P.L. 221

Public Law 221 (P.L. 221) is Indiana’s comprehensive accountability system for K-12 education. Passed by the Indiana General Assembly in 1999 (prior to the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001), the law aims to establish major educational reform and accountability statewide. To measure progress, P.L. 221 assigns Indiana schools (both public and accredited non-public) easy to understand A-F letter grades.

Letter grades for high schools are calculated based upon performance (Algebra 1 and English 10 End of Course Assessments), student improvement, graduation rate, and college and career readiness (such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and industry certification exams or the acquisition of college credits).

Letter grades for elementary and middle schools are based upon English/Language Arts and Math ISTEP+ performance, improvement, growth and participation.

Additional Information

• Public Law 221 (Established in 1999) - House Enrolled Act No. 1750
• Public Law 221 (2005 Recodification) - Assessing School Improvement: IC-20-31-8 - Consequences: IC-20-31-9 - Turnaround Academies: IC-20-31-9.5
• Public Law 221 Information Archive