Mastery-based education pilot sent to governor — without option to suspend collective bargaining

Indiana lawmakers approved a measure that would, in part, allow schools that undergo a mastery-based pilot program to suspend certain state regulations. Some educators were concerned schools could suspend collective bargaining, but that provision was removed from HEA 1515.

The mastery-based pilot program is meant to help students fully understand subject matter before moving on to other topics. But the measure would allow schools to ignore what some of the bill’s critics said is unrelated code.

That includes things like individualized education programs for students with disabilities; teacher training on topics like abuse, neglect and suicide prevention; and teacher performance evaluations to name a few.

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Collective bargaining was originally included in that list, but was removed before final passage of the bill.

The measure’s advocates say suspending some regulations for schools that participate in the pilot will allow those schools to be more innovative with things like class sizes, collaborations and timing.

Kirsten is our education reporter. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @kirsten_adair.