Education

Various education matters.

Public school matters.

Various education matters.

Ivy Tech Community College.

Education matters.

Various education matters.

Education matters.

High school equivalency programs.

Applied behavioral analysis therapy services.

School technology plans and policies.

Bullying oversight committees and ombudsman.

Commercial advertising on a school bus.

Military health care personnel pathways.

Emergency medical services.

University notification of emergency contact.

State and local administration.

Mental health and substance use disorder screening.

Tuition caps.

Positive personal outcomes.

Prekindergarten vision screening.

Teacher compensation.

Report on civics education.

Various education matters.

Absenteeism and student discipline.

Various education matters.

Education and higher education matters.

Higher education and workforce development matters.

Education matters.

Math education.

School transfers.

Teacher compensation.

Student eligibility in interscholastic sports.

Nonaccredited nonpublic schools.

Contracting for preschool programs.

Public service attorney scholarships.

Comparative college and career information.

Student well-being and resiliency.

Education matters.

Reservist tuition supplement program.

Real world and finance curriculum grant funds.

State educational institution supplier diversity.

Student immunizations.

Suicide prevention materials.

School counselor grants.

Choice scholarships.

Middle school health curriculum.

STEM enrollment.

Chronic absenteeism.

Facilities and transportation pilot programs.

Athletic event payment method.

Referenda on prekindergarten funding levies.

High value workforce ready credit-bearing grant.

School protective door assemblies.

Student bullying and abusive behavior.

Artificial intelligence inventory and policies.

High value workforce ready credit-bearing grants.

Resident tuition rate.

Teacher compensation.

School wellness grant fund.

Resident tuition rate.

Space science and technology grant program.

Pornographic material.

Tuition caps.

Absenteeism and school attendance.

Higher education matters.

Various education matters.

State educational institutions.

Release for religious instruction.

Education and higher education matters.

State educational institution information.

Student use of wireless communication device.

Robotics competition program.

Education matters.

Education matters.

Chaplains in public schools.

Special education.

Behavioral issues in schools.

Student immunizations.

Chaplains in public and charter schools.

Teacher licensing requirements.

Elimination of school improvement plans.

Material that is obscene or harmful to minors.

Antiterrorism policies of state universities.

Excused absence from school.

Education matters.

Opioid overdose reversal medication in schools.

Internet and social media literacy education.

Student use of a wireless communication device.

Civics education.

Education matters.

Minimum teacher salaries.

State educational institutions.

Prohibition of race based hair discrimination.

Charter schools.

Reporting on school curriculum.

Education matters.

Automated external defibrillator requirements.

Education matters.

Various education matters.

Science of reading.

Higher education scholarships, grants, and cost exemptions.

Twenty-first century scholars program.

Education and workforce development.

Teacher hiring.

Workforce development matters.

School safety.

Statewide assessment results.

Student health matters.

Reading standards and curriculum.

Material harmful to minors.

Nonaccredited nonpublic secondary schools.

Seat belts on school buses.

Teacher collective bargaining.

High value workforce ready credit-bearing grant.

Teacher recruitment and retention.

Muncie Community school corporation pilot program.

Possession of firearms on school property.

Twenty-first century scholars program.

Indiana education scholarship account program.

Material harmful to a minor.

Student behavior.

Instruction on human sexuality.

School based occupational and physical therapists.

Education matters.

Comprehensive eye exams in school.

Student ID card.

Financial literacy.

Gary Community School Corporation.

Student disciplinary proceedings.

Education reporting requirements.

Graduation rate calculation.

Hunger-free campus grant program.

Social worker loan forgiveness program.

Military veteran teachers.

Comprehensive student support program.

Cultural competency in education.

Education matters.

Sexual health education.

Participation in school sports.

Various education matters.

Education matters.

Various education matters.

School employee misconduct.

Free speech at state educational institutions.

Education matters.

Higher education scholarships.

Teacher preparation programs.

Education matters.

Automated external defibrillator requirement.

Various education matters.

Educational costs reduction.

School choice.

Virtual student instructional days.

Professional development for teachers.

Tuition caps.

Education matters.

Prohibition of race discrimination based on hair.

School transportation.

Reduction of educational costs.

Various school board matters.

School referenda.

School buildings.

Various education matters.

Education matters.

Students with disabilities.

Education matters.

Sudden cardiac arrest of students.

FAFSA completion incentive awards.

Secretary of education.

Education and higher education matters.

School choice matters.

School corporation disannexation.

Teacher paycheck deductions.

Seat belts on school buses.

Prohibition of race based hair discrimination.

Education matters.

School employee contracts.

Comprehensive student support program.

Teacher salaries.

Suicide hotline information on student ID cards.

Minimum teacher salary.

Free curricular materials for a child of a veteran.

Educational costs exemption.

School bus drivers and emergency medication.

Various education matters.

Resident tuition for eligible individuals.

Bullying.

Education matters.

Eligibility for National Guard supplemental grant.

Resident tuition for eligible individuals.

Various education matters.

Students with disabilities.

Governor's workforce cabinet.

Education benefits relating to military service.

Education matters.

Practitioner or accomplished practitioner license.

Students with disabilities.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requirements.

Specialized weapons training.

School corporation disannexation.

Teacher supplemental pay.

Resident tuition rate for active duty personnel.

IREAD 3.

Education benefits related to military service.

Resident tuition for eligible individuals.

Education matters.

School employee communications.

Education matters.

Hazing.

Retired law enforcement officers and firearms.

Student assessment and accountability.

High school graduation requirements.

School accountability.

Educational costs exemption.

Additional teacher salary.

Professional development for teachers.

Nonpublic secondary schools.

Community use of school kitchens.

Dental screenings and services in schools.

Temporary exception to residency requirements.

Resident tuition rate for military spouses and dependents.

Various education matters. Amends requirements to be eligible for a career specialist permit. Establishes requirements to be eligible for a workplace specialist license. (The current requirements to be eligible for a workplace specialist license are in rules adopted by the state board of education.) Requires the department of education to enter into the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. Requires the commission for higher education to establish a dual credit advisory council (council) to review and update, as needed, the requirements under HEA 1370-2016 (P.L.175-2016) concerning ensuring that a teacher who currently teaches a high school dual credit course on behalf of or under an agreement with a state educational institution can, by July 1, 2022, meet accreditation requirements established by the state educational institution's regional accrediting agency or an association recognized by the United States Department of Education. Requires, not later than November 1, 2019, the council to submit a report to the legislative council concerning the council's findings and recommendations. Removes, for purposes of obtaining an initial practitioner teaching license, the requirement that an individual must pass a written examination in basic reading, writing, and mathematics (CASA examination). Provides that the state board of education may create a method or model to align currently used performance evaluation plan factors with certain indicators.

Workforce diploma reimbursement program. Provides that the governor's workforce cabinet (cabinet), in coordination with the department of workforce development (department), shall administer the program. Provides that the purpose of the fund is to provide payments to eligible program providers that assist adults who are more than 22 years of age in: (1) developing employability and career technical skills; and (2) obtaining high school diplomas. Provides that: (1) the cabinet shall approve eligible program providers to participate in the program; and (2) the department shall publish a list of approved eligible program providers and other information concerning the program on the department's Internet web site. Requires the cabinet to include in the report the cabinet submits concerning workforce related programs the cabinet's review, analysis, and evaluation of the program, including the cabinet's and department's activities related to the development of the program.

Interim study committee. Urges the legislative council to assign to the interim study committee on education the topic of studying: (1) the feasibility of integrating the membership of and merging the responsibilities of the Indiana state board of education and the governor's workforce cabinet to continue the process of aligning Indiana's education system; and (2) the governance structure and legislative oversight of education, including the composition of the state board of education, the governor's workforce cabinet, and the commission for higher education.

Various education matters. Provides that the state board of education (state board) may approve assigning a new identification number for a school that is in operation and requests a new number. Provides that the department of education (department) may assign an identification number to a new school upon the new school's request. Requires the state board to adopt rules to establish criteria that a school must meet to be considered a new school for identification number purposes. Voids 511 IAC 6.2-10-10. Provides that, after June 30, 2019, the state board may not use student growth as the exclusive means used in determining a school's final accountability category. Provides that, upon request beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, the department shall place certain innovation network schools and innovation network charter schools in a "null" or "no letter grade" category for purposes of assessing school performance for a certain number of years, consecutively, unless an innovation network school or innovation network charter school requests otherwise. Provides that, if requested by a school, the department may place the school in a "null" or "no letter grade" category for purposes of assessing school performance for the first three consecutive years of operation of the school. Provides that an innovation network school may request that the state board approve an issuance of a "null" or "no letter grade" for a school during its first three consecutive years of operation by an innovation network team. Provides that the state board must establish criteria that the state board may consider in determining whether an innovation network school that reconfigures an existing school is eligible to receive a "null" or "no letter grade". Adds Cambridge International exams as a postsecondary readiness competency that may be approved by the state board as a graduation pathway. Requires the state board to approve two or more benchmark, formative, interim, or similar assessments to identify students that require remediation. (Current law requires that the state board approve two or more benchmark assessments to identify students that require remediation.) Prohibits the state board and department from contracting with, approving, or endorsing the use of a single vendor to provide benchmark, formative, interim, or similar assessments for kindergarten through grade 7.

Prekindergarten pilot program. Provides that, after June 30, 2019, in addition to the counties currently participating in the prekindergarten pilot program (program), the program includes eligible providers in any county in Indiana. Amends the definition of an "eligible child". Adds definitions of: (1) "extended enrollment period"; (2) "priority enrollment period"; and (3) "limited eligibility child". Provides that up to 20% of the grants provided may be used to provide grants to limited eligibility children. Provides that, during the priority enrollment period, the office of the secretary of family and social services (office) shall provide grants to eligible children in the program on a first-come, first-served basis. Provides that, during the extended enrollment period, the office shall provide grants to eligible children and limited eligibility children in the program on a first-come, first-served basis to the extent of available funding. Requires the office to post monthly on the office's Internet web site the total enrollment of and number of grants awarded to: (1) all eligible children (before January 1, 2020); and (2) all eligible children and all limited eligibility children (after December 31, 2019); for each county that participates in the program. Provides that a limited eligibility child may qualify for the grant if the child resides with a parent or guardian who receives Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits. Provides that the office may use money in the prekindergarten pilot program fund that is allocated for expansion plans to meet any state match amounts required for certain federal grants. Requires the office to include certain information in the office's annual report regarding the prekindergarten pilot program. Repeals a provision relating to income eligibility requirements to participate in the program.

