• WBST 92.1 FMMuncie
  • WBSB 89.5 FMAnderson
  • WBSW 90.9 FMMarion
  • WBSH 91.1 FMHagerstown / New Castle
Indiana Public Radio, a listener-supported service of Ball State University
Listen Live Online. Tap to open audio stream.

Heading Into Her Final Year In Office, State Schools Chief Releases 2020 Priorities

By Jeanie Lindsay, IPB News | Published on in Education, Government, Politics, Statewide News
State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick outlined her priorities for the Indiana Department of Education. (Lauren Chapman/IPB News)
State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick outlined her priorities for the Indiana Department of Education. (Lauren Chapman/IPB News)

The state’s schools chief has announced what she plans to prioritize during her final year in office.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick released her legislative agenda for the State Department of Education Thursday.

McCormick’s priorities include things like increased accountability for virtual and brick-and-mortar charter schools. She also plans to push for measures addressing student vaping, and streamlining how the state collects data from schools.

“Our 2020 legislative priorities build upon past successes with a focus on areas in which we can improve to better serve students and educators,” McCormick said in a statement. “Our goal remains to create safe learning environments that academically prepare students for life beyond high school through providing educators the tools necessary to be successful in the classroom. This has been the department’s focus since day one of my term. As Indiana’s last elected state superintendent, I will continue to advocate in the best interest of kids.”

Another core piece of McCormick’s plans for 2020 focus on teacher needs.

READ MORE: As More Schools Cancel Class, Here’s What Teachers Say They Want

Part of her teacher-based priorities include giving more special educators access to teacher bonus grants and making a new career awareness license rule optional.

And as the state grapples with how to handle ILEARN test results, McCormick plans to press for more school accountability work through the state board. The legislative session begins in January.

Contact Jeanie at jlindsa@iu.edu or follow her on Twitter at @jeanjeanielindz.