Top Indiana school issues headed for Statehouse debates
State leaders will tackle questions about a possible teacher shortage and work on politically-charged questions about ISTEP.
K-12
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IPS seeks board’s blessing for school freedom strategy
The Indianapolis School Board expects to vote next week on a “framework” for shifting the district toward a system with more freedom for principals and schools over the next three years.
IPS board to consider closing Key Learning Academy
The Indianapolis Public School Board still must vote on a recommendation to shut it down, but board members seemed to share administrators’ views that Key was no longer working.
Indiana charter school loans moving ahead despite questions
The Indiana State Board of Education is moving ahead with a plan to distribute up to $40 million in loans to charter schools despite questions about a per-student funding cap included in the program.
Board delays vote on setting ISTEP passing rate
State Board of Education spokesman Marc Lotter blamed that delay on a Department of Education report provided Tuesday night raising questions about potential differences in difficulty between the online and paper versions of the test.
Recommendation would slash ISTEP passing rates
The State Board of Education is poised to vote on a recommendation from educator panels that would reduce ISTEP passing rates about 16 percentage points in English and 24 percentage points in math, compared with 2014.
Pence boosts school safety spending after drastic cuts
The Indiana governor said Friday that after the recent deadly shooting at a community college in Oregon he would make an additional $3.5 million in safety grants available.
Herron targets historic armory on White River for new high school
Herron High School hopes to raise enough money to turn an abandoned armory in Indianapolis into a new high school, according to Indiana Landmarks, which is trying to save the property.
New rules threaten dual-credit courses, educators say
The rule changes are meant to bolster the quality of teaching in “dual-credit” courses, which can count for both high school and college credit. But they could have unintended consequences.
U.S. asks Indiana education agency for data on poverty funds
Federal officials expressed that it is possible that both charter and traditional public schools may have received an excess allocation of federal dollars, the Indiana Department of Education said.
State plans to comply after errors found in charter funding
The Indiana Department of Education says it will comply with rules governing the distribution of poverty aid after federal education officials notified the state late last week that its approach was “inconsistent with the statute and regulations.”
Federal officials: Ritz erred with charter school funding cuts
An email from the U.S. Department of Education to the Indiana Department of Education says the state incorrectly applied provisions of federal law when determining this year’s Title I poverty aid for charter schools.
Tighter rules could hit high school-college credit classes
Some educators are worried that tighter academic requirements for those teaching Indiana high school classes for which students can receive college credit will lead to a drop in such dual-credit offerings.
Congressmen: Ritz should explain drop in charter aid
The Republican congressmen sent Ritz a letter Monday asking the Department of Education to explain the formula used this year to determine federal Title 1 funding levels.
IPS might outsource athletic director job, oversight of athletics
The Indianapolis Public School Board is considering shifting the role of district athletic director to a group run by the head of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.
Some worry new diplomas exclude those with special needs
Parents and educators pleaded with the Indiana State Board of Education to change a state law that they argue could rob students of equal access to the high school diplomas that fit them best.
State attorney general shoots down Ritz’s leniency plan
Indiana's Attorney General dealt a major blow to a proposal by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz that would spare schools from being penalized for low scores on this year's ISTEP exams.
Charter schools bemoan steep federal poverty aid reductions
The state’s charter school leaders say they are unfairly bearing the weight of Indiana’s $3 million reduction in federal Title I funding.
Fort Wayne educator seeks GOP nod for schools chief
Dawn Wooten is the first Republican to announce candidacy for Indiana superintendent of public instruction.
Noblesville teacher receives Centric’s Innovation Award
High school teacher Don Wettrick is honored in part for a class that lets students pursue projects in collaboration with professionals.