The 2025 legislative session in Indiana has come to a close, leaving a lasting impact on the state’s education policy. While the changes may not be universally welcomed, they are a significant step forward for the state’s education system.
Key Education Bills
- SB 1: Property tax relief
- SB 143: Parental rights
- SB 146: Teacher compensation
- SB 255: Education matters — licensing, religious instruction, bullying
- SB 287: Partisan school board candidates
- SB 289: Nondiscrimination in employment and education
- SB 358: Various education matters — literacy, ESA rules
- SB 365: Education matters — outcome reports
- SB 366: Education matters — preschool requirements, school board vacancies, school transfer requirements
- SB 373: Education — summer school, Department of Education authority
- SB 442: Instruction concerning human sexuality
- SB 448: Higher education — degree and credential matters
- SB 482: Absenteeism
Reforms in Education Policy
* The state budget provides a 2% annual increase in funding for schools. * A universal school voucher program will begin next year. * The Indiana Department of Education has been working to improve its role in regulating and overseeing schools.
Changes to the Indiana State Education Code
The new state education code repeals and removes both expired and existing education statutes within Indiana code. Some notable points include:
| Provisions Removed | Description |
|---|---|
| Requirements for charter schools | Charter schools are no longer required to provide a non-charter school option for students. |
| Requirements for teacher preparation programs | Some requirements related to cultural competency and social emotional learning have been removed. |
| Requirements for school districts | Some requirements for school districts to offer a course studying ethnic and racial groups as an elective course have been removed. |
Changes to Teacher Education
The new state education code also includes provisions for teacher education. For example:
“Sometimes I have to do things I don’t necessarily want to do,” Raatz said in response to questioning from Democratic Sen. Greg Taylor, who authored the 2017 law about the racial and ethnic studies courses. “But bottom line is, we cannot as the state of Indiana … forgo a billion dollars in our education system.”
Legislative Wins and Losses
* The state budget provides a 2% annual increase in funding for schools.
Education Bills
- HB 1002: Deregulation
- HB 1041: Student eligibility in interscholastic sports
- HB 1064: School athletic events
- HB 1102: Contracting for preschool programs
- HB 1253: Child care changes
- HB 1285: Special education
- HB 1348: Private school and home school diplomas
- HB 1498: A-F Grades
- HB 1499: Literacy
- HB 1515: Education matters — Indianapolis Local Education Alliance, school facilities and transportation pilot programs, mastery based education, virtual students
- HB 1634: Math
Consequences of the Changes
* Schools will no longer be required to offer a course studying ethnic and racial groups as an elective course. * Some requirements related to cultural competency and social emotional learning have been removed. * The state budget provides a 2% annual increase in funding for schools.
Conclusion
The 2025 legislative session in Indiana has come to a close, leaving a lasting impact on the state’s education policy. As the state continues to evolve and grow, it will be important to monitor the effects of these changes and make adjustments as needed.
Sources
- Chalkbeat Indiana
- Indiana General Assembly
- U.S. Department of Education
- Office of the Indiana Secretary of Education
References
- Chalkbeat Indiana, “Indiana lawmakers pass education bills with controversial provisions”, Chalkbeat Indiana, February 2025.
- Indiana General Assembly, “HB 1002: Deregulation”, Indiana General Assembly, February 2025.
- U.S. Department of Education, “Dear Colleague Letter: Civil Rights Enforcement Guidance for Public Education Agencies”, U.S.
