The General Assembly is nearing the halfway point of the legislative session, with the House of Representatives hard at work considering proposals for new laws. Over the last several weeks, I received many emails and phone calls from community members in regards to several bills related to education.
I have always supported a parent’s right to choose the educational opportunity that best meets the needs of their child. Proposed legislation addresses children whose siblings are already using a choice scholarship or voucher to attend a nonpublic school.
Under current law, if one child qualifies for a voucher, their sibling also qualifies. However, if a family’s income increases before a younger sibling enters school, their voucher may be significantly reduced, or they may not qualify for one at all. Without this legislation, families could be put in a difficult position of having to choose between promotions at work and enrolling all of their children in a school that meets their needs. This proposal would ensure if one child receives a voucher to attend a nonpublic school, their sibling would also qualify for a voucher for the same amount.
No child should be excluded from any available academic opportunities, which is why I voted to allow students in foster care to fully participate in our school choice program.
Parents – whether biological, adoptive or foster – know what is best for their child. While foster care children automatically qualify financially for a voucher, they must meet other eligibility requirements, like attending On My Way Pre-K, being enrolled in a traditional public school for at least two semesters or having a sibling who receives a voucher. This can be complicated for a foster family to navigate and limit a child’s opportunity to succeed academically. Proposed legislation would allow students in foster care to receive a voucher to attend the school of their choice.
As the needs of young Hoosiers change and grow, educators and schools need to be prepared to address the challenges students face. But the needs of each school are unique. What works best for one community might not be appropriate for another.
A proposal currently working its way through the process would empower local schools to identify which education laws and requirements are unnecessarily burdensome, and apply for a waiver with the State Board of Education to lift certain state mandates. The SBOE would also evaluate Indiana’s current teacher training requirements and determine which ones can be streamlined or eliminated. This measure would ensure educators can remain focused on student learning, while still being appropriately prepared to handle any issues their class may face.
We are also looking at a 2019 law regarding 1 of 4 teacher licensure renewal options. For educators who elect to renew their license by developing a Professional Growth Plan and earning 90 points or hours over five years, 15 of those points are currently required to be related to their community’s workforce needs. While I believe this is a valuable opportunity for educators, I recognize this experience may not be relevant for every educator. Under proposed legislation, teachers would have the option of completing those 15 hours through workforce-related professional development, but it would no longer be required.
Much feedback from our community is also stemming from legislation that would attempt to penalize nonpublic schools with strong religious beliefs. This legislation has not received a hearing in the Senate, and I do not expect it to move forward.
As we reach the halfway point, the House will begin considering Senate bills, while the Senate considers our legislation. We must conclude our business before March 15. To stay up-to-date on the work being accomplished at the Statehouse, subscribe to my e-newsletter at www.in.gov/h58. I am also available to answer questions and receive feedback at h58@iga.in.gov or 317-234-9447.
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State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
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