INDIANAPOLIS - New rules proposed by the Indiana Board of Education that could greatly expand the number of public schools subject to state takeover have been shelved until state legislators can examine them more closely.
More than 100 schools in 76 districts feared the new rules could put them at risk of takeover, but a legislative revision would give those schools a fresh start by not making the changes retroactive, The Indianapolis Star reported Monday.
The Board of Education proposal called for any school receiving Fs in four consecutive years in state evaluations to face takeover, along with schools that received any combination of Ds and Fs for five straight years.
Currently, only schools rated an F for six consecutive years face state takeovers.
Legislators are expected to establish a study committee to review the proposed changes. The General Assembly won't act on approving new rules until at least next year, and Assistant State Schools Superintendent Dale Chu said the current rules will remain in effect until then.
That's a relief to many schools officials who that feared the tougher rules could put them at risk of takeover.
Jeff Butts, superintendent of the suburban Indianapolis Wayne Township district, which has three schools that would be at risk of takeover, said the rules seem fair by giving schools four years to meet the standards
"I think superintendents are generally in favor of it," Butts said, "as long as it isn't retroactive."
The proposed tougher rules follow the state Board of Education's vote last August to put private operators in charge of four public schools in Indianapolis and one in Gary - the first time the state has taken that step.
State officials have said the six-year span is too long a time period for schools to not meet standards in student test scores and other measures.
"Six years is a whole generation of kids who can slip through the cracks," Chu said.
The legislative study committee could begin meetings as early as next month.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, which generally has strongly supported school reform, was among several education-focused interest groups that opposed the new rules.
Chamber Vice President Derek Redelman said the group worries that the education department's proposed system is too complicated and relies too much on comparisons of student test performance against other students, rather than measuring them against a standard of proficiency.
"I think that's part of the reason the Legislature created this commission," he said. "They wanted to send a message that it's time to get to the table on this thing."
Read More
Over 3,000 Cardinals join the Ball State family of alumni following commencement
By Ella Howell / 7 hours agoThe Quad filled with approximately 3,000 graduating Cardinals and their loved ones the morning of May 4 in preparation for the 198th Ball State University Commencement.
Board of Trustees approves new Ball State Athletics Performance Center during May meeting
By Olivia Ground / YesterdayThe Board of Trustees met May 3, revealing plans for an upcoming renovation of the College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) building, plans for an upcoming sports performance training center, changes in the university core curriculum and many hiring and human resources developments being made in the upcoming months.