Language development for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Provides that the director of the center for deaf and hard of hearing education (center) shall appoint an advisory committee. Requires the center to do the following: (1) Select language developmental milestones to include in a parent resource. (2) Approve tools and assessments for the assessment of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. (3) Develop and prepare a parent resource. (4) Prepare a report using data collected from the results of the assessments. Provides that the center may provide training and technical assistance concerning the use and administration of approved tools and assessments. Provides that the advisory committee shall do the following: (1) Collaborate with experts in: (A) selecting, for recommendation to the center, the language developmental milestones for inclusion in the parent resource; and (B) approving, for recommendation to the center, tools and assessments for children who are deaf or hard of hearing that are equivalent to tools and assessments for children who are not deaf or hard of hearing. (2) Provide to the center, not later than June 1, 2020, a list of the language developmental milestones that the advisory committee recommends that the center include in the parent resource and a list of tools and assessments that the advisory committee recommends the center approve for the assessment of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. (3) Conduct, at least once every five years, a review of the language developmental milestones selected and tools and assessments approved by the center. Provides that the office of the secretary of family and social services (office) may administer annually to a child who is: (1) less than three years of age; and (2) deaf or hard of hearing; at least one of the assessments approved by the center. Provides that each school corporation may administer annually to a child who: (1) is at least three years of age and less than 11 years of age; (2) is deaf or hard of hearing; and (3) has legal settlement in the school corporation; at least one of the assessments approved by the center. Allows a parent to opt out of the annual assessment if the parent provides, in writing, to the office or school corporation the parent's intent to opt out. Requires the office and each school corporation to provide to the center the results of any tools and assessments administered to a child.

Education matters. Provides that a school corporation shall accept a transferring student who does not have legal settlement in the school corporation and who has a parent who is a current employee of the transferee school corporation with an annual salary of at least $8,000. (Under current law, a school corporation shall accept a transferring student who does not have legal settlement in the school corporation and who has a parent who is a current employee of the transferee school corporation.) Provides that each school corporation and charter school shall require certain applicants for employment and school employees to attend training concerning recognition of the signs and symptoms of seizures and the appropriate steps to be taken to respond to these symptoms. Provides that, if a school corporation or charter school receives a seizure management and treatment plan for a student that was developed by the student's health care provider, certain requirements must be met by the school corporation or charter school and the school nurse or school nurse's designee. Requires the department of education to identify resources to assist public schools in implementing individual health plans for students with seizure disorders.

School administrator contracts. Provides that, unless a provision in a contract entered into or renewed between the governing body of a school corporation and a principal or an assistant principal before July 1, 2019, provides otherwise, the governing body of a school corporation may not pay to a principal or an assistant principal to buy out a contract an amount that exceeds an amount equal to the principal's or assistant principal's salary for any one year under the contract. Provides that, unless a provision in a contract entered into or renewed between the governing body of a school corporation and an assistant superintendent before July 1, 2019, provides otherwise, a governing body may not pay to an assistant superintendent to buy out a contract an amount that exceeds an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the assistant superintendent's salary for any one year under the contract; or (2) $250,000. Requires that an initial employment contract entered into between the governing body of a school corporation and an assistant superintendent, a principal, or an assistant principal be at least one year and not more than three years. (Current law requires the initial contract between the governing body of a school corporation and a principal or assistant principal be the equivalent of at least two years.) Provides that a contract with an assistant superintendent, a principal, or an assistant principal may be extended for an additional three years.

Education studies. Urges the legislative council to assign to the interim study committee on education during the 2019 through 2022 interims the following: (1) The study of how to: (A) eliminate, reduce, or streamline the number of education mandates placed on schools; and (B) streamline fiscal and compliance reporting to the general assembly on a sustainable and systematic basis. (2) The review of certain provisions relating to professional development, development of policies, reporting requirements, and curriculum requirements of schools. Urges the legislative council to assign to the interim study committee on education the task of studying in the 2019 interim the cost and benefits of virtual schools in relation to public school corporations and public school students.

School corporation expenditure targets. Provides that a school must specify in its proposed budget the anticipated amount it will transfer from its education fund to its operations fund during the budget year and requires an acknowledgment at its budget hearing of whether it will transfer more than 15% from its education fund to its operations fund. Requires the Indiana education employment relations board to annually prepare, publish, and submit a report to the budget committee and the legislative council that covers various employment information for school employees. Provides that a school corporation shall make every reasonable effort to budget and spend for its education fund so that not more than 15% of the revenue deposited in its education fund is transferred to its operations fund. Requires the department of education (department) to identify and notify those school corporations that transfer more than the 15% amount for the previous calendar year beginning in 2020. Requires a school corporation's governing body to publicly acknowledge receipt of a notice that the school corporation is on the list and publish on the school corporation's Internet web site that it is on the list along with related items. Requires the Indiana education employment relations board and the division of finance of the department to be available to provide assistance to each school corporation that is included on the list. Requires a school corporation that is not on the list to publish this fact on the school corporation's Internet web site. Provides that, if a school corporation is over the transfer target, the school corporation is required to explain its expenditures to the department and the fiscal and qualitative indicators committee. Provides that the department may require the school corporation to present its explanation to the fiscal and qualitative indicators committee at a public meeting. Permits the fiscal and qualitative indicators committee to issue a recommendation to the school corporation, and requires posting of the recommendation on the school corporation's Internet web site.

Educational costs exemptions. Amends the eligibility requirements for educational costs exemptions for children of and certain individuals related to certain veterans. Provides that a spouse or dependent of a qualified veteran is eligible to pay the resident tuition rate of a state educational institution if certain requirements are met. Removes the following: (1) Provisions concerning cumulative grade point average requirements for individuals who qualify for an exemption because of a father or mother (or other relation for certain individuals) who enlisted or otherwise initially served in the armed forces of the United States after June 30, 2011. (2) A provision requiring the commission for higher education to consider other higher education financial assistance in determining the amount of an exemption. (Another provision in current law requires any other financial assistance specifically designated for educational costs to be subtracted from the amount an applicant is exempt from paying.) Repeals and relocates, with changes to the eligibility requirements, the following categories of individuals exempted from educational costs at state educational institutions: (1) Children or surviving spouses of public safety officers. (2) Children or spouses of members of the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund who sustain a catastrophic physical personal injury in the line of duty. (3) Children and spouses of Indiana National Guard members who suffer a service connected death while serving on state active duty (including a provision that a determination as to whether an applicant is eligible for an educational costs exemption is vested exclusively in the military department and a provision concerning appealing a determination by the military department). (4) Purple Heart recipients (and adds individuals who were wounded as a result of enemy action). Repeals provisions that list tuition and fee exemptions and reductions outside of the higher education provisions. Makes conforming changes.

School financial matters. Requires the superintendent of a school corporation to submit a written report to the local board of finance for the school corporation. Provides that the report must assess the financial condition of the school corporation using certain fiscal and qualitative indicators. Provides that the report must be received and reviewed at the annual meeting of the local board of finance for the school corporation. Urges the legislative council to assign to the appropriate interim study committee the task of identifying and studying best practices in: (1) the governance structure and oversight of tax increment financing to promote transparency and economic development in Indiana; and (2) reporting mechanisms between local government units to facilitate better collaboration and decision making.

School materials for juvenile detainees. Provides that, if a child is or will be detained in a juvenile detention facility (facility) for more than seven calendar days, the school corporation must, upon the child's parent or facility's request, provide to the facility the school materials for the grade level or courses that the child is or would be enrolled in if the child were not detained. Requires the school corporation, upon the child's parent or facility's request, to deliver the school materials at least once every seven calendar days, excluding any days that are not student instructional days. Provides that the school corporation may provide the school materials in an electronic format. Provides that, except for the assessment of rental fees for curricular materials, the school corporation is responsible for the costs associated with preparing and delivering the school materials. Provides that the school corporation is not required to provide the school materials if the: (1) child is released from the facility; or (2) facility requests that the school corporation no longer provide the school materials. Provides that if a student is suspended, the student is required to complete all assignments and school work assigned during the period of the student's suspension. Provides that the principal or the principal's designee shall ensure that the student receives notice of any assignments or school work due and teacher contact information in the event the student has questions regarding the assignments or school work. Provides that a school is required to provide a student who is expelled with a list of available alternative education programs or virtual charter schools which the student may attend during the student's expulsion. Provides that if a student is expelled from school or from any educational function, the student's absence from school because of the expulsion provisions requiring compulsory school attendance if the student may enroll in: (1) an alternative education program in the county or in a county immediately adjacent to the county containing the school corporation from which the student was expelled; or (2) a virtual charter school if the student does not enroll in a program or virtual charter school during the student's expulsion.

Emergency communication disorder permits. Allows the department of education to issue an emergency communication disorder permit to an individual to serve the needs of certain students who are eligible for speech and language services. Provides that the director of a graduate program in communication disorders shall confirm to the department of education that an individual is complying with certain emergency communication disorder permit requirements. Requires the Indiana professional licensing agency, in consultation with the department of education, the office of educator effectiveness and licensing, the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE), the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents

Teacher residency grant pilot program. Establishes the: (1) teacher residency grant pilot program (pilot program); and (2) teacher residency grant pilot program fund. Requires the commission for higher education (commission) to administer the pilot program. Provides that the commission may award grants to school corporations and charter schools that: (1) apply to participate in the pilot program; (2) partner with one approved postsecondary educational institution to establish and implement a teacher residency program (program); (3) submit a teacher residency plan that establishes a program that meets certain requirements; and (4) provide other information required by the commission. Provides that a school corporation or charter school that is awarded a grant under the pilot program: (1) shall provide stipends to program participants and teachers who act as mentors to program participants; and (2) may use money from the grant award to pay the approved postsecondary educational institution with which the school corporation or charter school has partnered for administrative costs incurred by the approved postsecondary educational institution in developing and implementing the program. Requires the commission to submit a report regarding the pilot program and the retention and performance of program participants.

Education matters. Provides that the state board of education (state board) and the governing body of a school corporation or nonpublic school may not enter into, renew, or otherwise extend a contract to establish a freeway school after June 30, 2019. Provides that provisions relating to the establishment and administration of freeway schools expire June 30, 2024. Establishes new requirements to accredit a public or private elementary or secondary school in Indiana. Provides that a school corporation or performance based accredited school may waive compliance with certain statutes or rules for a particular school that is placed in either of the three highest categories or designations of school improvement. Provides that a school corporation or accredited school may submit a request to the state board to waive certain statutes or rules for a particular school that is placed in either of the two lowest categories or designations of school improvement. Provides that if a nonpublic school that is accredited is placed in the lowest category or designation of school improvement for four consecutive years, the state board shall revoke the nonpublic school's accreditation. Changes certain references from nonaccredited nonpublic school to nonaccredited schools with one or more employees. Provides that a public school may not waive certain provisions. Includes virtual or electronic learning (E-Learning days) and other virtual activities in the definition of "instructional time". Provides that if a school corporation: (1) delays the start of the school day by not more than two hours later than the normal school start time; or (2) releases students not more than two hours earlier than the normal student release time; because of weather or to otherwise ensure the safety of the students, the school day shall count as a full instructional day. Removes a requirement that child abuse and child sexual abuse instruction to students in kindergarten through grade 12 must be research and evidence based instruction. Provides that, in identifying outlines or materials for instruction on child abuse and child sexual abuse, the department of education (department) must work in consultation with school safety specialists, school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists. (Current law requires the department to work with school safety specialists and school counselors.) Voids an Indiana administrative rule relating to school accreditation. Repeals a provision that requires the state board to implement a system of recognizing certain education programs of nonpublic schools. Repeals: (1) provisions establishing performance qualified school districts; (2) a provision relating to performance based school accreditation; (3) a provision pertaining to school improvement plans; and (4) a provision pertaining to the recognition of educational programs of nonpublic schools. Resolves a conflict between HEA 1074-2018 and HEA 1002-2018. Requires each school corporation, charter school, and accredited nonpublic elementary school to include cursive writing in its curriculum. Repeals a provision that provides each school corporation may include cursive writing in the school corporation's curriculum.

