience, which some educators say will push students to neglect academic opportunities.
Teachers confront Indiana education officials over literacy license requirements
A new Indiana law requiring some teachers to learn about teaching literacy in order to renew their licenses drew hours of criticism from educators at Wednesday’s State Board of Education meeting.
Pike Township passes $14.5M schools referendum
With the measure passing Tuesday night, the district will become the first to share some of its property tax revenue with eligible charter schools as mandated by a 2023 state law.
Indiana teachers union endorses former state schools chief Jennifer McCormick for governor
McCormick’s emphasis on funding for traditional public education differentiates her from the field of Republican candidates, who champion school choice policies such as universal vouchers and the potential expansion of Education Savings Accounts next year.
Vouchers could soon supercharge Indiana’s growing microschool community
Lawmakers could revive a plan to let all parents use Education Scholarship Accounts on classes, tutoring, extracurricular activities and more.