Article on alleged Gary schools cheating is decried

Indiana Department of Education officials object to an article in the Sept. 30 Atlanta Journal-Constitution saying it ignored possible rampant cheating in Gary, and 82 other school districts, on the 2010 ISTEP-Plus test.

Researcher: Ind. education reforms not likely to improve achievement

A top education researcher at Indiana University says when the results of these reforms are analyzed in years to come, don't be surprised if student achievement is about the same as it was before the politicians shook up the system.

Bennett: Indiana leads nation in education reforms

INDIANAPOLIS | State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett plans to focus on school quality and student achievement following legislative victories that saw enactment of nearly every education reform measure he's sought.

School districts' ISTEP scores

This is a look at how Indiana's public school districts fared on the ISTEP+ exam. The Indiana Department of Education spreadsheet has been pared down to show just the percentage of students passing both the language arts and math portions of the test in 2010 and in 2011. The ranking (not pro…

Lake, Porter county schools show gains on ISTEP-Plus

Many schools in Lake and Porter counties showed gains on the state-mandated ISTEP-Plus exam given to students in third through eighth grade each spring.

Bennett doubts Ind. schools would cheat to improve test scores

INDIANAPOLIS | On the heels of a massive standardized test cheating scandal in Atlanta, Ga., state Superintendent Tony Bennett doubts Indiana school leaders would do anything similar to boost test scores.

Daniels signs teacher merit pay into law

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels took a victory lap Saturday celebrating passage of his entire education agenda during the 2011 legislative session.

'ISTEP Lady' offers advice

Elliott Elementary third-graders Melody Deering and Aidan Evans visit with the "ISTEP Lady" last week in preparation for the yearly standardized tests.

'ISTEP Lady' offers advice

Elliott Elementary third-grader Jack Stork pays attention as the "ISTEP Lady" hands out items and offers her test-taking tips before students take the annual ISTEP tests last week.

'ISTEP Lady' offers advice

MUNSTER | Students at Elliott Elementary School received a visit from the "ISTEP Lady" last week in preparation for the annual tests given to third-, fourth- and fifth-graders.

Lawmakers outraged at 'school voucher' question on ISTEP test

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana Department of Education is investigating a possible breach of ISTEP test security involving a question some state lawmakers say improperly promotes school vouchers.

College fair coming to high school

Westville and South Central high schools are sponsoring a college and career fair at the South Central, 9809 S. County Road 600 West in Union Mills.

Merrillville teachers lose weight for education

MERRILLVILLE | As Pierce Middle School teachers and staff get fit with their own version of "The Biggest Loser," students also are in training to prepare for ISTEP-Plus.

Tests show algebra, English, biology deficiencies

Local schools had mixed results on the 2010 End-of-Course Assessments in English, math and biology, but the schools on probation in Lake County continued to show dismal results. For some districts, English scores were higher than the other two categories. Several schools also scored a perfec…

Local, state leaders support Lake Ridge schools

CALUMET TWP. | Local and state leaders stood on the grassy knoll in front of Lake Ridge Schools building Thursday to support the district's teachers and the improvements made in ISTEP-Plus testing this spring.