New Indiana law puts pressure on high schools to reduce home-school withdrawals
The state will review more than 100 schools under a new law that aims to stem the tide of students who leave without diplomas but are not counted as dropping out.
Education & Workforce Development
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Marion County parents question school closures, urge county to reconsider
A coalition of parents is pushing back on Marion County’s recent public health order that will close schools to in-person instruction for about eight weeks, especially when bars and restaurants are allowed to remain open.
After sputtering start, biosciences institute eager to innovate
The not-for-profit launched in 2013 as a way to bridge the gap between research universities and industry in life sciences. But its report card so far is decidedly mixed, and it just hired its third CEO.
As colleges retrench, Marian goes on offensive
During a year filled with uncertainty for many industries, including higher education, the small Catholic university is preparing to embark on another ambitious project.
The Mind Trust to open 22 virtual learning sites in Marion County
The sites serve as hubs where small groups of students are provided weekday virtual learning supervision and support at no cost to families.
IPS officials consider one-year extension for innovation schools
Without data to paint a picture of academic success or failure, Indianapolis Public Schools will likely delay for a year renewing the contracts of four privately run schools under its supervision.
Holcomb appoints state’s first education secretary
Katie Jenner, who is an adviser to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, formerly served as a vice president at Ivy Tech Community College.
Leading Indiana lawmaker vows to fully fund schools’ virtual learning
Legislative leaders also said they hoped to stave off cuts to education in the coming budget—or even try to boost funding. But in the midst of the pandemic, leaders say the budget will hinge on coming revenue forecasts.
NCAA graduation rates reach another record high at 90%
College athletes continue to graduate at record rates and outperform non-athletes, according to the NCAA’s new Graduation Success Rate report.
Indiana teachers union calls on lawmakers to restore bargaining rights amid pandemic
The Indiana State Teachers Association, which represents nearly 40,000 educators, say teachers deserve the right to bargain over working conditions, such as hours, prep time and class sizes.
Old technology has spawned a new idea that’s crucial for schools during pandemic
Indiana is only the second state in the U.S. to use a technology called “datacasting” to deliver educational content into students’ homes—without the need for Wi-Fi.
Presidential preferences: Finding an IU leader to please all constituencies will be challenging
Students want a president that’s focused more on their wellbeing. Faculty members want a leader with a background in academia. And members of the business community say they hope IU’s next president sets the university up to better meet the needs of Indiana employers and the jobs of tomorrow.
County health department closing schools to in-person instruction
School boards across the state are meeting to decide how to handle instruction as the state’s COVID-19 related numbers continue to climb.
Indiana planning to revamp school A-F grades
At a meeting Tuesday, the board discussed a framework drafted by its staff that offered several ideas for updating the school accountability system.
Charter allies sweep IPS school board election to win four seats
The board faces a host of challenges, including how to cut the district’s spending, how to fulfill its commitment to racial equity, and how to stem the learning loss wrought by school closures during the pandemic.
Eleven Fifty Academy joins forces with Indiana colleges to launch coding boot camp
The program at seven private schools will take advantage of a longer winter break to provide intensive instruction and is aimed at non-computer science students.
Control of IPS school board up in air with two close races
The vigorous campaign pitted well-financed supporters of the current IPS administration against opponents who are critical of the district’s collaboration with charter schools.
Wisconsin cancels football game with Purdue due to team outbreak
Three more Wisconsin players and two additional staffers have tested positive for COVID-19 since Saturday, bringing the program’s total number of active cases to 27. That includes 15 players and 12 staffers.
Butler assistant retiring after 41 years as coach, citing COVID-19 concerns
Indiana native Jeff Meyer began his career as an assistant coach at Purdue in 1978—starting a journey that included stops at South Florida, Liberty, Winthrop, Missouri, Indiana and Michigan—as well as two stints at Butler.
Q&A: IPS superintendent talks masks, social distancing and educating kids
IBJ reporter Samm Quinn talked with Superintendent Aleesia Johnson about how returning has gone so far and other impacts COVID-19 has had on the state’s largest public school system.