School accountability. Provides that a high school may count: (1) an approved work based learning course, program, or experience; or (2) an approved career and technical education course, program, or experience; as satisfying an Indiana diploma with a Core 40 with academic honors designation or another designation requirement. Provides that a course, program, or experience: (1) with subject matter that is similar to and rigor that is equal to or greater than the subject matter and rigor of a required course; but (2) that does not fully align with the required course standards; must be augmented with instruction to include the remaining standards of the required course. Provides that the state board of education (state board), a state educational institution, or any other entity designated by the state board: (1) shall approve a course, program, or experience if certain conditions are met; (2) shall periodically review the approved course, program, or experience; and (3) may revoke approval of the course, program, or experience under certain conditions. Provides that, before July 1, 2022, the state board of education shall establish new standards of measuring high school performance. Makes conforming amendments.

Teacher licensing examinations. Provides that the department of education (department) shall convene a panel of stakeholders designated by the department, which must consist of teachers and representatives from postsecondary education, to adopt licensure examinations to replace the current teacher licensing examination.

State superintendent of public instruction. Amends the date on which the office of the state superintendent of public instruction is abolished. Provides for the appointment of the secretary of education by the governor beginning January 11, 2021. (Current law provides that the governor does not appoint the secretary of education until January 11, 2025.)

School mental health, safety, privacy, and other education matters. Adds additional purposes for which advances made under the school corporation and charter school safety advance program may be used. Amends the purposes of the Indiana safe schools fund. Makes changes to the membership of the county school safety commission. Establishes the integrated school based mental health and substance use disorder services grant program to provide grants to school corporations, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools for use in developing and implementing integrated school based mental health and substance use disorder services plans. Requires a law enforcement agency to send a written copy of the statutory definition of a "dangerous" person, and written instructions concerning the reporting of a dangerous person, to each charter school, nonpublic school, and school corporation in the law enforcement agency's jurisdiction. Requires the department of education (department), in coordination with the Indiana intelligence fusion center, to distribute certain information and establish certain guidelines concerning the "If You See Something, Say Something" tip line. Requires a teacher preparation program to include content concerning school safety. Requires the study of health education, for grades 6 through 12, to include instruction on mental health. Requires the commission on improving the status of children in Indiana (commission) to develop the children's social, emotional, and behavioral health plan to provide recommendations concerning: (1) comprehensive mental health services; (2) early intervention; and (3) treatment services; for individuals from birth through 22 years of age. Changes the date by which the commission is required to submit a report regarding the commission's work. Removes a requirement that child abuse and child sexual abuse instruction to students in kindergarten through grade 12 must be research and evidence based instruction. Provides that, in identifying outlines or materials for instruction on child abuse and child sexual abuse, the department must work in consultation with school safety specialists, school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists. (Current law requires the department to work with school safety specialists and school counselors.) Provides that a school corporation or school shall obtain prior informed written consent from the parent of a student who is less than 18 years of age and not emancipated before the student may participate in any medical health assessment or services, mental health assessment, mental health services, psychiatric or psychological examination or test, or psychiatric or psychological treatment that is conducted in connection with the school corporation, school, a contractor of a school corporation or school, or any individual, agency, or entity that the student is referred to by a school corporation or school. Requires that, before obtaining the informed written consent of a parent, a school corporation or school shall provide the parent informed written notice describing in detail the medical health assessment or services, mental health assessment, mental health services, psychiatric or psychological examination or test, or psychiatric or psychological treatment. Provides that a school corporation or school may be denied a grant or grant funds under the integrated school based mental health and substance use disorder services grant program for certain violations regarding parental consent requirements and the release of student information. Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the task of studying school districts, within and outside of Indiana, that have: (1) implemented trauma informed approaches in the school districts; and (2) worked with community partners to provide systems of care for students. Repeals provisions that require the department to develop the children's social, emotional, and behavioral health plan.

Education matters. Provides that the state board of education (state board) may adopt and provide to schools: (1) an early warning system that provides actionable data on students as early as elementary school; and (2) a graduation pathways tracking and reporting system that provides actionable data on students. Provides that, if the state board enters into a contract with a vendor to provide an early warning system, the state board shall include in the contract a requirement that the vendor provide to the state board, at least quarterly, a statewide summary report concerning certain information. Provides that teacher evaluations must be conducted by a certified evaluator. Establishes requirements for a teacher evaluation model. Requires a school corporation to report certain data from the school corporation's teacher evaluation model. Requires the department of education to aggregate the data and provide the information to the commission for higher education (commission) and the state board not later than December 1 of each year. Requires the state board, working in conjunction with the commission, to analyze the data annually and publish findings and recommendations to inform the teacher preparation programs in Indiana. Allows the state board to establish criteria for renewal and initial teacher preparation program approvals based on the state board's findings.

School employee training requirements. Requires the interim study committee on education to review teacher training requirements once every five years. Repeals and relocates school training provisions concerning the following: (1) Training concerning bullying prevention and reporting. (2) Training in the implementation of the criminal organization policy or addressing criminal activity at a school. (3) Training on child abuse and neglect. (4) Research based inservice youth suicide awareness and prevention training. (5) Inservice training pertaining to the identification and reporting of human trafficking. Provides that each school corporation and charter school shall require: (1) an applicant for employment who will have direct, ongoing contact with children within the scope of the applicant's employment to attend the training before or not later than 30 days after the start date of the applicant's employment; and (2) a school employee who has direct, ongoing contact with children within the scope of the employee's employment to attend the training once every five years. Provides for all the training: (1) the format options for the training; (2) that the training required must be during the school employee's contracted day or at a time chosen by the employee; and (3) that the training shall count toward the requirements for professional development required by the governing body of the school corporation or organizer of a charter school. Removes provisions that require certain accredited nonpublic school employees to attend training on child abuse and neglect, youth suicide awareness, and human trafficking. Removes a provision providing that a school corporation may leverage state and federal grants or free or reduced cost evidence based youth suicide awareness and prevention training provided by any state agency or qualified statewide or local organization to cover the costs of the youth suicide awareness and prevention training. Removes a provision that provides that the department of education may not issue an initial teaching license at any grade level to an applicant for an initial teaching license unless the applicant shows evidence that the applicant has successfully completed education and training on the prevention of child suicide and the recognition of signs that a student may be considering suicide. Provides that a school safety plan must, for school corporations and charter schools, include information regarding the content and implementation of the training requirements.

Hazing. Provides that a postsecondary educational institution must develop an educational plan on hazing. Requires a postsecondary educational institution to report incidents of hazing on the postsecondary educational institution's Internet web site. Amends the elements and penalty levels for the offense of hazing. Provides that any person who actively directs or engages in an act of hazing which results in the injury of another person, shall, to the extent that the person can do so without danger or peril to self or others, give reasonable assistance to the injured person. Provides that failure to seek assistance, in no serious bodily injury, is a Class B misdemeanor. Provides that failure to seek assistance results in serious bodily injury the offense is a Level 6 felony. Provides that certain arguments are not a defense to hazing or contributory hazing.

Indiana youth service program. Provides that Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) shall develop a proposal to establish the Indiana youth service program (program) to provide high school graduates with the opportunity to learn various skills and participate in service at host sites throughout Indiana. Provides that Ivy Tech may seek input on the program from the department of workforce development, the commission for higher education, and the legislative services agency. Provides that Ivy Tech shall present the proposed program, including costs of administration, to the budget committee and the general assembly for review and consideration not later than December 1, 2019.

Education savings accounts. Establishes the Indiana education savings account program (program). Provides that a parent of an eligible student or an emancipated eligible student may establish an account in the program. Provides that an eligible student who has an account and attends a qualified school is eligible to receive an annual grant amount that may be used to pay for tuition at an accredited nonpublic school or education related expenses. Provides that the treasurer of state shall administer the program. Provides a deduction from Indiana adjusted gross income for a grant amount that is distributed to a taxpayer's Indiana education savings account and used for a qualified expense, to the extent the distribution is included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income. Provides a tax deduction or tax credit for an individual taxpayer's contributions to an eligible student's program account. Provides a tax credit equal to 50% of a corporate taxpayer's contributions to: (1) an eligible student's program account; and (2) a nonprofit organization that exists primarily for the purpose of making contributions to program accounts.

High school accountability. Provides that the performance of a school's students on the statewide assessment program test may not be used in determining a secondary school's performance for purposes of calculating the school's accountability grade.

Agricultural education. Provides that after June 30, 2020, a school corporation, charter high school, or accredited nonpublic high school may not be placed in the highest category or designation of school improvement unless the school corporation, charter high school, or accredited nonpublic high school offers as part of its high school curriculum at least one course in agriculture science. Provides that a student may receive an excused absence from school if the student: (1) participates or exhibits in a 4-H club or FFA event; or (2) is at least 14 years of age and assists a parent with farm work associated with the planting or harvesting of crops.

Elimination of textbook fees. Requires public schools to provide curricular materials to students at no cost to a student. Establishes the curricular materials fund (fund) to provide state reimbursements for costs incurred by public schools to provide curricular materials to students at no cost. Provides that the department of education shall administer the fund. Provides that money in the fund is continually appropriated. Makes corresponding changes.

Resident tuition for eligible individuals. Provides that an individual who meets certain conditions is eligible for the resident tuition rate as determined by the state educational institution. Requires such an individual to verify that the individual meets the criteria to receive the resident tuition rate.

Military family matters. Allows for a student to have legal settlement in a school corporation if the student's parent is transferred to or is pending transfer to a military installation within Indiana while on active duty. Requires a school corporation to accept the application for enrollment and course registration of the student by electronic means. Allows a spouse or child of an active member of the armed forces of the United States who is assigned to duty elsewhere immediately following assignment to duty in Indiana to be eligible for the resident tuition rate.

Additional teacher salary. Provides that a school corporation may provide an increase or increment in a local salary range for a teacher who possesses a master's degree or doctorate degree.

