Indiana might be underestimating number of students in foster care, advocates say
In Indiana, the number of foster children rose 60 percent between 2012 and 2016—the second-steepest climb in the nation, according to federal data.
Shaina Cavazos
Articles
Indiana virtual schools granted extra time to defend themselves against allegations
The authorizer of two virtual schools accused of mismanaging state tests, student enrollment, and special education services voted Monday night to give the schools more time to defend themselves—even after they missed a key deadline for submitting a written explanation.
Overwhelmed by problems, Indianapolis charter school closing again
Indianapolis Lighthouse East, which reopened four years ago, was expected to graduate only 44 percent of seniors in its first graduating class this year. It has struggled with dwindling enrollment, low test scores, and high teacher and principal turnover.
Low test scores, shrinking enrollment cost Indianapolis school its charter
The Indianapolis Academy of Excellence has endured a tumultuous year, including the loss of its curriculum provider in June and the exodus of about 20 students this month.
Indiana House Republicans suggest slashing $105M from aid for low-income students
For Indianapolis Public Schools, the proposed cuts could mean $7 million less to meet the needs of its students from low-income families between now and 2021.
Troubled Indiana virtual schools poised to lose charters
Two virtual schools were put on notice Monday night that their charters could be revoked after their authorizer alleged that thousands of enrolled students went semesters or sometimes years without earning any credits or even signing up for classes.
With House plan that adds money for vulnerable kids, all Indianapolis districts would gain
Even though some districts are projected to lose students, they would still get more state money because of changes to Indiana’s funding formula that add funds for vulnerable students and because lawmakers put more money in the budget overall.
Lawmakers move to eliminate ‘growth-only’ grades for all schools, not just those in IPS
The more generous scale has boosted IPS’ performance as it launches a new strategy of partnering with charter operators, by allowing some innovation network schools to earn high marks despite overall low test scores.
Legislators try to get tighter grip on virtual charter schools
New proposals stem from recommendations made by education officials, including potential solutions to low test scores and graduation rates, a lack of student and parent participation, and the need to improve their oversight.
House teacher pay plan clears first hurdle, but critics say the bill doesn’t go far enough
A Republican bill calling on districts to raise teacher pay by making other budget cuts passed an Indiana House of Representatives education committee vote Wednesday, despite sharp criticism from school officials and education advocates.
Indiana Republicans suggest schools cut costs to raise teacher pay
The goal for school districts would be to use 85 percent or more of their state funding for instruction-related costs, such as teacher salaries.
Educators say Indiana lawmakers shouldn’t delay action on teacher pay
Educators and advocates are pushing state leaders to take action this year to raise teacher compensation—not to wait for additional research, as Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb proposed last week.
IPS leader Ferebee takes top job in Washington, D.C., school district
Lewis Ferebee will be the next chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, officials announced Monday, leaving a leadership hole at Indianapolis Public Schools, where he has served for five years.
Indiana’s push to raise teacher pay creating unlikely allies
It’s not every day that the state’s teachers union, Republican leaders and education advocacy groups find themselves working toward the same goal.
Raising teacher pay likely to be hot topic for Indiana lawmakers in 2019
As top lawmakers—Republicans and Democrats—prepare to craft the next two-year state budget, they have been in talks about how money could be set aside for teachers and other educators.
IPS teachers union president out after alleged mishandling of $100K
Rhondalyn Cornett was asked to resign and did so Thursday, according to the Indiana State Teachers Association. In a text message, she declined to comment.
IPS critics poised to defeat incumbents in school board shakeup
Vocal critics of the Indianapolis Public Schools administration looked poised to unseat two incumbents in Tuesday’s school board election.
Indiana ISTEP scores remain flat overall, but gaps grow for minority groups
Only half of the state’s elementary and middle school students passed both English and math exams in 2018, but the results released Wednesday were worse for students of color.
Grading problems delay release of 2018 ISTEP results
It is unclear when test results will be released. Results had been expected to be made public next week.
Facing state scrutiny, Indiana charter school steps back from virtual plan
An Indiana charter school is backing off its unconventional plan to open a statewide virtual school with a farm campus following scrutiny from state officials over its oversight model.