Putting Students First

Prominent national figures have called education the civil rights of our generation, but as our state and nation continue a decades-long quest to achieve equal educational opportunities for all students, it’s clear education is the civil rights issue of every generation. Indiana’s “Putting Students First” education reforms ensure the Hoosier state is leading the charge on behalf of all students to provide an education that is best in the United States and on par with our global competitors.

Indiana’s education reforms inject the education system with a healthy dose of competition, freedom and accountability. These three principles work together to accomplish three important goals:

1) Recognize and reward our best teachers and principals.

Thanks to “Putting Students First,” Indiana is a leading a national movement that ensures our teachers are treated like the dedicated and talented professionals they are. New laws will create locally developed, annual evaluations based on multiple measures including student performance. These evaluations will be used to provide educators meaningful feedback, targeted professional development and recognition for excellent instruction.

For years, teachers have asked for an evaluation process that drives improvement and recognizes student growth. “Putting Students First” answers that call.

2) Empower school leaders to make decisions based on students’ needs.

“Putting Students First” gives school leaders the autonomy to make the necessary improvements to bolster achievement. By limiting collective bargaining to salary and wage related benefits, school corporations now have the freedom to innovate and the flexibility to address the needs of their unique student populations. Teachers will still be able to discuss important issues related to classroom instruction through a mandatory discussion process.

Principals don’t need hundreds of pages of regulations to run a school; they simply need the independence to pursue excellence on behalf of all children. “Putting Students First” gives local leaders the opportunity to run local schools.

3) Provide families quality educational options.

All children deserve access to quality educational opportunities, no matter where they live or how much money is in the family bank account. Recently enacted laws increase quality options for students by expanding the list of entities that may sponsor public charter schools and providing families means-tested opportunity scholarships (voucher).

Every student has the right to attend a great school that drives academic excellence. “Putting Students First” gives families a voice and gives students a choice.

Leading the Comprehensive Education Reform Movement

“Indiana’s comprehensive education reform levels the playing field by giving local leaders from all types of schools the freedom to innovate and respond to their students’ needs. Years from now, 2011 will be remembered as the year Hoosiers from all walks of life – parents, students, educators, legislators and community members – came together to put our students first.” –Dr. Tony Bennett, April 21, 2011.