Career and technical education. Provides that a school corporation that is a member of a joint program of career and technical education (joint program) may add a new career and technical education course to its curriculum without approval from the management board of the technical joint program or the governing body overseeing the joint program if the course is provided by either Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University. Voids an administrative rule that requires a school corporation to ensure that a teacher of a secondary school vocational program is licensed by the department of education. Provides that, after June 30, 2019, a school corporation, school, or a secondary school vocational program may employ an instructor who does not have a license if the instructor meets certain occupational and training requirements.

Student hunger and homelessness. Establishes the student hunger and homelessness study committee (committee) for the purposes of: (1) studying the prevalence of homelessness, housing insecurity, and food insecurity among students at Indiana colleges and universities during the 2019 academic year; and (2) providing suggestions for eliminating those issues. Provides that the study must determine, as accurately as practicable, the number of Indiana college and university students who are homeless, housing insecure, or food insecure. Provides that the committee consists of: (1) an employee of the family and social services administration; (2) an employee of the department of child services; (3) an employee of the department of education; (4) an employee of the commission for higher education; (5) an employee of the Indiana housing and community development authority; (6) a member of the commission on improving the status of children in Indiana; and (7) an employee of each state educational institution. Provides that the committee may solicit assistance from private groups, colleges, and universities in performing the study. Requires the committee to report the results of the study to the governor and the legislative council not later than July 31, 2020.

National guard tuition supplement program fund. Provides that money in the National Guard tuition supplement program fund may be used to provide annual scholarships for scholarship applicants to attend programs recommended by the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard and approved by the commission for higher education.

Additional service credit for teacher mentoring. Provides that certain public school teachers who are members of the Indiana state teachers' retirement fund are granted additional service credit for serving as a mentor to other teachers under a mentoring program adopted by the school corporation that employs the mentor.

Indiana education roundtable. Establishes the Indiana education roundtable (roundtable) to make recommendations relating to education to the: (1) governor; (2) general assembly; (3) state board of education (state board); and (4) state superintendent of public instruction. Provides that the roundtable shall create an advisory committee on early childhood education. Provides that the governor and the state superintendent shall jointly serve as co-chairpersons of the roundtable. Provides that the academic standards committee shall submit recommendations on academic standards for a subject area to the roundtable for review by the roundtable. Provides that the roundtable may make recommendations to the state board with regards to the awarding and distribution of student educational achievement grants. Provides that the roundtable shall make recommendations to the state board concerning the incorporation of a statistical adjustment for student mobility rates into the school improvement performance results. Provides that the department of education shall provide a copy of a report relating to school arrests to the roundtable. Makes conforming amendments.

Student journalism. Provides freedom of speech and freedom of press protections for grades 7 through 12 and state educational institution student journalists. Requires each school corporation and charter school to adopt a policy concerning student journalist protections. Requires a student media adviser to, each school year, supervise student journalists in grades 7 through 12 in the creation of certain school sponsored media policies. Provides that a public school or school corporation may not suppress school sponsored media unless certain conditions apply. Provides that public schools, school corporations, and state educational institutions are immune from civil liability for any injury resulting from school sponsored media produced by a student journalist, except for acts or omissions that constitute gross negligence or willful, wanton, or intentional misconduct.

Teacher salaries. Removes a provision that provides that a combination of certain factors may account for not more than 33.33% of the calculation used to determine an increase or increment in teacher salaries. Increases the basic tuition support appropriation. Provides that a school corporation must provide each classroom teacher a salary increase of between 2% and 5% to receive a basic tuition support distribution that includes the additional appropriation.

Teacher licensure. Requires the department of education to grant an initial practitioner license to an individual who: (1) holds at least a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from a postsecondary educational institution; (2) submits fingerprints and any required fees for a national criminal history background check and has not been convicted of certain crimes; and (3) successfully completes the American Board alternative teacher certification program. Provides that an individual who receives an initial practitioner license by meeting these conditions: (1) is authorized to teach the subject matter and grade levels for which the individual has successfully completed the American Board alternative teacher certification program; and (2) is eligible to receive a practitioner license after teaching for at least three years under the initial practitioner license. Provides that an individual who holds an initial practitioner license under these conditions is a "new teacher" for purposes of the Indiana new educator induction pilot program.

Cursive writing. Requires each school corporation, elementary charter school, and accredited nonpublic elementary school to include cursive writing in its curriculum.

Elimination of the state board of education. Eliminates the state board of education (state board). Transfers all powers, duties, agreements, and liabilities of the state board to the department of education. Requires the legislative services agency to prepare legislation for introduction in the 2020 regular session of the general assembly to organize and correct statutes affected by this act.

Training requirements for armed educators. Provides that, after December 31, 2019, a person must be certified by an association or other entity approved by the school safety board (board) in order to be authorized by a school board to legally possess a firearm in or on school property. Provides that the board shall certify certain associations or other entities to approve providers that provide certified firearm proficiency courses to certify persons who may legally possess a firearm in or on school property. Provides that an approved association or other entity may issue a credential or certification to a person who has successfully completed a certified firearm proficiency course and meets certain annual training requirements.

Teacher permits, examinations, and salaries. Requires the department of education (department) to post on the department's Internet web site the pass rate of the content area examination for each postsecondary educational institution. Establishes eligibility requirements for a career specialist permit. Provides that, for school years beginning after June 30, 2018, a school corporation may provide a supplemental payment to a teacher in excess of the salary specified in the school corporation's compensation plan if the teacher: (1) is a special education professional; or (2) teaches in the areas of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Provides that an elementary teacher may

Instruction on human sexuality. Requires each school corporation to make available for inspection to a parent of a student instructional material used in connection with instruction on human sexuality. Provides that, before a school may provide a student with instruction on human sexuality, the school must provide the parent of the student or the student, if the student is an adult or an emancipated minor, with a written request for consent of instruction. Provides that a consent form provided to a parent of a student or a student must accurately summarize the contents and nature of the instruction on human

Education matters. Urges the legislative council during the 2018 through 2020 interims to assign to the education interim study committee the task of studying issues relating to a school corporation's ability to provide adequate career counseling to students. Requires the state board of education (state board) to establish one standard Indiana diploma for individuals who successfully complete high school graduation requirements. (Current law establishes four different diplomas.) Provides that each Indiana diploma must include one of the following designations: (1) General designation. (2) Core 40 designation. (3) Core 40 with academic honors designation. (4) Core 40 with technical honors designation.

Students in foster care and homeless students. Requires the state board of education to, in collaboration with the department of education (department) and the department of child services, annually prepare and submit the following: (1) A report on foster care youth educational outcomes. (2) A report on homeless youth educational outcomes. Requires the department to develop and submit a copy of the following: (1) A remediation plan concerning foster care youth. (2) A remediation plan concerning homeless youth. Requires certain information regarding students in foster care to be included in a school corporation's annual performance report. Requires the department and

Computer science. Establishes the next level computer science grant program (program) and the next level computer science fund (fund) to award grants, after June 30, 2019, to eligible entities to implement teacher professional development programs for training in teaching computer science. Requires the department of education (department) to: (1) administer the program and fund; and (2) develop, in consultation with the governor's office, guidelines to award grants from the fund to eligible entities. Requires, not later than August 1, 2018, the state superintendent of public instruction to enter into a contract for professional development services. Requires the department to biannually

Elementary school teacher content area licenses. Provides that, not later than July 1, 2019, the state board of education shall adopt rules to establish elementary school teacher content area licenses that must, at a minimum, include an: (1) elementary mathematics specialist license; and (2) elementary mathematics teacher license or an elementary mathematics and science teacher license. Establishes requirements to be eligible for an elementary mathematics specialist license, an elementary mathematics teacher license, and an elementary mathematics and science teacher license. Requires the department of education (department) to develop an incentive program to assist and reward teachers who pursue and earn

Dyslexia. Requires the following: (1) A school multidisciplinary team must include information about dyslexia in a student's educational evaluation if the multidisciplinary team determines that the student is eligible to receive special education and related services and has or has characteristics of dyslexia. (2) Information about dyslexia must be: (A) discussed by the student's case conference committee if information about dyslexia is included in the student's educational evaluation; and (B) included in the student's individualized education program if the case conference committee determines that the information should be included. Provides that a school corporation and charter school's reading plan shall

Bullying. Provides that a school corporation is not required to report the number of incidents of bullying in the school corporation's annual school performance report. Provides that information reported by a school corporation relating to the number of incidents of bullying that occur may not be used in calculation of a school's annual school improvement grade. Provides that the department of education (department) must annually send notification via electronic mail or a letter to each school corporation explaining: (1) the school corporation's obligation to submit a report to the department containing the number of bullying incidents involving a student; and

Employability skills curriculum. Provides that the department of workforce development will establish standards that provide students with career and college planning resources under the Indiana career explorer program and standards. (Current law provides that the department of workforce development will establish curriculum under the Indiana career explorer program and curriculum.) Provides that, not later than July 1, 2019, each school within a school corporation shall include interdisciplinary employability skills standards established by the department of education (department), in conjunction with the department of workforce development and approved by the state board of education, in the school's curriculum. Provides that, if

Student possession and use of sunscreen. Provides that a student may possess and use a topical, non-aerosol sunscreen product while on school property or at a school sponsored event or activity without being required to: (1) have a physician's note or prescription; or (2) store the topical, non-aerosol sunscreen product in a specific location; if the product is regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use for the purpose of limiting ultraviolet light-induced skin damage. Allows school personnel to assist a student in applying the sunscreen if the school has written permission from the student's parent

Study committee. Urges the legislative council to assign to the education interim study committee the task of studying: (1) the current regulatory framework and methods to streamline regulatory compliance; and (2) the use of innovative solutions and public-private partnerships in delivering educational services and sharing of best practices.

Study of student performance grades. Requires the department of education (department) and the commission for higher education (commission) to study and submit a report describing as to whether there is any disparity in determining enrollment eligibility in a state educational institution or educational program offered by the state educational institution that is caused by the use of different grading scales by public secondary schools. Requires the department and commission to submit the report to the general assembly. Requires a public secondary school to submit certain information to the department regarding the calculation of a public secondary student's grade. Requires a

Student journalism. Provides freedom of speech and freedom of press protections for grades 7 through 12 and state educational institution student journalists. Requires each school corporation and charter school to adopt a policy concerning student journalist protections. Requires a student media adviser to, each school year, supervise student journalists in grades 7 through 12 in the creation of certain school sponsored media policies. Provides that a public school or school corporation may not suppress school sponsored media unless certain conditions apply. Provides that public schools, school corporations, and state educational institutions are immune from civil liability for any injury resulting

Competency based high school education. Establishes the competency based high school education pilot program (pilot program) to provide grants to school corporations for the design and implementation of competency based education programs in high schools. Provides that the department of education (department) administers the pilot program. Requires a school corporation to apply and provide certain information to the department to participate in the pilot program. Requires the Indiana state board of education to establish requirements and standards concerning the competency based education programs. Provides that, after June 30, 2019, a school corporation is eligible to receive a grant for participation

Early childhood education. Removes the requirement that, for an eligible child to qualify for a grant under the prekindergarten pilot program, the eligible child reside with a parent or guardian who is: (1) working or attending a job training program or educational program; or (2) actively seeking employment. Removes a provision that allows priority for a grant to an eligible child whose parent or guardian is involved in: (1) activities that improve the parent's or guardian's education; or (2) job training.

