Calculator usage puts thousands of ISTEP scores in jeopardy
ISTEP scores for thousands of students across the state are set to be thrown out this year, including at two Indianapolis private schools, according to state officials.
Public schools
Articles
Seven lessons from IPS innovation schools
Indianapolis Public Schools sought to disrupt the K-12 education world two years ago by launching "innovation schools," an entirely autonomous group of schools within the district's boundaries. With eight schools up and running, what lessons are emerging?
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.
Ritz launches consulting business to advise school boards
Indiana’s former superintendent of public instruction is now president and CEO of Advancing Public Schools. She’s barred from being paid by Indiana school districts until next year.
As IPS leaders review high schools’ futures, here are their pros, cons
An IPS committee recommended closing three of the seven high schools that will be in operation this fall. Some schools are clearly in more danger of closing than others.
Local charter network to buy vacant IPS elementary school for $1
Tindley Summit Academy will move this fall to the IPS School 98 campus, which was available for next to nothing under a rarely used state law.
Voters approve three Hamilton County school referendums
Carmel Clay Schools and the Sheridan Community School Corp. had proposed seven-year tax hikes for operational funding, and Westfield Washington Schools asked taxpayers to cover the costs of $90 million in construction projects.
Holcomb plans to sign pre-K expansion bill
Holcomb says the bill provides access to high-quality early education for “thousands” of poor families.
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.
Mind Trust drawing big dollars from national donors
The reputation the education reform group has engendered with its work in the city has spread—and therefore so has its donor base.
Quiet change found in Indiana bill could mean bigger voucher program
A bill that quietly crossed a crucial legislative hurdle last week would allow private schools to begin receiving state funding from their first day of operation.
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.
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 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.
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.
S&P threatens to downgrade Indiana school debt
Citing concern about a state statute governing debt repayment, Standard & Poor’s said that it has placed a 90-day watch on the rating for loans to all Indiana school districts.