State panel to again consider school start dates
One proposal would prohibit schools from starting earlier than the fourth Monday in August, and the other would require school
to start after Labor Day.
Public schools
Articles
Progress stalls on national, state math scores
Indiana’s students outscored the national average in mathematics on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress,
but the results show little improvement over previous years.
Schools try to fit in parent-teacher conferences
Indiana schools are finding creative ways to squeeze in parent-teacher conferences after the state ruled that the sessions
could no longer count toward instructional time.
NFL helps spruce up high school’s football field
The George Washington Community High School football team played its season opener at a newly renovated field and stadium,
thanks to a joint effort of the National Football League, the Indianapolis Colts and Local Initiatives Support Corp.
Charities gear up to provide school supplies, clothes
Two local organizations are trying to outfit thousands of kids before Indianapolis-area schools begin classes in August.
Below-average test scores raise questions about elementary teachers, colleges
Students going into and out of Indiana’s teacher education programs tend to score below average on standardized test scores.
And national data indicate the gap is entirely attributable to those headed into elementary education.
Pay for diplomas is smart incentive
Incentives have long been used as an effective tool in business to improve employee performance. But can a concept that helps
companies motivate workers also work in public education?
Bennett draws up education game plan
Indiana’s superintendent of public instruction stresses reading, math and competition.
Indiana Public worker, teacher funds have lost $8B in 15 months
The state’s two biggest pension funds are poised to combine into one Indiana Public Retirement System, with a single executive
director and board.
Charter school study likely to stoke legislative debate
A state-funded study of Indiana’s charter schools has found that “no practical difference” exists between the alternative
schools and traditional public schools.
Lawrence Township School Foundation
The mission of the Lawrence Township School Foundation is to encourage and support creativity, innovation and excellence that
enhances the educational community of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township.
Story of creation is beautiful
Teaching the story of creation isn’t “hocus-pocus,” and vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin isn’t arguing how long it took
to create the earth on the presidential campaign trail.
Property-tax reform may force cutbacks in urban school districts
Many Indiana school districts say they have no choice but to brace for cutbacks in areas like school repairs, computers and
transportation thanks to the property tax reform measure approved by the General Assembly and signed by Gov.Mitch Daniels.
College Summit’s goal is more skilled workers
Business leaders and educators agree on what’s needed to improve Indiana’s economic health and enhance its place in the global
economy: a larger pool of skilled workers. Toward that end, a group of notfor-profits is expanding a program to get more low-income
Indianapolis students to further their education after high school.
Mayor proposes city office to track progress of students
Mayor Greg Ballard says the status quo isn’t good enough anymore when it comes to educating Indianapolis children. So heis
proposing what he’s calling a big, bold idea in education: Provide help to every student who needs it, not just the ones who
ask for it.