Civics education. Requires a school corporation, charter school, state accredited nonpublic school, or eligible school (school) to administer a final exam that is developed by the state board of education at the completion of a United States government course. Provides that a school must assign to a student a grade for the exam as a component of the student's grade for a United States government course. Allows a school to determine the weight assigned to the grade on the exam for the course.

Mandatory school age. Provides that, after June 30, 2019, a student shall enroll in a kindergarten program not later than the fall term of the school year if the student is five years of age on August 1 of that school year. Makes conforming amendments.

Phaseout of undergraduate tuition. Freezes the Indiana resident undergraduate tuition rates that may be charged by state educational institutions for the 2018-2019 academic year. Phases down the maximum Indiana resident undergraduate tuition rates that may be charged by state educational institutions. Provides that for the 2028-2029 academic year and for each academic year thereafter, the state educational institutions may not charge any tuition to undergraduate students who are Indiana residents.

Military uniforms at high school graduations. Provides that school discipline rules must allow a student to wear a dress uniform issued to the student by any active or reserve component of the armed forces of the United States or the national guard while participating in the student's high school graduation ceremony.

School discipline. Provides that an evidence based plan for improving student behavior and discipline in a school corporation must seek to: (1) reduce out-of-school suspensions and disproportionality in discipline and expulsions; and (2) limit referrals to law enforcement or arrests on school property to cases in which referral to law enforcement or arrest is necessary to protect the health and safety of other students or school employees. Adds a definition of "exclusion". Adds a definition of "positive discipline". Provides that discipline policies established by a superintendent or member of the superintendent's administrative staff must be consistent with positive discipline practices.

Teacher salaries. Provides that, for a compensation plan adopted after June 30, 2018, one factor on which a school corporation must base an increase or increment in a local salary range for a teacher is the teacher's possession of a master's or doctorate degree or completion, at any time, of credit hours necessary to obtain a master's or doctorate degree. Provides that a school corporation may negotiate an increase or increment for salaries of teachers who make less than the greater of: (1) $50,000; or (2) the state average for teacher yearly salaries; if the teacher worked at least 120

School discipline. Provides that an evidence based plan for improving student behavior and discipline in a school corporation: (1) may not contain any zero tolerance requirements; (2) must reduce disproportionality in discipline or inappropriately high rates of in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, and expulsion; and (3) must limit referrals to law enforcement or arrests on school property to those necessary to protect the health and safety of other students or school employees. Adds a definition of "exclusion". Adds a definition of "positive discipline". Provides that a school's discipline policy must include a graduated system of discipline and incorporate positive discipline principles

Military education benefits. Changes the definition of "eligible student" to expand who may participate in the course access program under which educational courses are permitted to be delivered through any method, including online technologies. Provides that an eligible student who is an adult student pursuing a diploma to qualify for enlistment in the armed forces of the United States may use course access program courses to meet graduation requirements at the school corporation that the eligible student previously attended. Provides that a student who is eligible to receive a tuition and fee exemption because the student is a child of

Urging the legislative council to assign the topic of reducing overt identification of free and reduced price lunch students through alternate charge and meal policies of local education agencies to the appropriate committee.

Commission on seclusion and restraint. Requires the commission on seclusion and restraint in schools (commission) to adopt rules concerning reporting requirements for the use of seclusion and restraint by school resource officers. Requires that the commission include a member of the Indiana School Resource Officers Association. Provides that a school corporation, accredited nonpublic school, or charter school must report incidents of seclusion and restraint involving a school resource officer. Provides that the commission may adopt emergency rules. Voids a rule adopted by the commission that excludes school resource officers from the reporting requirements. Makes changes to the duties of the

Study of ethnic and racial groups course. Requires each school corporation, charter school, and accredited nonpublic school to offer the study of ethnic and racial groups as a one semester elective course in its high school curriculum at least once every school year. Provides that the course may be offered through a course access program administered by the department of education.

Suicide awareness and prevention. Provides that, after June 30, 2018, each school corporation, charter school, and accredited nonpublic school: (1) shall require all teachers; and (2) may require any other appropriate school employees; who are employed at schools that provide instruction to students in any combination of grade 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 to attend or participate in evidence based inservice youth suicide awareness and prevention training every three school years. Requires the division of mental health and addiction to: (1) develop a statewide program for suicide prevention; and (2) employ a coordinator of the statewide

Student assessments. Replaces the ISTEP test program after June 30, 2018, with a new statewide assessment program to be known as Indiana's Learning Evaluation Assessment Readiness Network (ILEARN). Provides that after June 30, 2018, a student must complete a graduation pathway requirement rather than pass a graduation exam. Urges the legislative council to assign to the interim study committee on education for study during the 2017 interim of the general assembly the topic of Indiana's laws concerning school certificated employee evaluations. Provides that not later than November 1, 2017, the department of education (department) shall make recommendations to the general

Teacher compensation. Provides that certain factors may account for not more than 33.33% (instead of 33%) of the calculation used to determine a teacher's increase or increment in salary. Amends the factor concerning additional content area degrees and credit hours in determining a teacher's increase or increment in salary. Requires the department of education to grant an application to add an additional content area or areas to a valid Indiana teaching license if certain conditions apply.

Collective bargaining. Provides that formal collective bargaining between a school corporation and an exclusive representative may not begin before September 15. Provides that before September 15 of the first year of the state budget biennium, the department of education shall provide the parties with an estimate of the general fund revenue available for bargaining in the school corporation from the school funding formula. Provides that if the parties do not receive a certified estimate from the department of education within 30 days after the fall count of ADM, the parties may use the school corporation's estimate of the general fund

Superintendent of public instruction. Abolishes the office of the state superintendent of public instruction on January 10, 2025. Provides that, after January 10, 2025, the governor shall appoint a secretary of education. Establishes residency, education, and experience qualifications for the secretary of education. Makes conforming and technical amendments.

Various higher education matters. Allows the commission for higher education (commission) to extend, with limitations, eligibility for certain grants or reductions in tuition or fees for recipients who used the grants or reductions in tuition or fees at postsecondary educational institutions that have closed. Amends provisions regarding renewal of certain scholarships and tuition and fee remissions. Changes the term "professional degree program" to "professional degree program or accelerated graduate degree program" and amends the definition. Amends the provision regarding the use of renewals and extensions of certain grants or reductions in tuition or fees for professional degree programs or accelerated

School employment and teacher licensure. Amends the time by which a school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school must conduct expanded criminal history checks for applicants for employment. Requires a school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school to conduct an expanded child protection index check concerning each applicant for employment before or not later than 60 days after the applicant's employment. Provides that a school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school shall require an expanded criminal history check on each employee every five years. Provides that a school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school may implement the requirement for updated

School curriculum. Requires each school corporation, charter school, and accredited nonpublic school to offer Indiana studies as a one semester elective course in its high school curriculum at least once every school year. Provides that the course may be offered through a course access program administered by the department of education (department). Makes changes to a provision regarding a functional workplace Spanish designation. Provides that the department shall conduct a survey of elementary and secondary school teachers, administrators, and members of governing bodies regarding whether the individuals surveyed are in favor of or opposed to mandatory instruction of cursive writing

Student school information. Requires the department of education (department), for each spring semester and each fall semester, to distribute to each school corporation: (1) the name of each eligible school in which an eligible choice scholarship student who has legal settlement in the school corporation is enrolled; (2) the number of the eligible choice scholarship students who are enrolled in each eligible school for the school year; and (3) certain information regarding the number of students who have legal settlement in a school corporation and attend a public school maintained by another school corporation or a charter school. Requires the

Programs and services for charter schools. Requires that educational service centers provide services to a participating charter or certain nonpublic schools upon the request of the charter school. (This is in addition to current law that requires educational service centers to provide services to a participating school corporation upon request of the school corporation.) Allows charter schools or certain nonpublic school individually, in collaboration with other school corporations, charter schools, nonpublic schools or school corporations and charter schools or nonpublic schools acting jointly, and through the educational services centers, to undertake action to reduce noninstructional expenditures and allocate the resulting

Education course access program. Allows the department of education (department) to authorize course providers to offer course access program courses that provide for the delivery of instruction through any method, including online technologies, in the course access program (program). Requires the department to: (1) oversee the program; (2) approve courses offered in the program; and (3) maintain a course access program catalog. Requires the department to negotiate a tuition fee for each offered course. Requires the school corporation in which an eligible student is enrolled to transfer the tuition fee for a course to the authorized course provider. Defines "eligible

529 education savings plan matters. Prohibits, unless otherwise provided under federal law, money in a 529 education savings account from being considered as a resource or asset in determining an applicant's or recipient's eligibility for: (1) certain public assistance programs; or (2) scholarships, grants, or awards administered by the commission for higher education.

Protections for student journalists. Provides freedom of speech and freedom of press protections for grades 9 through 12 and state educational institution student journalists. Requires each school corporation and charter school to adopt a policy concerning student journalist protections. Provides that a public school or school corporation may not suppress school sponsored media unless certain conditions apply. Provides that public schools, school corporations, and state educational institutions are immune from civil liability for any injury resulting from school sponsored media produced by a student journalist except for acts or omissions that constitute gross negligence or willful, wanton, or intentional misconduct.

Teacher licensing for military spouses. Requires the state board of education to adopt rules, including emergency rules, that establish procedures to expedite the issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of a teacher license to a military spouse whose husband or wife is assigned to a duty station in Indiana. (Current law allows, but does not require, the state board to adopt such rules.)

Mental health education and screenings. Requires a school corporation's health education curriculum to include mental health wellness education. Provides that the governing body of a school corporation may provide mental health screenings to students if the written consent of the student's parent or guardian is received. Requires the department of education to provide a school corporation with resources regarding mental health wellness upon request by the school corporation.

School employee background checks. Amends the time period by which a school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school must conduct expanded criminal history checks for applicants for noncertificated employment or certificated employment. Requires a school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school to conduct an expanded child protection index check concerning each applicant for noncertificated employment or certificated employment before or not later than two months after the applicant's employment. (Current law requires a school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school to conduct an expanded child protection index check before or not later than three months after the applicant's employment.)

Background checks for school employees. Provides that a school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school shall require an expanded criminal history check and expanded child protection index check on each employee every five years. Provides that a school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school may implement the requirement for updated background checks for current employees over a five year period. Provides that the employee is responsible for costs associated with obtaining the background checks unless the school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school agrees to pay the costs. Makes an exception to the provision that an applicant or employee may

School curriculum. Requires each school corporation and accredited nonpublic elementary school to include cursive writing in its curriculum.

