Indiana leaders this week welcomed an order from President Donald Trump intended to close the U.S. Department of Education, saying it will give the state more control over education and greater flexibility to spend federal funds.
The two-year budget approved by Indiana House lawmakers and now moving through the Senate would increase per-student base funding for some virtual public schools by as much as 50%
Many of the priorities related to K-12 that Republican leaders outlined for next year, like expanding school vouchers and limiting property tax hikes, come with a price tag.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Indiana’s Education Scholarship Accounts and Career Scholarship Accounts has grown dramatically after lawmakers expanded student eligibility and allowed uses for funding.
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 University says the proposed new diplomas would not meet admission requirements, while Indiana University supports a special seal for college-bound students.
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.
Tutoring programs last year appeared to spur academic gains for Indianapolis Public Schools, but the district is scaling them down as funding ends.
Few candidates and low voter participation and engagement with schools can pave the way for outside groups to sway elections.
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.
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.
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 spent roughly $439 million on its voucher program for the 2023-24 school year as enrollment in private schools hit a record high.
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.
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.
