08/19/13 State Senator Randy Head realizes the significance as another school year kicks off. He said, “It’s important Indiana schools and students have the necessary tools to succeed.”
During the 2013 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed several laws to improve education for students from kindergarten to college. Senator Head highlighted some of the legislation:
Senate Enrolled Act 189 exempts schools with proven track records of success from certain state-mandated regulations so that great teachers and schools aren’t held back by red tape.
Senate Enrolled Act 345 establishes a legislative commission to develop statewide standards for the use of seclusion and restraint when students become aggressive in the classroom. All Indiana schools must implement a plan based on the commission’s standards by July 1, 2014.
Senate Enrolled Act 1 creates the Indiana Secured School Grant Fund, which provides matching grants for schools to improve security. School corporations can apply for these grants until Sept. 30.
House Enrolled Act 1312 allows students participating in college work study to gain valuable job experience in their areas of interest while making money for college.
House Enrolled Act 1348 incentivizes academic excellence and on-time college completion by increasing financial aid for students beginning college this fall. Additional financial aid will be available for: Freshman who graduated with academic honors or technical honors, students in their second year of later who maintain 3.0 GPA and for students who complete 39 credit hours in their first two years, putting them on pace to graduate early.
Senator Head said, “Hoosier students spend a significant portion of their young lives in school, and they deserve the best. Focusing on making schools more successful, secure and affordable will help Indiana achieve this goal.”
