Indiana voucher program sees 2,200 students enlist
The Department of Education began accepting applications to its broad-sweeping new school voucher program a month ago. Since then, 2,230 students have been accepted into the program
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Indiana schools chief suggests grades for districts
Indiana's public education chief wants to start giving school districts letter grades on an A-to-F scale to hold them accountable for how their schools perform.
Critics knock school superintendent pay-cap idea
The suggestion that Indiana lawmakers impose a limit on the pay for school district superintendents doesn't seem to have much support.
Charter school trying to build on test-score progress
Indy Met’s structured approach helped more students pass algebra, English exams. Now many say the school should work on solidifying its gains.
ISTA says new teacher contract forms violate state law
The Indiana State Teachers Association is asking a judge to block state education officials from putting new teacher contract forms for the 2011-2012 school year into use.
State names potential turnaround operators for failing schools
New York-based EdisonLearning, Florida-based Charters Schools USA Inc. and Indianapolis-based EdPower could be given control of one or more of the seven schools judged failing by the state.
Pro-voucher mom defends Indiana choice program
A woman who says her oldest child thrived in Roman Catholic schools after struggling in Indiana's public education system defended the state's broad new voucher law.
Schools group will help defend Indiana in voucher lawsuit
Institute for Justice is signing on to help Indiana defend against a lawsuit filed against the state's sweeping education changes.
School voucher program draws early interest
About 385 families have requested state tuition assistance at private schools since July 11, when the Indiana Department of Education started accepting applications for its new voucher program.
Indiana gets 125 applications from schools for voucher program
The state Department of Education is working to process the applications for the program, which will initially allow a limited number of low- and middle-income families to use public money toward private school tuition.
UPDATE: Teachers, others sue over school voucher law
The Indiana State Teachers Association filed the lawsuit in Marion County on Friday seeking to block the state’s new school voucher law. Plaintiffs include teachers, school administrators, clergy and taxpayers.
Did Mayor Ballard jump gun on charter closure?
An Indianapolis charter school marked for closure by Mayor Greg Ballard posted huge gains in ISTEP scores this year, and school leaders plan to ask Ballard to reconsider his decision.
Ex-charter school teacher to lead school effort
Indiana's education chief has appointed a former charter school teacher to lead the state's efforts to turn around 18 chronically failing schools.
State paying MindTrust to develop IPS alternatives
The Indiana Department of Education is paying more than $680,000 to The MindTrust, a locally based not-for-profit, to develop other ways to oversee troubled schools than the traditional elected school board.
High schools still track students after graduation
Even after 45 seniors from Indianapolis Metropolitan High School grabbed their diplomas and threw their mortar boards at a June 4 commencement, they knew they wouldn’t lose touch with their school. It’s not allowed at Indy Met.
Indiana edges toward education guarantees
The state is moving to adopt a system that ensures more high school graduates can perform in college or on the job.
Impact of new Indiana voucher law may not be felt for years
Parents, schools need time to sift details, experts say.
Ballard to ask for control of IPS schools facing state takeover
But Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard also reiterated his opposition to mayoral control over all of IPS, which some local leaders have pushed for recently. He called that idea “premature.”
ISTEP breaches spur closer look at testing
Rising concerns about cheating on Indiana's standardized tests have prompted the state Department of Education to keep closer tabs on how the test is administered.
State eyes possible takeover of 18 failing schools
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett said it's simply unacceptable to have six straight years of failing schools.