By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond)
In Indiana, we recognize and respect the important role parents play in choosing the best education for their children. However, it is hard to expect parents to do so easily without an objective, transparent way to compare the academic outcomes of various schools.
For years, parents could simply look at an A through F letter grade assigned to each school based on statewide testing results. While there can be many factors used to calculate school grades, the A through F labels are easy for everyone to understand.
Indiana issued A-F grades for schools from 2011 to 2018, and the law requiring it is still on the books, but schools have been given seven years of reprieve due to circumstances including the change from ISTEP to ILEARN and IREAD-3 as the primary statewide academic assessment, changes to diploma requirements and the COVID-19 pandemic.
That is why I sponsored a law this year that directs the Indiana Department of Education to update the methodology used to develop a new letter grade system using the new statewide test scores and the number of students graduating with diploma seals as the primary factors. The new system will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, with grades to be issued by the end of 2026.
Once the Indiana Department of Education finalizes this new accountability system, it will be a lot easier for parents to compare educational options for their children.
Constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Raatz website or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
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