INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has formally submitted a request for a federal waiver to the U.S. Department of Education, seeking flexibility from key requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The stated goal is to slash bureaucracy, reduce administrative burdens on local schools, and allow the state to focus federal funding and efforts more effectively on student achievement.
Governor Mike Braun publicly championed the move, emphasizing the state’s educational progress. “Indiana continues to lead the nation in education and innovation,” Braun said. “We can best support Hoosier students when we return education to the states, empower parents with high-quality educational options, get red tape out of the way for educators, and focus on improvement for every student.”
Specific Flexibilities Requested
The request, which has been under public consideration for several months, aims to significantly streamline the use of federal dollars. Key components of the waiver request include:
- Consolidating Federal Funding: The state is asking for flexibility to combine multiple ESEA federal funding streams into block grants for local school districts. This would eliminate specific requirements attached to smaller Title grants (such as those for professional development or academic enrichment), allowing schools to use funds where they are most needed.
- Creating a Single Accountability System: Indiana seeks approval to use its new A-F state accountability model as the sole metric for school accountability, replacing the current duplicative state and federal systems.
- Redirecting School Improvement Funds: The proposal would grant the IDOE the ability to combine competitive grants and School Improvement Grants (SIGs) into an “Innovation Fund,” allowing these funds to be directed to a broader range of entities, including microschools, charter schools, or industry partnerships, rather than being strictly limited to schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI).
Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner expressed enthusiasm for the potential changes. “As a state, we are leaning in to seize this moment, and today, our message to Washington is clear: Indiana is ready and eager,” she said.
IDOE’s push for increased state control is bolstered by recent, notable educational achievements in key areas:
- Literacy: The state saw a historic 5-percentage-point rise in third-grade literacy rates following a renewed focus on the Science of Reading. Indiana also rose to sixth in the nation in reading based on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
- Graduation Rates: Indiana recorded its highest-ever high school graduation rate in 2024.
- STEM and Math: The state has shown improvements in math proficiency and has been actively expanding access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities through various state awards and initiatives.
The waiver, if approved, would allow the state to better align federal compliance requirements with its own priorities, such as literacy and career readiness.
The U.S. Department of Education is expected to respond to the waiver request within 120 days. If granted, the flexibilities and changes would take effect starting with the 2026–2027 school year.
