House Bill 1002 (Teacher Evaluations), authored by Rep. Anthony Cook (R-Cicero), was heard by the Senate Education Committee this week with the committee expected to vote on the bill next week. The Chamber testified in opposition to the bill alongside other education reform advocates, including the Institute for Quality Education and the Foundation for Excellence in Education. The measure removes a current state requirement that local school districts’ educator evaluation systems be based, in part, on “objective measures of student achievement,” including Indiana’s ILEARN assessments. This change would preclude schools from using student assessment results – both overall performance and learning growth – in gauging the effectiveness of their classroom teachers.
The Chamber believes jettisoning objective data-driven measures altogether in favor of subjective measures like classroom observations by school principals sends the message that “results don’t matter” and sets a troubling precedent for future progress in Indiana education. It’s worth noting that about 98% of Indiana teachers are rated “effective” or “highly effective” by their administrators. Other policy advocates, including the National Council on Teacher Quality, have joined the Chamber in opposing the proposed change to teacher evaluations.
House Bill 1009 (Various Welfare Matters), authored by Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville), passed the Senate Family and Children Services Committee this week on a vote of 9-0. The bill subsequently passed second reading by the full Senate. Supported by the Chamber, the measure provides that money earned by a student participating in a paid internship or related work-based learning experience does not impact the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits received by the student’s family. The Chamber believes work-based learning is key strategy in strengthening Indiana’s talent pipeline and supports removing barriers that could prevent students from engaging in these meaningful experiences.
House Bill 1082 (Various Higher Education Matters), authored by Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), passed the Senate Education and Career Development Committee 13-0. Supported by the Chamber, the measure makes a number of technical changes to state financial aid programs, including increased flexibility that enables students eligible for the EARN Indiana work-study program to participate in full-time internship opportunities during the summer term.
Resource: Jason Bearce at (317) 264-6880 or email: jbearce@indianachamber.com
