Education bills await committee hearings

Members of the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus have filed a legislative package for the 2013 General Assembly that would increase access to early education for Hoosier children and provide oversight and accountability for education funds. The Senate Democrats seek to begin restoring assistance to Indiana education following $300 million in funding cuts in recent years.

Studies consistently show the positive impact of quality early education on not only a student’s academic career, but even beyond education. Ensuring Hoosier children have access to  full-day kindergarten and creating standards for pre-K education have been Senate Democrat priorities for years and could drive academic achievement in Indiana.

Senate Democrats also seek to protect and uplift students of underachieving schools in order to propel the state toward its full academic potential. Read on for more information about these bills.

2013 Education legislation

Senate Bill 469: Full-day kindergarten – Sen. Tallian

Making certain that Hoosier children attend full-day kindergarten will ensure our children receive an early education to prepare for successful careers in adulthood.  Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, this bill requires a student to enroll in a full-day kindergarten program if the student is at least 5 years of age on Aug. 1. Students in full-day kindergarten learn more in reading and math over the kindergarten year than those in half-day programs.  They also exhibit more independent learning, classroom involvement, productivity in work with peers and reflectiveness than half-day kindergarteners.

Senate Committee: Education

Senate Bill 602: Access to early education - Sen. Taylor

Access to universal pre-kindergarten means Hoosier children would have the opportunity to score higher on achievement tests, graduate from high school at a higher rate and be more likely to attend college than students who don’t have access to pre-K.  This bill requires the Indiana Department of Education to establish standards, requirements and guidelines for approving preschool education programs for children 4 years of age.

Senate Committee: Education

Senate Bill 426: Turnaround school oversight – Sen. Rogers

Oversight of turnaround school management organizations will ensure guidance from the Indiana Department of Education to oversee organizations contracted by the state to take over underachieving public schools. The bill provides specific standards to regulate those private organizations contracted for public school takeovers.

Senate Committee: Education

To voice your support for these bills: Contact your State Senator and members of the Senate standing committee to which the bill has been assigned (see committee assignments at the end of each bill description). Contact information for every State Senator is available on the General Assembly’s website.

Sen. Rogers looks to put an end to child sexual abuse through education

State Senator Earline Rogers (D-Gary) discusses  Senate Bill 267, which would educate children about child sexual abuse, and Senate Bill 268, which would establish an advisory committee on early education.

Education bills awaiting committee hearings

Members of the Indiana Senate Democratic caucus have filed a legislative package for the 2012 General Assembly that would increase access for Hoosier children to early education and provide oversight and accountability for education funds. As part of the Senate Democrats’ 2012 Legislative Agenda, the caucus members are now actively seeking hearings for these bills in the senate standing committees.

Studies consistently show students with access to quality early education that takes place before Kindergarten score higher on achievement tests, graduate from high school at a higher rate and are more likely to attend college.  Creating an office of child development and early learning and providing early education grant opportunities for middle income parents are two courses of action the Senate Democrats have offered as a way to bring quality early education to more Hoosier children.

As Indiana’s economy continues to struggle, it is important to ensure that every taxpayer dollar spent on education is used in the most effective way. Creating oversight for private schools receiving vouchers and for private organizations contracted for “turnaround schools” are two ideas the Senate Democrats are focusing on to guarantee that school dollars are spent wisely.

To voice your support for these bills: Contact your State Senator and members of the senate standing committee to which the bill has been assigned (see committee assignments at the end of each bill description). Contact information for every State Senator is available on the General Assembly’s website.

2012 Education Bills:

Senate Bill 288: Office of Child Development and Early Learning:

Creating an effective education system that incorporates early education will benefit generations of Hoosiers. By creating the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, the proposed legislation encourages the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to streamline their efforts and create an education plan that includes developmental benchmarks for Pre-K education. The bill is authored by Sen. Earline Rogers (D-Gary).

Senate Committee: Education and Career Development

Senate Bill 204: Early education grant opportunities for middle income parents:

Until early education is integrated into Indiana’s traditional public school system, middle income children deserve access to preschool learning during those critical years. Senate Bill 204 would provide state-funded grants for middle income families with earnings that put them outside the eligibility for federal assistance programs, but who still need support paying for preschool classes. A sliding scale fee based on income would determine eligibility and grant amounts. The bill is authored by Sen. Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis).

Senate Committee: Education and Career Development

Senate Bill 214: Oversight of private schools receiving vouchers:

Requiring both an annual fiscal audit of any private school receiving public money and compelling IDOE to both track and publish those schools’ performance data allows Hoosier parents to compare schools more accurately and make the right decision for their children. The legislation would also limit to three percent how much of each taxpayer funded voucher could be used toward administrative costs at private schools. This bill is authored by Sen. Tim Skinner (D-Terre Haute).

Senate Committee: Education and Career Development

Senate Bill 290: Oversight of turnaround school management organizations:

Senate Bill 290 would provide legislative guidance for the oversight of organizations contracted by the state to take over underachieving public schools. The legislation would give the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) specific standards to regulate those private organizations contracted for public school takeovers. This legislation is authored by Sen. Earline Rogers (D-Gary).

Senate Committee: Education and Career Development

Senate Democrats’ 2012 legislative priorities: jobs, education and voter protection

The members of the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus released their 2012 legislative agenda today, highlighting the pressing need to fuel job creation, strengthen early education and protect Indiana voters as their top priorities.  Below are a number of the key legislative initiatives Senate Democrats will carry in the upcoming session.

Download the full report (PDF)

Hear more from Senator Simpson: “Again this year the Senate Democrat Caucus has put forward a package of several bills laying out the priorities…” (00:39)

Video: Sen. Rogers looks forward to productive 2012 legislative session

At the Statehouse on Organization Day, Sen. Earline Rogers (D-Gary) continues to reach across the aisle on legislation concerning land-based casinos and will also pursue a number of initiatives dealing with early childhood education.