IPS reports jump in share of freshmen on track to graduate
Some of the biggest gains happened at Crispus Attucks and George Washington high schools, which each reported an increase of 20 percentage points for on-track rates compared to last year.
Aleksandra Appleton, Chalkbeat Indiana
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IPS expanding virtual tutoring at low-performing schools
Virtual tutoring is the latest addition to a suite of tutoring efforts the district is launching to address academic declines after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shuffling grades, closing school buildings: IPS proposes sweeping changes
The future of Indianapolis Public Schools has come into clearer focus after district officials outlined five potential solutions to the district’s financial challenges, including merging small schools and reconfiguring middle school grades.
Here’s how IPS has spent its federal pandemic funding so far
Indianapolis Public Schools has spent around 10% of its $213.5 million in federal COVID-19 funding to date. That figure is low compared to other districts in Indiana and across the country, but IPS officials are preparing to spend the full allocation.
IPS teachers might miss out on bonuses after quarantining for COVID
Indianapolis Public Schools offered retention bonuses in late March to 3,200 eligible staff members, but they came with an attendance requirement that staff couldn’t take more than two sick days for the remainder of the semester.
IPS officials study possibility of merging some smaller schools
Whether a student can play a sport, study advanced math, or sing in a choir varies widely by where they attend school, Indianapolis Public School officials said at the latest in a series of meetings that raise the possibility of closing some schools.
Fewer virtual days expected in Indiana schools after state policy change
Effective next school year, the state will limit schools to three days of asynchronous instruction—defined as days when over half of instructional time is virtual and self-paced, without students spending any online time with a teacher.
Indiana debates civics standards for middle schoolers
What Indiana does and does not teach about government—such as constitutional amendments beyond the Bill of Rights—is back in the spotlight this week as the state moves forward with a new middle school civics course. In civics across all grade levels, the state standards stop at the Bill of Rights, with no specific requirements for […]
Indiana voters pass most local tax increases for school salaries, operations
All six of the operating referendums on the ballot passed, giving schools around the state additional tax revenue to fund programs, transportation, and salaries. But construction referendums—whose funds are earmarked for specific building or renovation projects—fared worse.
IPS principal Hunley touts education experience in state Senate run
Andrea Hunley, 38, is hoping to beat out four opponents in the Democratic primary to win a chance to represent a newly-created Indianapolis district covering the attendance area of her current and former schools.
NAACP calls for action to improve education for Indiana’s Black students
The plan begins with four key steps, including hiring an educational equity officer at the Indiana Department of Education, and making statewide achievement data more accessible to parents and community members.
Eight Indiana districts seek referendums in May election
Indiana saw more referendums than ever right before the pandemic. Now, schools face an uncertain economy and ballot language that might cause sticker shock.
Indiana takes voucher-like approach to tutoring with $500 grants to families
Indiana plans to channel up to $15 million in federal emergency funds directly to parents to pay for tutoring for students who are struggling with reading and math.
IPS to spend $15M on retention bonuses, more flexibility for teachers
Indianapolis Public Schools plans to spend federal emergency funds on cash bonuses to reward staff who stay with the district, officials announced last week.
As COVID protocols end, young students and new teachers adjust
For veteran teachers and older students, this is a return to normalcy. But for some young students and new teachers, this is among the first times they’ve experienced in-person learning without restrictions or interruptions.
Indiana legislators passed these education bills in 2022
Indiana lawmakers managed to pack the calendar with education-related legislation this year. Here’s a look at what survived and what didn’t.
‘Nearing a collapse,’ Indiana needs more special educators
The number of working special education teachers in Indiana declined around 4% from 2014 to 2021, while the number of students in special education grew 12%, according to the Indiana Department of Education.
Indiana’s ‘divisive concepts’ education bill dies in Senate
Speaking after the vote, Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray said some Republican lawmakers thought the bill created too much of a burden for educators, while others thought it didn’t go far enough.
‘Divisive concepts’ bill moves forward in the Indiana Senate
A bill to restrict teaching about race and racism has taken another step forward in the Indiana legislature after undergoing some changes.
Despite supermajority, Indiana Republicans change curriculum bill
Although the changes haven’t satisfied most critics, the effort highlights the tightrope walk between appeasing core conservative voters and not alienating moderates as political opinions in rural and suburban areas pull in opposite directions, analysts said.