Revocation of teaching licenses. Prohibits a school from hiring persons who have been convicted of certain crimes. Adds human trafficking to the list of offenses requiring license revocation. Permits the department of education to reinstate the license of a person convicted of certain crimes if the conviction is vacated on appeal. Requires the division of state court administration to weekly transmit a list of persons convicted of specified crimes to the department of education, and requires the department of education to: (1) compare this list with the department's list of licensed employees; and (2) institute revocation proceedings if it appears

School buses. Provides that a special education cooperative or school corporation may enter into an agreement with an agency or organization serving individuals with a developmental disability in which a school bus or special purpose bus used by the special education cooperative or school corporation may be used to transport individuals with a developmental disability. (Current law provides that a special education cooperative or school corporation may enter into an agreement with a state supported agency serving individuals with a developmental disability in which a school bus or special purpose bus may be used to transport individuals with a developmental

Teacher bonuses. Establishes the testing out of college credit teacher bonus program and fund. Provides that a teacher who teaches an advanced placement course, international baccalaureate class, or a class to prepare a student to take a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam is entitled to receive a bonus or stipend if a student obtains certain threshold scores. Provides that a school corporation or charter school shall receive annual grants to pay bonuses or stipends to teachers who teach prerequisites of courses in which a student obtains college credit on an advanced placement, international baccalaureate, or CLEP exam. Provides that

School buildings. Requires the department of education (department) to conduct a review of each school building in a school corporation, including: (1) the physical condition of each school building; and (2) the student enrollment of each school building. Requires the department to provide the information to the school corporation and to post the results of the review on the department's Internet web site.

Phase out of tuition at public universities. Freezes the Indiana resident tuition rates that may be charged by state educational institutions for the 2017-2018 academic year. Phases down the maximum Indiana resident tuition rates that may charged by state educational institutions. Provides that for the 2027-2028 academic year and for each academic year thereafter, the state educational institutions may not charge any tuition to students who are Indiana residents.

Corporal punishment. Prohibits the use of corporal punishment on public school students, including charter school, students. Allows the use of reasonable and necessary force in certain situations.

Early education grant pilot program. Provides that the early education grant pilot program (program) may include eligible providers in any county. (Current law provides that the program may include eligible providers in not more than five counties.)

Safe and supportive schools. Requires the department of education (department) to: (1) develop a safe and supportive school framework; (2) create a school monitoring tool; and (3) develop procedures for updating, improving, or refining the safe and supportive school framework and the school monitoring tool. Allows a school corporation, by a vote of the school corporation's governing body, to: (1) implement a safe and supportive school framework; and (2) develop and implement an action plan to create and maintain the safe and supportive school framework. Allows, upon approval, a public school to develop and implement an action plan to create

Education options account program. Establishes the education options account program (program). Requires the treasurer of state to administer the program. Establishes: (1) the education options account fund; and (2) requirements and conditions for the program. Requires the treasurer of state to: (1) annually request a parent of an eligible student who is participating in the program to complete a written survey; and (2) annually provide a summary of the survey to the governor and the legislative council. Continuously appropriates money from the education options account fund and the accounts established within the fund for the purposes of the program. Provides

Nonpublic schools; school corporation audits. Provides that the state board of education (state board) may accredit a nonpublic school that has: (1) received provisional or candidate accreditation from a nationally or regionally recognized accrediting body recognized by the state board; or (2) demonstrated to the state board the nonpublic school's accomplishments based on the nonpublic school's performance in another state. Provides that the state board may: (1) authorize a school participating in the choice scholarship program or that receives contributions from a scholarship granting organization to sponsor another nonpublic school that has demonstrated to the state board the nonpublic school's

Emergency action plans. Requires schools to create emergency action plans in consultation with emergency medical services personnel, school public safety officials, onsite first responders, and school administrators. Specifies that the emergency action plans must be tailored to each individual facility hosting an athletic event for student athletes. Requires head coaches and assistant coaches to complete a heat preparedness training course.

Average daily membership. Provides that for purposes of determining the adjusted average daily membership (ADM) for distributions for state fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2017, a school corporation's February count of ADM for a high school within the school corporation is the high school's February count of ADM, plus the number of students who are in their fourth year of high school and were included in the high school's September count of ADM who graduated with a Core 40 or an academic honor's degree before the February count of ADM.

Various education matters. Provides that appropriations to the department of education to provide grants to school corporations for high ability students must be for expenditures beyond those for regular educational programs. Makes changes to the definition of "teacher" to include a: (1) school nurse; and (2) school social worker. Makes changes to the composition of the board of trustees for Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.

Teacher salaries. Provides that a school corporation may offer a teacher who on June 30, 2011: (1) was employed with the school corporation; and (2) had at least 10 years of teaching experience; a one time annual salary increase. Provides that compensation attributable to additional degrees or graduate credits for which a teacher has started course work before July 1, 2011, and completed course work before September 2, 2018, shall also continue for school years beginning after June 30, 2015. (Current law provides that compensation attributable to additional degrees for which a teacher has started course work before July 1,

Distribution of choice scholarships. Prohibits, with an exception, the department of education from distributing a choice scholarship for an eligible choice scholarship student to an eligible school if, for the immediately preceding school year, the eligible school is placed in a category or designation of school performance that is lower than the category or designation of school performance in which the public school that serves the attendance area in which the eligible choice scholarship student resides is placed.

Staff performance evaluations. Makes changes to factors that must be included in a school corporation's teacher performance evaluation plan. Provides that a professional teacher who is rated as highly effective or effective is required to receive a teacher evaluation only one time every five years. Provides that a: (1) probationary teacher; or (2) professional teacher who receives an evaluation of improvement necessary; must receive performance evaluations annually. Makes technical and conforming amendments.

School policies on reporting child abuse or neglect. Provides that a school corporation, charter school, or accredited nonpublic school may not establish an internal policy or procedure that in any way restricts or delays a duty to report child abuse or neglect. Provides that an individual who knowingly establishes a policy or procedure that restricts or delays a duty to report child abuse or neglect commits a Class B misdemeanor.

Collective bargaining. Changes the start date for collective bargaining between a school corporation and a representative from August 1 to July 1. Requires the department of education to provide an estimate of general fund revenue available for collective bargaining to the parties by July 1 instead of August 1.

School discipline. Provides that an evidence based plan for improving student behavior and discipline in a school corporation: (1) may not contain any zero tolerance requirements; (2) must reduce disproportionality in discipline or inappropriately high rates of in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, and expulsion; and (3) must limit referrals to law enforcement or arrests on school property to those necessary to protect the health and safety of other students or school employees. Adds a definition of "exclusion". Adds a definition of "positive discipline". Provides that a school's discipline policy must include a graduated system of discipline and incorporate positive discipline principles

Teacher salary scales. Provides that a school corporation may provide an increase or increment in a local salary range for a teacher who attains a master's or doctorate degree or attains the credit hours necessary to obtain a master's or doctorate degree. Makes a technical correction.

Higher education expenses. Requires a state educational institution, each semester (or its equivalent), to provide to each student enrolled in the state educational institution: (1) a statement of the total amount of money the student is paying to the state educational institution to attend the state educational institution for that semester (or its equivalent); and (2) an itemized invoice of the expenses for which the student's payment is being used.

Education of coaches of student athletes. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2017, the completion of a certified player safety education course: (1) is required for a head coach or assistant coach of an interscholastic sport; and (2) is optional for a head coach or assistant coach of an intramural sport. Provides that the course must be approved by the department of education, in consultation with a physician who has expertise in the area of concussions and brain injuries. Provides civil immunity for coaches of student athletes who: (1) comply with the training and other applicable player safety provisions regarding concussions

School corporation health insurance. Specifies that a school corporation may assign wages and pay premiums for collectively bargained health insurance and is not required to make the collectively bargained health insurance available to all school corporation employees.

Education technical corrections trailer bill. Makes technical corrections throughout IC 20 (education law). Resolves conflicts between ESB 500-2015 and other legislation enacted during the 2015 session of the general assembly. Moves a chapter relating to the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teacher recruitment fund from an article in IC 20 relating to transportation to an article relating to scholarships and grants in IC 21. (The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the code revision commission.)

Various education matters. Provides that every public school building shall be supplied with safe, potable water from a public water system approved by the commissioner of the department of environmental management. Provides that the financial specialist appointed for the Gary Community School Corporation may perform the duties authorized under the statute for not more than 24 consecutive months (rather than 12 consecutive months, under current law). Amends the definition of "secondary school" to include certain elementary grades for purposes of a federal student loan forgiveness program for highly qualified teachers in high needs areas. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2017,

Proprietary educational institutions; training report. Transfers from the state workforce innovation council to the department of workforce development the accreditation of postsecondary proprietary educational institutions. Changes, from November 1 to December 1, the submission date for the Indiana career council's annual training report.

Dual credit teachers. Requires the commission for higher education (or the dual credit advisory council, if directed to do so by the commission for higher education) to study methods to ensure opportunities for secondary school students to earn college credits while enrolled in high school and to provide incentives for a high school teacher to obtain a master's degree with at least eighteen (18) hours of graduate course work in the subject matter the teacher is teaching or wishes to teach as part of a dual credit course.

High school diplomas. Requires a high school operated by a school corporation to offer the high school's students the opportunity to earn any type of state diploma approved by the state board of education. Provides that a student with a disability shall not be required to complete local requirements that exceed state requirements to receive a diploma unless otherwise required as part of the student's individualized education program. Makes technical corrections to certain provisions relating to choice scholarships.

Workplace Spanish transcript designation. Provides that, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, a student who successfully completes Spanish language courses that include certain elements is eligible to receive a functional and practicable workplace Spanish designation on the student's transcript.

Teacher scholarships and stipends. Changes the name of the minority teacher scholarship to the William A. Crawford minority teacher scholarship. Provides that if the total of all scholarships awarded exceeds the amount available for distribution in a state fiscal year, the amount to be distributed to each applicant shall be proportionately reduced. Repeals: (1) a provision providing that if a student demonstrates financial need to the commission for higher education, the student may qualify for a $4,000 annual scholarship; (2) a provision providing that the amount of a scholarship may not be reduced because the student receives other scholarships or

ISTEP matters. Provides that provisions relating to high ability students apply to performance qualified school districts. Requires that scores of student responses under an ISTEP program test must be reported to the state board of education (state board) not later than July 1 of the year in which the ISTEP program test is administered. Provides that ISTEP gridded items and tech enhanced items may not be released after the ISTEP assessment. Provides that after essay questions from ISTEP program examinations have been released to the public, the state board and department of education (department) shall post the questions and exemplary

Next generation Hoosier educators scholarship. Requires the commission for higher education (commission) to prepare a report concerning scholarship programs and other incentives for high achieving students who intend to enter the teaching profession in Indiana upon graduation. Provides that the commission must provide a copy of the report to the budget agency and legislative council before December 1, 2016. Establishes the next generation Hoosier educators scholarship program. Provides that the commission may approve awarding a scholarship to an eligible applicant in an amount of $7,500 each academic year for not more than four academic years. Establishes criteria an applicant must

Teacher salary supplemental payments. Adds factors for which a teacher may receive supplemental payments. Provides that not more than 50% of a supplemental payment may be added to the teacher's base salary, based upon school corporation policy.

