Notre Dame study: Voucher students experienced math achievement losses
The researchers analyzed student records for public and private school students in grades 3-8 during the first four years of Indiana’s voucher program from 2011 to 2015.
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DeVos expected to reveal school choice plan at local event
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is among several well-known names slated to appear Monday in Indianapolis at the annual summit for the American Federation of Children.
State panel criticizes online charter school but lets it stay open
The State Board of Education punished Hoosier Academy Virtual Charter School, one of the largest online providers in Indiana, by freezing enrollment and reducing the fee for its authorizer, Ball State University.
Bill allowing governor to choose state schools chief heads to Holcomb’s desk
The bill adds in requirements that the governor appoint someone who has lived in the state for two years and meets educational qualifications.
Indiana Senate OKs bill that lets governor appoint schools chief
Indiana senators on Tuesday approved making the position of state superintendent of public instruction a job appointed by the governor and no longer elected by voters.
House panel passes bill to take over Gary, Muncie schools
State-appointed emergency managers would take control of financially troubled school districts in Gary and Muncie under a bill that creates a blueprint that could be used to take over distressed districts in the future.
Indiana Senate to once again vote on schools superintendent bill
The Indiana Senate is set to consider a bill that makes the state superintendent of public instruction an official appointed by the governor instead of elected by voters—despite voting against a similar bill earlier this session.
Wise investment? Voucher system’s effectiveness tough to judge
Over six years, the state has spent more than a half billion dollars on vouchers. During that time, Indiana’s program has expanded, giving more students access to vouchers than in any other state—despite mixed evidence from researchers that vouchers help students achieve.
U.S. Education secretary says Indy’s ‘innovation schools’ should be national model
Betsy DeVos shouted out School 15 in a speech Monday, calling it “an example of new thinking.”
House panel supports plans to loosen voucher restrictions
Indiana, already a state with one of the most robust taxpayer-funded voucher programs in the country, has made small steps toward broadening the program.
Indiana Senate votes down bill to appoint schools chief
The Indiana Senate unexpectedly shot down a bill on Monday that would have made the role of state superintendent of public instruction an appointed rather than elected position.
Lawmakers weigh letting governor select state schools chief
Indiana is one of 13 states where voters elect the schools chief. The other 37 allow either the governor or the board of education to select someone to fill the position.
State lawmakers discuss expanding screening for teachers
State lawmakers are proposing legislation they say will help strengthen Indiana's system for running background checks for teachers.
New state schools chief picked to lead Indiana education board
Board members voted unanimously after little discussion Wednesday to endorse Jennifer McCormick as the board’s leader.
Proposed bill will seek to make Indiana school chiefs appointed, not elected
Gov.-Elect Eric Holcomb on Thursday announced he wants to make Indiana’s elected superintendent of public instruction a governor-appointed position. House Speaker Brian Bosma is set to author the bill.
2016 NEWSMAKER: Jennifer McCormick, new state schools chief
Political newcomer Jennifer McCormick was elected Nov. 8 as state superintendent of public instruction—a surprise to many who expected Democrat Glenda Ritz to keep her seat.
Indiana Republicans in no hurry to make state superintendent job appointed
House Speaker Brian Bosma said he’s advocated for reducing the superintendent’s power “for 30 years” but that he didn’t think he’ll make that a priority for the next legislative session beginning in January.
Glenda Ritz leaving office with a mixed legacy
Supporters saw her as an energetic leader who wouldn’t buckle to the establishment. Opponents saw her as nothing more than a a one-hit wonder.
Indy charter school struggling with unexpectedly low enrollment
Ace Preparatory Academy, started by an aide to former Indiana schools superintendent Tony Bennett, is at about 22 percent of its initial expected enrollment, with just 33 students as of Oct. 19.
Superintendent candidates both say Indiana schools need more money
Restrictions put in place over the past few years on how much school districts can collect from property taxes mean districts have to more frequently ask voters through referendums to pay more in taxes to support schools.