Pence doesn’t push to expand preschool program
The governor said this will be an "education session" and said his priorities will include changes to the school funding formula and more money for school choice.
Charter Schools
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Republicans nix separate charter school, voucher funding
Republicans have rejected Democrats' calls to specify in Indiana's state budget how much money is going toward traditional public schools, charter schools and the private school voucher program.
Nearly all Indiana educators rated effective again
Hardly any teachers got low ratings despite major changes to toughen up state’s teacher evaluation system in 2011.
Charters’ grades fall, spurring concerns
The percentage of Marion County charter schools receiving a D or an F from state regulators has spiked from 30 percent two years ago to 54 percent this year.
Ballard’s charter school office could start charging schools a fee
As part of the negotiations over the city budget and a preschool proposal, a 1-percent charter school management fee is being considered.
IPS plans to fight back against charter expansion in 2015
IPS board members met this week to prepare a lobbying strategy for the Indiana General Assembly’s session that begins in January. Chief among their goals: reining in the state takeover process.
IPS candidates raking in funds from near and far
Challengers to incumbents are collecting the largest checks. Big contributors range from the Indy Chamber political action committee to executives with Facebook and LinkedIn.
State board raises Christel House’s grade from D to B
For the second time in three years, Indianapolis’s Christel House Academy South charter school received a higher grade than the state’s scoring formula initially said it should.
Lilly Endowment pumps $14.5M into MBAs for school leaders
The endowment hopes to expand educational MBA programs, including one at the University of Indianapolis, to give business skills to more principals and superintendents at Indiana public schools.
Two more charter schools in Indianapolis to close
ADI Schools Inc. on Friday announced plans to relinquish charters awarded to Andrew Academy and Padua Academy charter schools. Both schools were sponsored by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.
Flanner House charter school to close after cheating allegations
The Flanner House Elementary charter school will close on Sept. 11 after the Indiana Department of Education found evidence of widespread cheating on the state standardized ISTEP test. The school has 176 students.
ISTEPs bring ‘mixed bag’ for Indiana charter schools
Performance among Indiana's charter schools on the 2014 ISTEP tests ran the gamut from low passing rates to rates similar to the state's best public schools.
School catering to juvenile offenders gets approval
The city will be the first in the nation to open a charter school designed for youth passing through the juvenile court system and other troubled students.
Federal agents seize documents at charter school
Agents collected documents from the Indiana Math and Science Academy this week as part of court-ordered search warrant. The school at 7435 N. Keystone Ave. said it provided information related to a federal grant program.
Charter school board gets new executive director
Former Eli Lilly and Co. Nick LeRoy will lead the state board, which reviews, approves and regulates some of the state’s charter schools.
High school/college blend charter pitched by mayor
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard wants to launch a new kind of charter school that would allow students to earn both high school and college credentials in fields with lots of jobs and good wages.
Chamber recommends IPS explore selling real estate
Indianapolis Public Schools should immediately consider selling five of its buildings and work with IndyGo to transport students, according to a study by the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.
IPS boss supports cooperating with charter schools
A pending bill could usher in unprecedented cooperation between Indianapolis Public Schools and the city’s charter schools, resulting in significant financial benefits for both.
City, state to scrutinize charter curriculum that questions evolution
A Texas-based education organization with approval to open two Indianapolis charter schools teaches creationism and Christian-based character virtues, according to an article by Slate.com. It has prompted an expedited review of the group’s curriculum by Indianapolis and state education officials.
Indiana charter school backers fret about losing movement’s edge
State lawmakers inadvertently made it too easy for poor-performing schools to stay open, some advocates say.