The House of Representatives advanced State Representative Jack Jordan’s (R-Bremen) legislation on Tuesday supporting local schools by adding flexibility and easing mandates.
Jordan said many educators and schools throughout the state have expressed concerns regarding the number of regulations. Under Jordan’s legislation, local schools would be empowered to identify which education laws and requirements work best for their districts, and apply for a waiver with the State Board of Education to lift certain state mandates. He said the State Board of Education would also be tasked with evaluating and streamlining Indiana’s current teacher training requirements.
“On top of their responsibilities in the classroom, educators have a wide variety of requirements they must meet,” Jordan said. “This bill would invite creative ideas from teachers, schools and administrators on ways to decrease burdensome mandates so we can better equip and inspire students to do great things.”
Jordan’s bill would also revise a 2019 law regarding 1 of 4 teacher licensure renewal options. Under one option, teachers can develop a Professional Growth Plan and earn 90 points or hours over five years. Under this bill, 15 of those points could be earned through professional development related to their community’s workforce needs but not required.
“The workforce-related points are a real opportunity for teachers to connect what their students are learning in the classroom with what opportunities exist in the workforce,” Jordan said. “However, not every teacher has to follow this renewal path. Under the bill, this would no longer be a requirement for teachers renewing their license through the Professional Growth Plan, though it is still a great option.”
House Bill 1003 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
