Indiana State Board of Education members advance proposed accountability rule to public comment period

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) voted to advance proposed changes to the state’s school accountability rule to a public comment period beginning now and ending in April.  

The rule advanced by the board today is available online here. Public comment can be submitted sboe_comment@sboe.in.gov and will be discussed in future public meetings.  

Working with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), the SBOE will consider public comment and make any necessary changes to the proposed bill before conducting a final vote to approve a final rule.  

On July 12, 2017, the SBOE voted to initiate the rulemaking process for the purpose of amending the state’s school accountability rule (511 IAC 6.2). Changes to the state’s current accountability rule are needed to better align with new guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education and recent changes to Indiana’s graduation requirements.  

If approved, Indiana’s new school accountability rule would go into effect next school year (2018-2019).  

The SBOE also voted unanimously to re-elect Superintendent Jennifer McCormick as Chair of the SBOE and elect BJ Watts as Vice-Chair. 

Additionally, the SBOE voted unanimously to:

·       approve a five-year freeway accreditation contract with Riverview Adventist Christian Academy beginning 2018-19

·       approve the Calumet College of St. Joseph Teacher Preparation Program

·       approve the Christel House Teacher Preparation Program

·       approve the University of Southern Indiana (USI) Teacher Preparation Program

 

The Board also approved A-F appeals for:

·       Booker T. Washington

·       Community Baptist Christian School

·       East Noble High School

·       Gary Middle College

·       McLean Education Center

·       Paddock View Residential Center

·       Troy Center

·       Whites Jr.-Sr. High School

 

In other business, the SBOE stated its intent to transition the three turnaround academies currently operated by Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) out of state intervention following the 2019-2020 school year. The SBOE voted to select an expert consult to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure a smooth transition for these three schools.   

Finally, Beach Grove City Schools (BGCS) were recognized with a resolution acknowledging the exemplary development and implementation of the BGCS Teacher Evaluation System as a best practice in educator evaluation.