Consolidation of school administrative functions. Provides that the governing body of each school corporation situated in the same county may consolidate administrative functions while continuing the historical legacy of their respective school corporations. Provides that each school corporation is considered a subunit of the consolidated school corporation. Provides that school corporations in a particular county may consolidate: (1) if the governing bodies meet together and adopt a joint resolution declaring their intention to consolidate school corporations; or (2) whenever 20% of the legal voters residing in the district of any school corporation, jointly with 20% of the legal voters in

Study of ethnic history in high schools. Requires the study of ethnic and racial groups to be included as part of each school corporation's high school United States history course.

ISTEP panel. Establishes a panel to study alternatives to the ISTEP program tests and to make recommendations for replacing the ISTEP program.

Teachers. Establishes the Indiana teacher retention and recruitment program to improve teacher retention rates, recruitment, and quality. Establishes the Indiana teacher retention and recruitment program fund to be used to fund programs developed by the department in consultation with teachers, educators, and other education interest groups. Establishes the Indiana new teacher mentoring program and fund to provide grants to school corporations and charter schools to be used for stipends for mentors. Makes changes to the factors used to determine increases or increments in a local salary range. Provides that the provision that provides that a teacher who is rated as

School calendar. Requires, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, a school corporation to conduct at least 175 student instructional days in a school year. (Currently, a school corporation is required to conduct at least 180 student instructional days.) Provides, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, that student instructional days begin the Tuesday after Labor Day (the first Monday in September) and end the Friday before Memorial Day (the last Monday in May). Repeals sections concerning a penalty for conducting fewer than 180, but more than 175, student instructional days and deletes a reference to one of those sections in the

School facilities. Provides that student facilities in school buildings must be designated for use by female students or male students and may be used only by the students of the biological gender for which the facility is designated.

Student services providers needs assessment. Requires the department of education to contract with an independent assessor to conduct a statewide needs assessment that collects data concerning: (1) the status of the student services provider workforce; and (2) the relevant roles and functions being performed by student services providers; in public elementary, middle, and high schools in Indiana, including charter schools. Requires the assessor to report the assessor's findings before December 31, 2017.

Education loan information. Requires a postsecondary educational institution to provide information regarding: (1) federal education loans in all printed and online financial aid materials issued or distributed by the institution and with private loan applications provided or made available by the institution; and (2) private loan information with any private loan information included as part of the institution's financial aid or loan package and with any list of private loan lenders provided by the institution. Requires, before December 1 of each year, a postsecondary educational institution to: (1) provide to the commission for higher education; (2) make available on the

Youth sports concussions. Makes findings concerning concussions in youth sports and recreational activities. Defines "athletic trainer", "coach", "concussion", "game official", and "player" for purposes of the concussion and head injury statute. Encourages youth sports organizations to disseminate information concerning concussions to coaches, game officials, parents, and players. Sets forth who may remove players and high school athletes from practices or games for suspected concussions. Requires school corporations, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools to establish concussion oversight teams to establish protocols for returning to learn after a concussion. Provides that the department of education shall make available model return to

Indiana education savings account program. Establishes the Indiana education savings account program (program). Provides that a parent of an eligible student or an emancipated eligible student may establish an account in the program. Provides that an eligible student who has an account is eligible to receive an annual grant amount that may be used to pay for tuition at an accredited nonpublic school or education related expenses. Provides that the treasurer of state shall administer the program. Provides that money contributed to a college choice 529 education savings plan as a qualified expense from the program is not considered a

Amendment of collective bargaining agreements. Provides that a collective bargaining agreement between the governing body of a school corporation and the exclusive representative may be amended if both parties ratify the amendment.

Teacher academy. Allows the commission for higher education (commission) to enter into an academy agreement with one state educational institution for the establishment and operation of a teacher academy. Requires the commission to issue a request for proposals from state educational institutions before entering into an academy agreement. Establishes requirements for the request for proposals. Requires that certain terms and conditions must be included in an academy agreement. Establishes a teacher academy grant program to provide grants to eligible applicants for the cost of tuition and fees to attend the teacher academy. Establishes the teacher academy fund to provide funds:

Teacher compensation. Requires a school corporation that provides health insurance to the school corporation's employees to establish a cafeteria plan under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code for health insurance plan years beginning after June 30, 2017.

Administration of standardized tests. Provides that the department of education (department) may not require the students in a school corporation, a charter school, a school, or a grade or class in a school to complete a required statewide, national, or international test using a computer. Provides that the department, a school corporation, or a school may not require a student to use a computer to complete a required statewide, national, or international test if the student's parent or the student, if the student is at least 18 years of age or emancipated, requests that the student complete the test on

Ballot language for renewal of a referendum levy. Specifies that a resolution to extend a referendum levy must be adopted by the governing body of a school corporation and approved by the voters before December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the final calendar year in which the school corporation's previously approved referendum levy is imposed. Specifies the ballot language for a referendum to extend a referendum levy.

Gary charter schools. Provides that the mayor of the city of Gary may authorize charter schools. Establishes the Gary charter school board. Makes conforming amendments.

Lap and shoulder safety belts on school buses. Provides that a school bus or special purpose bus placed into operation after June 30, 2017, that is used to transport elementary school or high school students must be equipped with a 3-point lap and shoulder safety belt (safety belt) at each seating location. Requires the state school bus committee to adopt rules for the design, installation, and use of safety belt systems that must be installed in school buses and special purpose buses. Provides for an exception to the laws concerning other types of passenger restraint systems. Requires each occupant of

ISTEP. Replaces ISTEP program testing with the Indiana student achievement testing program (ISAT) for school years beginning after June 30, 2017. Provides that the department of education is responsible for the development and implementation of the ISAT program.

2015 school performance grades. Provides that a school's performance grade ("category of performance") for the 2014-2015 school year is the higher of the grades assigned to the school by the state board of education for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years.

Education deregulation. Makes comprehensive revisions to the Indiana Code relating to all aspects of the administration of schools and school corporations and the education of students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Repeals various obsolete provisions and provisions that limit local control of schools. Establishes a school reporting oversight committee to review all reporting requirements by the state for schools. Makes conforming and technical amendments.

State board of education governance. Adds a statement of legislative intent regarding the roles of the general assembly, the state board of education (state board), and the department of education (department) relating to education. Makes changes, beginning June 1, 2015, to the composition of the state board. Provides that the state board may hire staff and administrative support. Provides that, after December 31, 2016, the state board shall elect a chairperson annually from the members of the state board. Provides that the state board shall, after June 30, 2015, elect a vice chairperson annually from the members of the state

Various education issues. Reduces the number of members of the governing body of the school city of East Chicago from nine to five, beginning January 1, 2017. Provides that if a vacancy occurs on the governing body before January 1, 2017, the vacancy shall not be filled unless the vacancy reduces the number of members to fewer than five. Provides that three members of the governing body are elected from districts and two members of the governing body are elected at large by all the voters of the city. Repeals and provides for the expiration of statutes consistent with the

Charter schools. Provides that a governing body of a school corporation, a state educational institution, and a nonprofit college or university must register with the state board of education (state board) if it has not previously issued a charter for any charter school prior to July 1, 2015. Makes changes to the definition of an "organizer". Requires the state board to provide a formal evaluation of the overall state of charter school outcomes in Indiana every five years. Provides that a charter school may give enrollment preference to children of the charter school's founders, governing body members, and charter school

Innovation network schools. Provides for innovation network school programs in school corporations. Establishes the career pathways pilot program. Establishes the innovation network school pilot grant. Repeals the article relating to the establishment of innovation network schools by the Indianapolis Public Schools.

Adult high schools. Provides that the department of education shall distribute funding for adult high schools to the adult high school's organizer. Provides that an adult high school may be authorized by the executive of a consolidated city. Provides that an authorizer may not authorize an adult high school without obtaining an appropriation by the general assembly.

Dyslexia. Defines "dyslexia". Requires teacher training programs to prepare teachers to recognize that a student who is not progressing at a normal rate related to reading may need to be referred to the school's multidisciplinary team to determine the student's special learning needs, including learning needs related to dyslexia. Provides that if an education service center offers inservice training or other teacher training programs, the education service center may offer courses for teachers on dyslexia characteristics and appropriate interventions.

High school diplomas. Provides that, beginning with the annual case review when a student who is a child with a disability is in grade 8, the student's individualized education program must include the type of diploma the student will seek and the courses necessary to obtain the diploma. Provides that, beginning with grade 9, the student's teacher of record must communicate with the student's parent at least one time each grading period to review the student's progress toward the diploma. Provides that, not later than September 1, 2015, the Core 40 subcommittee of the Indiana career council shall present to

School property. Provides that a consolidated school corporation shall offer to transfer property to the township from which the consolidated school corporation received the property for any purpose if the property is no longer needed by the school corporation. (Current law requires the transferred property to be used for park and recreation purposes.) Allows the township to sell or lease the property to an Indiana nonprofit corporation that is exempt from federal taxation. Requires a consolidated school corporation to offer to transfer property to the city or town from which the consolidated school corporation received the property for any purpose

Financial aid and tuition. Provides that a person who: (1) is a nonresident; (2) is a member of the Indiana National Guard; and (3) attends a state educational institution; is eligible to pay the resident tuition rate for undergraduate and graduate courses. Provides that certain: (1) veterans; and (2) persons who serve on active military duty; are eligible to pay the resident tuition rate for graduate courses. Provides that the commission for higher education: (1) may consider only the residency status of a student; and (2) may not consider the residency status of the student's parents or legal guardian even

Student transfers. Provides that a student may transfer to a school corporation if the student's parent is an employee of the school corporation and the school corporation has the capacity to accept the student. Provides that an elementary school student who attended an accredited nonpublic elementary school in the attendance area of a school corporation in which the student does not have legal settlement may attend a high school in the school corporation if the school corporation: (1) has the capacity to accept the student and the majority of the students in the same grade as the transferring student at

Tax credit for teachers' classroom supplies. Provides that an individual employed as a teacher is entitled to a credit against the individual's adjusted gross income tax liability for amounts expended on classroom supplies up to a maximum of $200 per taxable year.

East Chicago school board. Reduces the number of members of the governing body of the School City of East Chicago from nine to five, beginning January 1, 2017. Provides that if a vacancy occurs on the governing body before January 1, 2017, the vacancy shall not be filled unless the vacancy reduces the number of members to fewer than five. Provides that three members of the governing body are elected from districts and two members of the governing body are elected at large by all the voters of the city. Repeals and provides for the expiration of statutes consistent with

Student athletes and head injuries. Provides that the law concerning concussions and head injuries applies to student athletes in grades 5 through 12 who participate in interscholastic or intramural sports. (Current law provides that the law concerning concussions and head injuries applies to high school student athletes.) Requires beginning July 1, 2016: (1) all coaches and assistant coaches of student athletes of specified sports; and (2) assistant football coaches of student athletes who are less than 20 years old; to complete certain certified coaching education courses. (Current law requires coaches and assistant coaches who coach football to individuals who are

School bus monitors. Provides that the visual acuity required of a school bus driver is not required of a school bus monitor.

