IDOE releases second draft for state’s new accountability model

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Education is seeking public comment after it recently presented the second draft of the department’s proposed accountability model.

This comes after the department first released a draft of an updated accountability model in June. According to previous reports, the initial accountability model aligned it with the following five characteristics:

• Academic Mastery
• Career and Postsecondary Readiness: Credentials and Experiences
• Communication and Collaboration
• Work Ethic
• Civic, Financial and Digital Literacy.

Under the new model, an overall accountability rating for a school will be determined based on the average points generated by all students based on the following grading scale:

• A: 90-100
• B: 80-89
• C: 70-79
• D: 60-69
• F: 0-59

In a news release, the department said the second draft of the model incorporated stakeholder feedback with “a focus on preparing students for lifelong success, regardless of their path.”

“What makes this proposed accountability model so transformational is the intentional focus on each student’s individual needs and unique path,” said Katie Jenner, Indiana’s secretary of education. “As education evolves, this model represents our continued commitment to assessment and high expectations for all, while also incorporating a variety of skills and experiences that matter for a student’s future.

“The thoughtful feedback we have received from stakeholders across Indiana has helped to make the second draft even more clear and aligned,” Jenner continued. “Over the coming weeks, we will continue to prioritize feedback and solution-ideas to ensure the future of accountability in Indiana is truly student-centered and designed for Hoosiers, by Hoosiers.”

After the initial draft was presented, the department received more than 400 online comments and held several focus group discussions and an in-person public hearing. The feedback for the initial draft included:

• Additional indicators aligned to specific pathways
• Prioritizing proficiency while encouraging improvement through academic growth and skill development
• A model that provides a “clear roadmap for continuous improvement.”

The release said that the second draft incorporates new success indicators for the accountability model, including a “back on track” success indicator for 10th grade that “encourages continued focus on accelerating credit attainment for students who are off track” in 9th grade.

The new model also elevated the newly established diploma seals. According to previous reports, the department approved changes to the state’s high school diploma requirements in December 2024.

“The model prioritizes reading and math fundamentals, as well as opportunities for skill development, such as work-based learning and earning credentials of value in high school,” the release said. “This approach encourages schools to focus on improvement for all students, at all levels of proficiency, and ensures that each student’s knowledge, skills, and experiences are transparently reflected in a school’s accountability grade.”

Now that the second draft has been released, Indiana residents will have another opportunity to submit feedback online through Nov. 17. A public hearing will also be hosted at 11 a.m. on Nov. 17 in the history reference room of the Indiana State Library.

“All public comments, including those submitted via the (online form) and those shared at the public hearing, will be recorded and provided to (State Board of Education) members as part of the rulemaking process,” the release said.

Per state statute, the Indiana State Board of Education is required to adopt a final draft of the accountability rule utilizing an A-F grading scale by Dec. 31, 2025.