MEDIA ADVISORY: Public Law 221 category placements for Indiana schools to be released April 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 31, 2008
Media Contacts:
Jason Bearce, 317-232-6618, jbearce@doe.in.gov
Lynelle A. Miller 317-232-6614, lamiller@doe.in.gov

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed and members of the Indiana State Board of Education are scheduled to adopt the latest Public Law 221 category placements for Indiana schools at the regularly scheduled board meeting in Indianapolis on Wednesday, April 2.

NOTE: The Indiana Department of Education anticipates releasing embargoed P.L. 221 results to the media before close of business on Tuesday, April 1. All 2007 P.L. 221 information remains embargoed until 11 a.m. (EDT) on April 2 and should not be broadcast, appear in print/online or otherwise distributed publicly until after that time.

WHO:	Dr. Suellen Reed, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Indiana State Board of Education Members
WHAT:	Public Law 221 category placements for Indiana schools
WHEN:	10 a.m. (EDT) – Wednesday, April 2, 2008 State Board meeting begins at 9 a.m.; timing of P.L. 221 approval is approximate.
WHERE:	Indiana Department of Education, James Whitcomb Riley Room 151 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis
WHY:	Passed by the Indiana General Assembly in 1999 prior to the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Public Law 221 is the state’s comprehensive accountability system for K-12 schools. Under P.L. 221, Indiana schools are placed into one of the following categories based upon performance and improvement data from the state’s ISTEP+ assessments: • Exemplary Progress • Commendable Progress • Academic Progress • Academic Watch (priority) • Academic Probation (high priority) For more information, visit www.doe.in.gov/pl221