Will Indiana Public Schools Be Required to Display the 10 Commandments?
House Bill 1086 seeks to require that all Indiana public schools display the Ten Commandments in every classroom and school library. Should it pass, it’s almost certain to face legal challenge. Continue reading Will Indiana Public Schools Be Required to Display the 10 Commandments?
The ILEA’s Final Recommendations Are In. Here’s What Comes Next.
The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance finalized its recommendations for transportation, facilities, and school governance during a December 17 vote. Do they spell the dawn of a new day for IPS and charter schools or the deathknell of local democracy? We look at the particulars of the recommendations alongside misconceptions about them and how they might play out during the legislative session. Continue reading The ILEA’s Final Recommendations Are In. Here’s What Comes Next.
The Growing Separation of Technology and Classroom in Indiana
Cell phones have long been the bane of educators. But Indiana legislators decided to do something about it in 2024, passing a cell phone ban during instructional time. Now, during the upcoming session, they may upgrade that to a full, bell-to-bell ban during school hours. Is this a good idea? We explore the broader impacts of bans on student academics and well-being. Continue reading The Growing Separation of Technology and Classroom in Indiana
The ILEA Finalizes Possible Recommendations Ahead of Key Vote on Future of Indianapolis Education
The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance is set to vote on its final recommendations for the future of public school governance, transportation, and facilities on December 17. Between now and then, there’ll be two more listening sessions on the 10th and the 15th to allow for final public input. Here’s the two options still on the table in each area. Continue reading The ILEA Finalizes Possible Recommendations Ahead of Key Vote on Future of Indianapolis Education
The ILEA Holds the Fate of IPS and Indianapolis Charter Schools In Its Hands
For months, the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance has been working to craft a series of proposals regarding the future of Indianapolis Public Schools and independent charter schools in Indianapolis. Now, they’ve finally put forward a series of options regarding the future of transportation, facilities, and governance. Here they are. Continue reading The ILEA Holds the Fate of IPS and Indianapolis Charter Schools In Its Hands
Is Shrinking IPS Boundaries a Good Idea? Is It Even Possible?
Rumors recently swirled about IPS proposing new district boundaries that would limit them to just Center Township. Then IPS made it real by floating the idea during recent community meetings. Is it a good idea? Is it even possible to redraw IPS boundaries in that way? Continue reading Is Shrinking IPS Boundaries a Good Idea? Is It Even Possible?
We Finally Know How Many Students Indiana’s 3rd Grade Retention Requirement Held Back
During the 2024 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 1, meant to spur improvements in student literacy outcomes. It also required all third grade students who didn’t pass IREAD by the end of third grade be retained. How many students got retained? We finally have the data. Continue reading We Finally Know How Many Students Indiana’s 3rd Grade Retention Requirement Held Back
Can You Be a Progressive and Support School Choice?
Can you be politically progressive and support school choice and charter schools? How much does it matter that a majority of Americans support school choice? Those were just some of the questions raised in watching the public comment portion of the ILEA’s most recent meeting. Continue reading Can You Be a Progressive and Support School Choice?
To Grade Schools on an A-F Scale, Indiana is Going to Grade Students
Ever since the 2025 legislative session closed, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has been working on a new A-F accountability system for schools statewide. It’s been seven years since schools last got a letter grade, but they’re about to get one again. And this time, students are going to get graded in the process. Continue reading To Grade Schools on an A-F Scale, Indiana is Going to Grade Students
IPS Lays Out Its Vision to the ILEA
Rise Indy, Stand for Children, and the Indiana Charter Innovation Center have all lobbied the ILEA with a set of recommendations about the future of education in Indianapolis. Now it’s IPS’ turn, with the board submitting seven recommendations to the ILEA. Continue reading IPS Lays Out Its Vision to the ILEA