Education

A law set to take effect this year closes a loophole in how state statute deals with volunteer coaches at schools who commit felonies.

But the new measure doesn’t go as far as some lawmakers wanted.

Early learning programs in Indiana are improving in quality, but according to an annual report nearly two-thirds of children who might need care aren’t enrolled in them, and the state lacks a unified data system to help reach the most vulnerable children.

Thousands of teachers are starting the process of renewing their teaching licenses before a new law goes into effect that requires educators to learn more about workforce and career-related needs for their students and communities.

Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill into law this week that will fund adult high school diploma programs based on performance – not just enrollment. The requirements will affect programs across the state.

This year’s first round of school funding referenda includes 10 school corporations, with a handful of the schools asking voters for more funding for the first time.

The state is willing to send funding to schools even if they enroll some 4-year-olds in kindergarten at the start of the upcoming school year. Officials say it’s a small but important shift from a change lawmakers made during the 2018 session.