Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accountability And Legislation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District reviews draft IDOE accountability model and flags several pending education bills
Summary
District staff walked the board through the IDOE's second draft of a new accountability model (return to publicly posted A–F letter grades), described how metrics will differ by grade band, and flagged several pending bills — including House Bills 1014, 1004, 1098, 1210 and Senate Bills 78 and 159 — that could affect curriculum, liability for work‑based learning and local finances.
A district staff member presented the Indiana Department of Education's second draft of a proposed accountability model that would return publicly posted letter grades (A–F) for schools and add new metrics across elementary, middle and high school bands.
"This is the second draft of the proposed new accountability model for schools," the presenter said, and explained the model centers on academic data (iLearn testing) while adding measures such as attendance, student growth, science and social studies proficiency, work‑based learning and diploma type at the secondary level.
The presenter described how the model treats different grade bands: K–3 focuses on iLearn, iRead and attendance; middle grades incorporate high‑school course credit where appropriate; and high school weighting includes on‑track credits, work‑based learning credentials, PSAT/SAT/ACT metrics, and diploma distinctions such as honors seals.
Staff also highlighted pending legislation the district is monitoring. The presenter named House Bill 1014 (various education matters) and House Bill 1004 (described as a potpourri of items and some deregulation). They noted House Bill 1098 addressing work‑based learning liability and House Bill 1210 affecting timing of local income tax changes (the presenter said the district stands to lose about $600,000 annually beginning in 2028 absent changes). On the senate side, the presenter cited Senate Bill 78 (tighter limits on student cell phone access and secure storage) and Senate Bill 159 (school technology plans and filtering requirements).
"This has not been approved yet," the presenter cautioned, urging the board to prepare for scheduling and curriculum changes that could be required for August implementation if the accountability model is finalized.
Why it matters: The proposed accountability model and the listed bills could change how schools are evaluated publicly, affect course scheduling and staffing, introduce liability considerations for employer partnerships, and have budgetary implications for the district.
Next steps: District staff will continue to monitor the bills, communicate updates to the board, and plan curriculum and scheduling options to meet possible new accountability criteria.
