Legislature approves new test: ‘ILEARN’ is in, ISTEP is out
The new test would be used for the first time in 2019, meaning ISTEP still has one more year of life.
K-12
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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.
IPS could close three of its seven high schools under new plan
An Indianapolis Public Schools task force has recommended closing three of the district's seven high schools because of declining enrollments.
Indiana House passes Gary, Muncie schools takeover bill
The bill creates a blueprint that could be used to take over other distressed school districts in the future.
IUPUI tech-diversity program catches fire
The high school program, which targets girls and minorities, has seen expanded adoption by one participating school, and it’s raised more than $1.5 million in grants and donations over the past year.
Indiana Senate approves bill making ‘ILEARN’ new state test
The Indiana Senate has passed a bill setting parameters for a yet-to-be picked test that will replace the ISTEP exam.
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.
DeHaan, 74, still pumping massive cash, countless hours into charity
Indianapolis businesswoman and philanthropist Christel DeHaan is nearly 75 years old and she knows that someday she’ll have to slow down. Someday. Not now.
Art education fundraising firm crafting $4M office at Fort Ben site
The local company considered buying its current home before hitting the drawing board and launching plans to build its own space.
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.”
Well-regarded Herron High School seeks to strengthen ties with IPS
Joining the IPS innovation network would give Herron access to additional funding, but it would retain most of its independence. Herron’s head of school said the move "will not impact students in any way."
House advances bill for offering 401(k)-style retirement plan to new teachers
The plan would be offered to teachers as an alternative to the current pension-style plan. Some fear the state eventually could try to phase out the latter.
GOP divisions emerge as Senate passes pre-K funding plan
Republicans who control the Statehouse are deeply divided on how—or if—Indiana should move forward on a proposed expansion of a state-funded preschool program for low-income children.
Mind Trust lands another $7.2 million from Lilly Endowment
The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based not-for-profit that promotes education reform, will use the funds to support Innovation Network Schools and recruit school leaders.
IPS likely to ask taxpayers for property-tax increase
Superintendent Lewis Ferebee said he believes the district will “absolutely” need to have a referendum for more funding to pay teachers at the current rate and potentially increase pay in the future.
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 House approves ISTEP-replacement measure
The Indiana House has approved a bill that would require students in grades 3 through 8 to complete the new assessment by the 2018-19 school year.