Lawmakers are back at the Statehouse to consider new laws and prioritize the topics concerning Hoosiers. As chair of the House Education Committee, my focus this legislative session will be to reduce the time spent on standardized testing and increase curriculum transparency for parents. Other objectives will be to encourage more employers to offer career and technical education for youth, and provide grants to students experiencing learning loss from the pandemic.
Currently, Hoosier students in grades 3-8 are required to take the ILEARN annually to assess their progress in key subjects. A bill I authored would allow the state to apply for a federal waiver so schools could opt to have only students in grades 3, 5, 8 and 11 take ILEARN. This would help more teachers focus on providing a quality education instead of administering a test.
Over the past year, lawmakers have heard from many parents concerned about divisive topics being discussed and taught in classrooms. It's important they know what their children are learning. I will look at legislation making it easier for parents to access curriculum materials for their children's schools so they can make informed decisions about where to enroll them, as well as give them the option to opt out of certain educational activities and lesson plans. Requiring school corporations to form a curricular materials advisory committee that includes parents, teachers and community members is also under consideration.
Another bill would provide employer liability and worker's compensation insurance to encourage more businesses to offer youth apprenticeships, and career and technical education programs for students. These programs provide invaluable experience to Hoosier students, allowing them to earn and learn while also helping businesses increase their talent pipeline and close skills gaps.
Legislation I authored would establish education enrichment accounts for students whose ILEARN scores have dropped below proficiency standards because of learning loss caused by the pandemic. Families could use these grants to help pay for tutoring or learning materials to help their children get back on track academically.
As we consider these and many other topics, it's important for Hoosiers to be engaged in the legislative process so lawmakers can make the most informed decisions. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about legislation being considered this session, and watch committee meetings and session hearings. You can reach me at h91@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9648 to share input or seek additional information. You can also sign up to receive my e-newsletters by visiting in.gov/h91 and entering your email address.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve House District 91. I look forward to working hard for our community.
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State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
