SB 384 Summary

• Establishes a new performance-based school accreditation system effective July 1, 2013, allowing schools to be accredited under a state board-approved system or by national/regional accreditation agencies approved by the state board.

• Eliminates probationary accreditation status and creates two accreditation levels: "Full accreditation status" and "Not fully accredited," with the state board determining consequences for noncompliance with legal standards.

• Requires the Indiana Department of Education to verify school compliance with legal standards including health/safety, curriculum offerings, staff evaluation plans, and school improvement plans, with results published on the department's website.

• Creates a "turnaround academy" system allowing the state board to assign special management teams to operate underperforming schools with authority to make personnel decisions independent of teacher contracts and school corporation governance.

• Modifies student transportation requirements for nonpublic schools to provide transportation to the nearest accessible point where students can safely walk; requires high school students transferring to nonaccredited nonpublic schools in private residences to present an education plan to their principal.