Portage schools to expand pre-kindergarten program

PORTAGE | The Portage Township School Board approved spending $20,000 to expand its pre-kindergarten program into all eight elementary schools this coming school year.

Senate committee shrinks voucher expansion plan

INDIANAPOLIS | A Senate panel scaled back a House-approved expansion of Indiana's private school voucher program Thursday by keeping most current eligibility requirements and only slightly increasing the value of a voucher.

Lake Station schools to hold kindergarten pre-enrollment Feb. 25 to March 1

LAKE STATION | The Lake Station Community Schools are announcing dates for pre-enrollment of next year's kindergarten students.

DOUG ROSS: Pre-K builds bridge between Obama, Pence

President Barack Obama spoke of building bridges during his State of the Union address Tuesday, which ought to be popular in Northwest Indiana.

PNC 7th annual Early Childhood Conference set for April 20

WESTVILLE | The Purdue University North Central annual Early Childhood Conference, "Local G.E.M.S., guide, educate, motivate and support" will be April 20.

House education panel OKs voucher expansion, preschool funding

INDIANAPOLIS | Two education proposals backed by Gov. Mike Pence that would expand eligibility for Indiana's private school voucher program and extend state voucher funding to pre-kindergarten students were approved Thursday by a House committee.

Hobart Parents as Teachers showcases preschools Feb. 7

HOBART | Parents as Teachers will present the Showcase of Preschools from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 at George Earle School, 400 N. Wilson St.

The Daily Fix

Offering perspectives on today's issues

GUEST COMMENTARY: Dems' views on education merit consideration

As the House Democratic members of the Education Committee, we are privileged to serve as the standard-bearer for new Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz.

EDITORIAL: Early childhood education requires attention

For the most part, the best advice for education reform is to sit back and wait for the results of recently enacted reforms to become clear. There's an exception, though.

Indiana Legislature to get back to work

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana General Assembly will convene Tuesday for its 118th session, a one-day mostly ceremonial meeting where lawmakers will swear their oaths of office and take their seats in the House and Senate chambers for the first time.

ANDREA NEAL: Reading 20 minutes a day is reform that works

Before lawmakers throw money at the thorny issue of early-childhood education they should consider an experiment in Richmond aimed at getting parents to read to their children daily.

GOP introduces Statehouse agenda

INDIANAPOLIS | House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, announced Thursday a Republican governing agenda focused on jobs and education, but he also said legislation on social issues, such as abortion and gay marriage, will likely be heard during the 2013 legislative session.

The Daily Fix

Offering perspective on today's issues

Gregg seeks prekindergarten classes, child care tax credit

INDIANAPOLIS | Democrat John Gregg on Thursday pledged to launch a state-funded prekindergarten program and provide Indiana parents a child care tax credit, if he's elected governor.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Early direction needed for tomorrow's workforce

Earlier this year, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce unveiled its new long-range economic development plan called Indiana Vision 2025. The plan’s ambitious goal is to make our state an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

Many new state laws take effect Sunday

INDIANAPOLIS | The Republican-controlled Indiana General Assembly approved and Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels signed 161 bills into law this year. Most take effect Sunday.

Center for Possibilities inclusion camp blends youngsters with, without disabilities

HOBART | Michelle Higel's daughter was born at 25 weeks and weighed less than 2 pounds when doctors told the family a brain hemorrhage may have left her with severe disabilities.

PSC approved for Gateways to Opportunitiy credentials

CHICAGO HEIGHTS | Prairie State College recently received approval as a Gateways to Opportunity Entitled Institution for Early Childhood Education Credential Levels 2-4 and Infant Toddler Credential Level 2.

Daniels signs early education study into law

State Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, left, shakes hands with Gov. Mitch Daniels after he signed into law her proposal requiring that the Indiana Education Roundtable study the state's early childhood education programs. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett looks on.