Indiana University could make SAT, ACT tests optional
The university’s Board of Trustees recently approved the policy change, which will allow each of its nine campuses to opt out of requiring prospective students to submit test scores.
Education & Workforce Development
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Charter Schools USA loses charter bid, giving IPS a shot at reclaiming takeover schools
The Indiana Charter School Board denied charters Friday for three Indianapolis turnaround schools—a stunning move that could spell the end to the Florida-based Charter Schools USA’s operations in Indianapolis.
IBJ Podcast: Butler prez talks university’s finances, future as challenges loom
Butler University President James Danko tells podcast host Mason King that the school is taking seriously the financial stressors hitting small, private colleges and expert predictions that many could go bankrupt in the next 10 to 15 years.
Purdue University planning new bands, data science buildings
The $20 million Bands and Orchestra Building and the $40 million Data Science Building will be among a string of tech-related construction projects by Purdue.
IPS finds a powerful charter ally in its 11th hour bid to win back takeover schools
Christel House Academy, a politically influential charter network, wants to relocate its south-side school to Manual High School if oversight of that campus is returned to Indianapolis Public Schools.
2020 election will direct Statehouse attention to teacher demands
State lawmakers might choose not to address some education issues in the upcoming legislative session, but they are likely to loom over Indiana politics in the election season.
Butler president has followed unconventional path
James Danko’s career in academia began years after originally dropping out of college to start his own business.
Complexity of Indiana school funding complicates teacher pay debate
Top Republicans touted “record investment” in school spending in defending themselves as thousands of teachers turned out for a Statehouse rally this past week calling for a bigger boost in education funding. But it’s not that simple.
Butler University sees success with student-run insurance company
The company the school launched in 2017 insures a range of campus activities and assets, from its fine art collection and pianos to its living bulldog mascot.
IU says professor’s views are racist, sexist and homophobic—but it can’t fire him
The brouhaha erupted after tenured business professor Eric Rasmusen tweeted an article that states women are too emotional for academia.
Five things to watch for in wake of Red For Ed teacher rally
It remains to be seen whether this week’s Red for Ed rally at the Indiana Statehouse will lead to policy changes sought by teachers, but here are five things that could result in the near future.
Indiana lawmakers signal openness to some—but not all—teacher demands before rally
The thousands of teachers descending on the state capitol Tuesday face an uphill battle when it comes to getting elected officials to raise their salaries. But top lawmakers appear open to changes on other issues.
Expert: Economy inching closer to downturn as workforce constrains growth
Jeff Korzenik, chief investment officer for Fifth Third Bank, told the audience at IBJ’s 2020 Economic Forecast that employers need to investigate nontraditional sources of workers to offset the weak labor market.
State CIO Dewand Neely will tackle new challenge with Eleven Fifty Academy
After 15 years working in the information technology department for the state of Indiana—the last four as chief information officer, Dewand Neely is departing to take a job as chief operating officer for Eleven Fifty Academy, the not-for-profit coding academy with facilities in downtown Indianapolis and Fishers.
Holcomb says he shares teacher concerns, doesn’t criticize closings
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb isn’t promising quick action in response to educators who want more teacher pay, but said he respects the decisions of school districts to call off classes for a Statehouse rally next week.
Indianapolis Public Schools board signs off on $31 million in raises
A 2018 voter-backed referendum funded the latest round of pay increases. Some teachers will see their salaries go up by as much as $9,400 this year, a significant increase designed to account for years of recession-era pay freezes.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway to host high-speed autonomous vehicle race
The Indy Autonomous Challenge will be a five-round competition that features a $1 million prize.
Student: CVS workers rejected Puerto Rico ID, asked for visa
CVS apologized and said it was investigating after a Purdue University engineering student was denied the purchase of over-the-counter cold medicine.
Tech academy Kenzie secures $100M for student tuition financing
Indianapolis-based Kenzie Academy said the financing will help it offer programs across the country. The financing is backed by San Francisco-based Community Investment Management, an institutional impact investment manager.
Powering research: Indiana universities balance federal grants with other sources of cash
University research budgets and federal funding levels are seen as increasingly important drivers of economic development as they give rise to more licensed technology and startup companies.