Indiana Department of Education -- Education Matters E-News
SPOTLIGHT: RENEWABLE RESOURCES
April 11, 2008
Mt. Vernon High School in Fortville is currently under construction. “We are going through an expansion/renovation,” said Mike Horton, assistant superintendent of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation. This renovation is unique, though, because not only are they adding space, but the school will be reducing their carbon footprint in the process.
News Briefs
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April is National Financial Literacy Month
April 4, 2008
Each year, the US Congress designates April National Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness of the importance of financial education. News of the recent mortgage and loan crisis underscores the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances.
Technology Update: Pride-Based Learning classrooms helps students learn effectively
April 11, 2008
The days of teachers lecturing from a podium are long gone. It has been shown that effective learning strategies for students today include hands-on, real-world connections. This is exactly what is happening in Pride-Based Learning (PBL) classrooms at Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS).
Indiana students surpass national average in writing
April 3, 2008
Indiana's eighth-grade students exceeded the national average in writing performance according to the latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Known as the Nation’s Report Card, NAEP is the only national, continuing assessment that shows what U.S. students know and are able to do in various subject areas over time.
Indiana school accountability ratings show improvements
April 2, 2008
Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed announced that the 2007 school category ratings under Public Law (P.L. 221), Indiana’s K-12 accountability system, showed improvements from a year ago. A greater percentage of schools improved this year (21 percent) compared to last year (17 percent), and the majority of public schools (57 percent) remained in the top three categories.
Reed encourages Hoosiers to learn about renewable resources
April 1, 2008
April is traditionally a month set aside to celebrate the Earth and all its natural resources. Several days honor Mother Nature including National Environmental Education Week from April 13-19, Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 30. To coincide with all the exciting Earth-friendly events, the Indiana Department of Education’s Learn Green, Live Green focus for April is Renew.
State sees progress on federal accountability measure
March 25, 2008
Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed was joined by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Ray Simon to release Indiana’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) results and to discuss a new federal pilot program offering states more flexibility in meeting school accountability goals and student needs.
Students launch $100,000 internet safety campaign
March 10, 2008
Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed joined Net Literacy, an Indiana-based, student-led nonprofit, to launch a $100,000 campaign to increase Internet safety for students and families across the state. The campaign includes student-led programs held in local schools and a series of public service announcements to be aired on television statewide beginning this month.
Recognition
Choices video selected for Indianapolis International Film Festival
April 15 , 2008
When Ramona Johnson speaks to students about gun violence and the importance of choices, she hopes they listen and take what she says to heart. They should. She knows what she is talking about. Ramona spent 12 ½ years in prison for choices she made when she was 21 years old. She bought a handgun, sold the gun illegally, sent the gun into a heated situation, and lied to the police. Johnson is making better choices today as she speaks to young women in schools and juvenile detention centers after they view the documentary called Choices that was produced as a tool to deter gun violence and crime. The 20-minute video highlights three incarcerated female offenders who have been convicted of crimes involving firearms. In the video, the women – including Johnson – discuss the circumstances that led to their arrests – and the resulting consequences. The video, which was produced by the Indiana Department of Education in partnership with Indiana Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Office of the United States Attorney for Southern District of Indiana, is available for presentations across the state at schools, detention centers, alternative education programs, youth-serving agencies and the faith community. View the video online at The video will emphasize the message, particularly to young women, about the importance of making good choices. Visit http://www.indyfilmfest.org/choices.html or http://www.doe.state.in.us/media/video/choices.html to learn more.
Indiana schools, colleges partner to promote student achievement in math and science
March 19, 2008
Sixteen Indiana school corporations will share $2.4 million in federal funds designed to increase student achievement in math and science through partnerships with state colleges and universities. The Indiana Department of Education awarded the competitive two-year Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) Grants to schools whose proposals emphasized measurable results for student achievement through professional development that is classroom-focused and aligned with state academic standards for math and science. Each school corporation’s program is developed and implemented in partnership with a state college or university.
Sixty-six Indiana schools receive Healthy Hoosier School Award
March 11, 2008
Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed announced that 66 Indiana schools received the 2007-08 Healthy Hoosier School Award sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Dairy & Nutrition Council and Clarian Health Partners.
APRIL 2008
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