‘Harder to keep teachers’: Indiana fiscal policy panel weighs salary gaps, educator shortage
State data showed modest wage gains for teachers, but education advocates warned that Indiana’s pay still ranks near the bottom nationally.
K-12
Articles
Carmel’s $55M natatorium draws international competition
The Oct. 10-12 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup will bring 450 swimmers, including Olympians and world-record holders, to Carmel. The event will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock in the United States and in 12 international markets.
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.
More than 50 Indianapolis schools apply to collaborate on transportation, facilities
Indiana lawmakers created the pilot program earlier this year after a confrontational legislative session in which Republican legislators called for more efficiency in the Indianapolis school environment.
IPS taps company to run standalone special education program, starting year fully staffed
The program has behavior specialists assigned to each classroom, as well as two social workers and a psychiatrist to provide oversight for students with medication.
IREAD scores jump for IPS-run schools, charters, get close to pre-pandemic levels
Pressured by a new law and a statewide requirement to adopt science-backed literacy curriculum, schools focused an infusion of funding on second- and third-grade literacy in the years following COVID.
Irvington Community Schools charter network restarts CEO search after staff absences, public protest
Dozens of students, staff, and parents gathered outside Irvington Preparatory Academy on Tuesday to demand a different CEO. Former CEO Häns Lassiter resigned in February with no public explanation.
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.
Brightlane Learning announces CEO transition
Brightlane Learning provides academic support to unhoused students, as well as guidance for their families and caregivers at more than 30 Indianapolis-area schools and shelters.
First day of school in Indianapolis showcases evolution of student transportation
A new state-mandated group, the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance, is tasked with addressing an unequal environment in which IPS offers transportation, but not all charter schools can afford to.
Flat federal funding stymies Head Start as state child care resources diminish
With more from Congress, the group hopes it could close the gap left by slashed funding for state programming.
Indiana’s college-going rate drops again
The figures reflect concerns expressed by state leaders about Indiana’s declining college-going culture, especially as the state shifts focus toward career credentials and work-based learning.
ILEARN scores improve slightly for Indianapolis Public Schools, charters
The percentage of Black and Hispanic students in IPS-run schools reaching proficiency in both math and English increased from last year, but have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels.
What Indiana’s new absenteeism law actually does—and doesn’t do—to attendance policies
A state senator is among those seeking to clarify the state’s new school attendance law amid online confusion.
Fairbanks Foundation awards $13M to create new statewide apprenticeship program
The first students in the Career Apprenticeship Pathway, or INCAP, will start in fall 2026 and split time between school and the workplace.
Christel House launches first major expansion since DeHaan’s death
Over the next two decades, the organization plans to add at least 9,100 students to its K-12 schools worldwide, more than doubling the 6,440 students and recent graduates still being mentored at nine schools in five nations now.
Partisan school boards, payday lending bills move forward
With the committee deadline over, lawmakers are now working with fewer bills in the 2025 session.
Coalition kick-starts four apprenticeship-focused groups with $1M in grants
Banking, health care, life sciences and advanced manufacturing have already been identified as key industries lacking enough skilled workers in the state and will be the initial focus of high school apprenticeship programs.
Indianapolis tech startup Reportwell lands $1.1M investment
The founders designed the online platform to make it easier for K-12 schools to file required regulatory compliance reports. The company also sees opportunities in other regulated industries such as higher education, utilities and health care.
New diploma proposal sparks excitement for some business leaders, questions for others
The Indiana Department of Education unveiled its revamped proposal Wednesday morning, simplifying the options and addressing the concerns of skeptical Hoosier university leaders who said an earlier iteration wouldn’t allow Indiana high school grads to meet college admission requirements.