Students across Indiana are preparing for the new school year, which brings several significant changes. A new state law mandates school districts to ban cell phones and similar devices during class time, with exceptions for educational use, emergencies, and health needs. The Indiana Department of Education is piloting a new checkpoint-based ILEARN testing format, aiming to provide more timely and actionable data throughout the year. Another new law requires schools and parents to address chronic absenteeism among younger students through meetings and supportive services. Starting in 2025-2026, stricter policies may result in more third-grade students being held back if they do not pass the IREAD-3 exam, with exemptions available for students with IEPs, English learners, and those passing the math section of the statewide test.
Cell Phones, Reading, State Testing: See What’s New as Indiana Students Head Back to School
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