Education, both in and outside the classroom, has been a constant theme this session. In the legislature, we are always looking into ways to enrich the lives of Hoosier students. Some of these approaches include classes and extracurricular activities to develop important skills. These education opportunities are valuable for our students, our community and our state.
I recently spoke at the Arrowhead FIRST Tech Challenge qualifying tournament at North Miami High School. This program focuses on science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM education, and emphasizes “gracious professionalism.” The tournament brought together 32 teams from schools across Indiana to participate in a robotics competition. Kudos to Kirby and Tara Lane for organizing such a large event, and congratulations to the North Miami WarriorTech team for winning their event and setting the record for second-highest score in the world.
At the Statehouse this week, it was a privilege to meet with teachers from North Miami, Peru, Logansport, Maconaquah and Pioneer school corporations. We discussed the need for increased teacher pay and decreased regulations on our public schools. These conversations were productive, and I think progress is being made in the legislature toward both of those goals.
There are also two education related bills I am excited to be involved with. I co-authored House Bill 1224, to establish a pilot project to connect students and senior citizens in three types of Indiana schools: urban, suburban and rural. This program would help foster positive youth development and strong relationships between students and volunteers at least 55 years old. I am fortunate to have all my grandparents in my life, and understand the powerful influence a supportive adult can have on growing youth. This is especially true when a child may not have anyone else around to provide guidance. I hope the pilot program succeeds and we can expand it in the future.
Another proposal, House Bill 1628, would expand the availability of On My Way Pre-K grants. On My Way Pre-K is a pilot program providing grants to 4-year-olds from low-income families to enroll in a high-quality preschool program. Students who do not attend pre-K often enter school developmentally behind their peers, and unfortunately those from low-income families are less likely to have access to a decent early education program. Currently, families must live in 1 of 20 counties throughout the state to apply for a grant. However, this legislation would allow high-quality pre-K providers in any county to apply for funding so more Hoosiers children can establish a solid academic foundation earlier in life.
Both these bills passed through the House with bipartisan support. That’s all for this week. As always: Remember, it’s your state government, so participate in it!
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Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Denver) represents House District 23, which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
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