STEM education. Establishes an early learning STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) associate degree model program. Provides for the selection of 10 high schools from around Indiana to participate.

State board of education. Provides that the members of the state board of education shall elect annually a chairperson from the members of the state board.

2015 ISTEP program. Provides that the department of education (department) may waive certain assessment inspection requirements for purposes of administration of the 2015 ISTEP program. Provides that, if the department waives inspection requirements for any questions on the 2015 ISTEP program, the department must establish criteria to allow a student's parent the opportunity to inspect questions used as part of the 2015 ISTEP program in a manner that will not compromise the validity or integrity of the 2016 ISTEP program. Provides that the department may waive the administration of the social studies portion of ISTEP program during the 2015 administration

School board membership in Gary. Reduces the number of members of the governing body of the Gary Community School Corporation from seven to five, beginning January 1, 2017. Provides that if a vacancy occurs on the governing body before January 1, 2017, the vacancy shall not be filled unless the vacancy reduces the number of members to fewer than five. Provides that three members of the governing body are elected at large by the voters of the school corporation and two members are appointed by the city executive. Provides that the individuals elected to the governing body at the 2014

Education issues. Requires the state board of education (state board) to adopt voluntary prekindergarten standards that align with the kindergarten through grade 12 standards. Provides that records of the state board shall be kept by the state board. (Current law provides that the records are kept by the state superintendent of public instruction.) Provides that the state board oversees the operation of turnaround academies. Provides that the state board shall appoint an executive director of the state board. Provides that the state board may employ third party experts and consultants to assist the state board in carrying out the state

School accounting. Requires, not later than January 1, 2018, that a school corporation use consistently applied United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the school corporation's accounting, budgeting, and reporting.

Small school grant. Provides a small school grant in state fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to school corporations, other than charter schools, that have a current average daily membership (ADM) that is greater than 450 and less than 1,100. Appropriates the amount necessary to fund the grants from the state general fund.

Teacher compensation. Provides that for the first two school years after a teacher initially receives a teaching license the teacher is not prohibited from receiving a raise or increment for the following year if the teacher receives a rating of ineffective or improvement necessary.

School start and end dates. Prohibits public schools from beginning student instructional days for the school year before the fourth Monday in August and from ending student instructional days after June 10 of the following year, beginning with the 2016-2017 school year. Provides that a governing body may establish a beginning date before the fourth Monday in August or an end date for a school year that is later than June 10 for year-round schools, schools with balanced calendars, schools that coordinate calendars with a postsecondary educational institution, and schools that coordinate calendars with a large employer in the school

National board certification of teachers. Establishes the goal that by 2025, there will be at least one teacher who is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (national board) in every public school. Establishes the teachers' national board certification incentive fund for purposes of: (1) funding stipends of $200 per day for two days for teachers preparing for national board certification; (2) reimbursing 75% of the national board certification fee; (3) funding stipends for national board certified teachers who serve as mentors to other teachers; (4) reimbursing school corporations for the cost of paying teachers who have attained

Civics test as graduation requirement. Provides that, beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, an individual must obtain a satisfactory score on the United States Civics Test, administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to each applicant for United States citizenship, before graduating high school or obtaining a high school equivalency certificate.

School efficiency grants. Establishes the school efficiency grant program to provide one or more school corporations grants to implement plans that would make one or more school corporations more cost effective. Establishes the school efficiency grant fund.

School discipline. Provides that, not later than July 1, 2016, the department of education (department) shall develop, maintain, and make available to schools and school corporations a model evidence based plan for improving behavior and discipline within schools. Provides that a charter school and a school corporation shall establish an evidence based plan for improving student behavior and discipline. Provides that the department, in collaboration with certain entities, shall provide assistance to a charter school or school corporation in the implementation of the charter school or school corporation's plan. Requires a school corporation and charter school to compile and report

Earn more Indiana scholarship. Establishes the earn more Indiana scholarship program and fund for students attending postsecondary educational institutions immediately after high school to earn associate degrees. Sets forth qualification requirements. Provides for $36 million annual funding as follows: (1) $12 million from the state general fund. (2) $12 million from Indiana state lottery revenue. (3) $12 million from riverboat wagering taxes.

Advanced placement United States history curriculum. Provides that a school corporation or teacher may not use the College Board's Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) framework to develop a curriculum to be taught in an advanced placement (AP) United States history course. Requires the state board of education to recommend at least one alternative framework that a school corporation or teacher may use to develop an AP United States history course.

Higher education co-op and internship programs. Establishes the Indiana cooperative education pilot program. Establishes the Indiana cooperative education pilot program fund.

Disclosure of personally identifiable student information. Prohibits access to personally identifiable student information obtained from education records to outside parties without the consent of the student or student's parent except under certain circumstances. Prohibits the commercial use of student information without consent. Sets forth requirements for data repositories of education records. Provides for enforcement by the attorney general and civil penalties for noncompliance.

Performance funding. Requires that, if the commission for higher education includes in the performance based formula a metric for on time graduation rates, the metric for four year state educational institutions must be based on students included in the formula who graduate with a baccalaureate degree in six or fewer years.

Purdue University board of trustees. Provides that the full-time student appointed as a member of the board of trustees of Purdue University may be a full-time graduate or undergraduate student. Provides that the elected student government representatives of the student body who choose students to participate on the search and screen committee include both the elected graduate and undergraduate student government representatives of the student body.

Veterans education center of excellence. Establishes the Indiana veterans education center of excellence to serve as a clearinghouse for information concerning educational benefits and programs available to veterans at state educational institutions.

Teacher compensation. Provides that the number of years of a teacher's employment and the attainment of additional degrees or credit hours must account for not less than 33% of the increments or increases in a local salary schedule. Makes a corresponding change to a related section.

Lap and shoulder safety belts on school buses. Provides that a school bus or special purpose bus placed into operation after June 30, 2016, that is used to transport elementary school or high school students must be equipped with a 3-point lap and shoulder safety belt (safety belt) at each seating location. Requires the state school bus committee to adopt rules for the design, installation, and use of safety belt systems that must be installed in school buses and special purpose buses. Provides for an exception to the laws concerning other types of passenger restraint systems. Requires each occupant of

Administration of standardized tests in schools. Provides that the department of education (department) may not require the students in a school corporation, a charter school, a school, or a grade or class in a school to complete a required statewide, national, or international test using a computer. Provides that the department, a school corporation, or a school may not require a student to use a computer to complete a required statewide, national, or international test if the student's parent or the student, if the student is at least 18 years of age or emancipated, requests that the student complete the

Incentive award for teachers. Establishes the education savings performance incentive award fund (fund) to reward highly effective and effective teachers by paying contributions to certain education savings accounts. Provides that a teacher who: (1) is employed by a school corporation; and (2) has been rated highly effective or effective in performance evaluations for eight of the immediately preceding 10 years the teacher has been employed by a school corporation as a teacher; is entitled to receive from the fund a contribution of $2,500 to an account designated by the teacher. Provides that only one contribution may be paid in a

Resident tuition rate. Provides that an individual authorized by the United States Department of Homeland Security to be present in the United States under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is eligible to pay the resident tuition rate if the individual is otherwise eligible to pay the resident tuition rate of the state educational institution.

Mentor teachers; national board certification. Provides for the development of a mentoring program for beginning teachers, teachers who receive a designation of "improvement necessary" or "ineffective", teachers who request the assignment of a mentor, and teachers who are seeking national board certification. Requires the department of education to provide training through educational service centers for teachers who meet certain requirements and wish to become mentors. Provides that a teacher who serves as a mentor receives an annual salary supplement of $500 for each teacher who is receiving mentoring services. Establishes the goal that by 2035, there will be at least

Prekindergarten education. Expands the prekindergarten pilot program to include 13 counties that were selected as finalist counties by the office of the secretary of family and social services but were not selected as one of the five initial pilot counties. Provides that the pilot program in finalist counties is to be funded from the state lottery administrative trust fund. Makes an appropriation.

Minority student teaching stipend. Provides that a minority student who participates in a school administration internship as part of the student's graduate degree program is eligible to receive a stipend from the student teaching stipend for minorities.

Age for mandatory school attendance. Provides that, beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, a student shall enroll in a kindergarten program not later than the fall term of the school year in which the student becomes five years of age. Provides that a kindergarten pupil is counted as one student for purposes of a school's ADM. (Current law provides that a kindergarten pupil is counted as 1/2 pupil.)

Teacher preparation programs.

Second service for veterans.

Charter schools.

Education standards.

Charter school funding.

Better skills for adult learners.

Epinephrine in institutions of higher education.

Innovation network schools.

Career and technical education centers.

Charter school compacts.

Study of career and technical education programs.

Choice scholarship.

Various education matters.

Choices for teachers program.

Celebration of winter holidays in schools.

School buses.

Music courses in school curriculum.

Student records.

Classroom expense program.

School safety training.

College credit for military training.

Teacher certification fees and incentives.

Recognition of biliteracy.

School accountability.

Various education matters.

Student loan assistance.

School counselors and student services.

Privacy of student records.

Free curricular materials in K-12 schools.

Donations by school corporations.

Metropolitan campus designations.

LIFE scholarships.

School buses.

School bus lettering indication.

Twenty-first century scholars program.

School resource officers and school safety.

Education funding for children in residential care.

Teacher preparation programs.

Use of restraints and seclusion in schools.

School administrator contracts; principal institute.

State educational institutions; credit transfers.

Postsecondary enrollment opportunities.

Performance qualified schools.

Regional campus governance.

Higher education grading practices and faculty organization.

School administrators.

Public school transfers.

Standard electronic transcripts.

Proprietary education.

Administration of scholarships and grants.

Education.

Early education evaluation program.

School capital projects fund.

Sale of a public school building.

Education matters.

Financial literacy instruction.

Common core state educational standards.

School accountability and turnaround academies.

Parental initiatives for school reorganization.

Intimidation or torment of a school employee.

Teacher loan repayment; teacher academy.

Common core state educational standards.

Indiana University Purdue University-Fort Wayne.

Statewide assessment scores.

High achiever's award program.

Teacher recruitment and retention.

Choice scholarships.

Lap and shoulder safety belts on school buses.

School absenteeism.

Transfer of school property.

Education and workforce roundtable.

Student transfers.

Dual credit courses.

High school graduation waivers.

Participation in school athletics.

Age for mandatory school attendance.

State board of education.

Educational equity.

Tuition at state educational institutions.

Sports scholarships and player safety.

Charter school board hearings.

Study of free and reduced lunch program.

Student instructional days.