“Indiana lawmakers have advanced a set of policies that prioritize students and their futures. Indiana has long been a leader in education, and this new legislation takes further steps to strengthen foundations in literacy and math, provide focused and supportive learning environments and align K–12 education with relevant postsecondary pathways and in-demand, higher-wage jobs.
“From the early grades through high school and into the workforce, these policies reflect Indiana’s comprehensive commitment to improving results, supporting educators and preparing students for success at each and every stage of their educational journey.
“We are grateful to Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, Secretary of Education Katie Jenner, House Speaker Todd Huston, Senate President Pro Tempore Rodrick Bray, Chair of the House Education Committee Rep. Bob Behning, Chair of the Senate Education Committee Sen. Jeff Raatz, Sen. Linda Rogers and Rep. Jake Teshka for maintaining a student-centered focus and for continuing to set the bar for academic achievement and opportunity across the state.”
About the Legislation
Literacy and math policy:
- SB 199 expands the number of schools eligible for reading professional development.
- SB 239 requires parental notification for students at risk of not achieving grade-level proficiency in math.
- HB 1266 requires the Department of Education to recommend 60 minutes of daily math instruction and to develop a new data science pathway.
College and career pathways:
- SB 239 strengthens career pathways by publishing a list of business and industry partners that will provide incentives to students who earn the Employment Honors Plus diploma seal.
- SB 199 requires institutions of higher education to review average earnings of graduates to ensure positive return on investment.
- HB 1266 increases flexibility for students using a Career Scholarship Account, ensuring funds can be used for transportation.
Strengthening the teacher pipeline:
- SB 199 requires the Department of Education to study and make recommendations for paid family leave.
Charter school facilities:
- SB 239 improves facilities access for charter schools.
- HB 1423 creates a new system within Indianapolis Public Schools for charter schools and traditional public schools to share funding, facilities and transportation.
Digital policy:
- SB 78 requires schools to adopt and implement a bell-to-bell phone- and wireless communication device-free policy.
- HB 1408 requires parental consent to create a social media account for users 16 and younger and prohibits social media companies from utilizing addictive design features on the accounts of children 16 and younger.
Solution Areas:
College & Career Pathways, Digital Access & Equity, Early Literacy, Education Funding, Math Policy, Public Education Choice, Teachers & Leaders
Topics:
Charter Schools, Data Science, Work-Based Learning
About the Author
Patricia Levesque is the Executive Director of ExcelinEd in Action.
