Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, November 15, 2018
(INDIANAPOLIS) -The Indiana State Board of Education (Board) met today to consider a number of important topics. In a unanimous vote, the Board approved A-F accountability grade placements for the 2017-2018 school year. Grades can be found here.
"We are proud of Indiana's schools and pleased to see so many have received A or B ratings from the state this year," said BJ Watts, vice-chair of the Board. "Today's actions by the Board advance our work toward developing well-rounded students who will be ready for the post-secondary challenges of the workforce, regardless of the path they take to get there."
A presentation by MSD Decatur Township highlighted the district's innovative locally created Graduation Pathway. Decatur Township partnered with its career and technical education (CTE) center and local industries to help students find postsecondary opportunities that fit their interests and will be economically sustainable. One program offers students the opportunity to earn certifications, dual credit, and complete their first year of a 4-year apprenticeship in Commercial Construction, an area that needs additional talent and workers. Because of the Graduation Pathways approved by the Board in 2017, these students are able to use this opportunity to satisfy graduation requirements.
The Board approved deadlines for the creation of 2018-19 locally created Graduation Pathways across the state and voted to define a CTE concentrator as two advanced courses. The Core Transfer Library will be used to define "core content" related to dual credit, advanced placement, and international baccalaureate. The Graduation Pathways policy document was updated to reflect this definition. The Board took action to approve the recommendations from the Governor's Workforce Cabinet, found here.
The Board approved three teacher preparation programs: Saint Mary's College, University of Indianapolis, and Bethel College. The Board voted to initiate the rule-making process for dyslexia screening and intervention.
The Board considered and ultimately declined to approve a request from the Area 18 Career and Technical Education Center to modify its existing CTE co-op agreement. Some board members expressed concern that the request would penalize parents exercising school choice to send their students to neighboring public schools. Board member Cari Whicker, a principal at one of the schools impacted, recused herself from the vote.
The next State Board of Education Business Meeting will take place Wednesday, December 12th at the Indiana State Library.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.