Indiana said no to phones in class 2 years ago. Now, the law might get stricter.
GOP lawmakers have introduced bills that would mandate that phones be securely stored at school or left at home during the whole school day.
Aleksandra Appleton, Chalkbeat Indiana
Articles
Lilly Endowment gives Marion County schools $460M but delays grant decision for IPS
The grants will support a wide range of initiatives like new student programming, teacher training, and updated STEM and performing arts spaces.
School deregulation, IPS future expected to be among top topics for state legislators
While Indiana legislative leaders haven’t yet detailed their education priorities for 2026, they have a list of unfinished business to tackle when it comes to schools.
School referendums: 6 districts to seek funding for teacher pay, class size, buses
This year’s referendums are a test case in voter support at a time when Indiana is lowering property taxes and increasing how much of that funding some districts must share with charter schools.
Indiana submits federal funding flexibility request to Trump administration
If approved, the plan would change the ways the state and school districts can merge and disburse federal grant funding.
Indiana seeks contractors to improve middle school reading scores
The state is seeking donations to supplement state funding for the pilot program, which middle schools would be able to opt into, said Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner.
3 big questions as Indiana prepares to ask for federal education funding flexibility
State officials say their request would give schools more freedom to address their specific needs. But would funding reach those who need it?
Indiana third grade reading scores improve at record-breaking rate, reach pre-pandemic levels
State education officials say early intervention—along with a statewide shift to instruction backed by the science of reading—has played a critical role in improving proficiency.
Third of Indiana counties lack voucher-accepting private schools
Voucher use has surged in recent years as Indiana lawmakers loosened eligibility requirements, but the lack of rural private schools that accept them means many students miss out.
Federal funds for low-performing schools would be redirected under Indiana flexibility request
Among the changes would be a significant shift in School Improvement Grants, competitive grants that currently fund improvement plans at district and charter schools identified as low performing under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Indiana education officials to ask for federal funding as lump sum with fewer requirements
The money would be available to more schools to use with fewer rules about where the money would go.
Matchbook Learning leader terminated after alcohol, airfare charged to school card
A credit card assigned to the former charter school official accrued tens of thousands of dollars in travel, high-end dining and alcohol purchases.
Partisan school board elections bill moves closer to passage
A bill to give Indiana school board candidates the option to run as Republicans or Democrats passed a key vote in the House on Monday.
Proposal to drop social-emotional learning advances in Indiana
Another amendment would mean some fees for students and families could return.
Lawmakers revive plan that could lead to IPS sharing buildings, buses with charter schools
The plan creates a nine-member Indianapolis Local Education Alliance made up of district, charter, and city leaders who would be charged with creating a school facility and transportation plan for the city.
Indiana leaders support Trump moves to shut down Department of Education
Indiana leaders this week welcomed an order from President Donald Trump intended to close the U.S. Department of Education, saying it will give the state more control over education and greater flexibility to spend federal funds.
Virtual school funding in Indiana expected to spike
The two-year budget approved by Indiana House lawmakers and now moving through the Senate would increase per-student base funding for some virtual public schools by as much as 50%
Indiana lawmakers face tough decisions on education funding
Many of the priorities related to K-12 that Republican leaders outlined for next year, like expanding school vouchers and limiting property tax hikes, come with a price tag.
Campaign pledges to raise teacher pay face uncertain future at Statehouse
Raising base salaries for teachers was a key focus of Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s platform during the governor’s race, but anxiety about the state budget might be a roadblock.
Tutoring programs funded by feds face uncertain future in Indiana
Tutoring and intervention programs helped Indiana students recover from COVID-related learning loss. Now the programs—funded by federal COVID relief money—could end if Indiana lawmakers don’t make room for them in the state budget.