Indiana’s proposed new school accountability grading system is based not just on academics, but on school attendance, and career and postsecondary readiness. Other indicators include communication and collaboration, work ethics and civic, financial and digital literacy.
The new accountability program replaces one that’s been suspended since 2018. It focused on A-F academic ratings that penalized poor-performing schools for repeated years of F standardized test grades.
It’s unclear if the new accountability system will include similar punitive outcomes for failing schools.
The comment period on the new A-F standards is open until Aug. 22. Input can be given through the online platform, Jotform, https://idoe.jotform.com/251525933524962.
The State Board of Education is also receiving in-person comments at 9 a.m. (CST) Aug. 22, meeting in the Indiana Government Center South, Conference Room C.
Online respondents are asked if the draft prioritizes academics as well as skill development, is easy to understand, and how it can be improved.
“The first draft of the accountability rule reflects Indiana’s shared commitment to preparing students for lifelong success, regardless of their path ahead,” said Katie Jenner, Indiana secretary of education, in a release.
As students progress in school, proficiency is weighed via a point-based system that includes academics, skills and experiences, such as work-based learning and credentials.
The draft measures student success at “checkpoints” in grade 3, grades 4-8, grade 10 and grade 12.
Grade 3, for example, would measure progress based on the IREAD and ILEARN assessments and attendance.
In grades 4-8, points would be earned for ILEARN scores, attendance, and proficiency in social studies and science assessments.
Tenth graders would be expected to have at least 10 high school credits and assessments could be based on attendance, PSAT scores, college and career courses.
SAT scores could measure 12th graders, along with attendance and completion of any of the diploma seals.
A state law passed this year calls for the State Board of Education to establish a new A-F accountability process by the end of the year. It will go into effect during the 2026-27 school year.
The draft is aligned with Indiana’s new diploma standards, effective with the Class of 2029, that also focus on the same measurable indicators.
A more refined, final draft will be presented in the coming months.
To review the initial draft, see: https://www.in.gov/sboe/files/6.4.25-June-SBOE_Accountability_FINAL.pdf
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
