Indiana Lawmakers Pass Student-Centered Policies as 2020 Session Concludes

Indiana
The 2020 session of the Indiana General Assembly wrapped up this week on a high note, with lawmakers giving final approval to a range of student-centered policies:
  • Next Generation Learning: HB 1003 authored by Representative Jack Jordan, allows the State Board of Education to grant schools waivers from restrictive laws and rules that can hinder innovation. Examples of rules that could be waived include seat-time requirements, state mandated curriculum, unnecessary reporting, restriction around working with local industry and unfunded mandates.
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE): Legislation by Senator Eric Koch (SB 195), which was amended into HB 1066, will allow students to have better educational opportunities to align their courses to high-wage, in-demand career opportunities. It specifically focuses on creating pathways for students to the electric and utility industries, a growing sector in Indiana. HB 1066 also urges the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet to collect data on CTE pathways to inform decisions to create, approve or amend current and future CTE pathways.
  • Public Charter Schools: Thanks to an amendment from Senator Rogers to HB 1065, school districts and non-virtual public charter schools will be able to share local tax dollars. Creating and sustaining avenues for the equitable funding of facilities ensures charter schools can invest their limited dollars more effectively in teachers and students.Representative Jeff Thompson sponsored legislation (HB 1066) that gives preference for enrolling in innovation network public charter schools to students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and to siblings of current or former students of the school.

“Indiana policymakers are clearly dedicated to doing what is needed to make sure the state’s education system is centered on students. With the passage of these bills, they have taken bold steps to help Hoosier students now and in the future.”

Zach Eckert, Regional Legislative Director, ExcelinEd in Action

These bills now head to governor Eric Holcomb for his signature.

Solution Areas:

College & Career Pathways, Next Generation Learning, Public Education Choice

Topics:

Career and Technical Education, Charter Schools, Personalized Learning