Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools recently issued the following announcement.

On Feb. 28, IPS and members of the district’s Rebuilding Stronger Reorganization Committee kicked off the first meeting of Phase 2 of the Rebuilding Stronger Initiative. The meeting was held at Arlington Middle School.

After introductions, committee members and the IPS administration and Board:

• Shared one word that describes the future of the district we’re trying to create
• Watched the documentary “Attucks: The School That Opened a City”
• Reviewed some of the district’s data
• Shared questions they would like answered to help inform reorganization planning  

Highlights from Meeting 1

One Word Descriptions

Using one word, committee members described the district we aspire to co-create together:

• Inclusive
• Enduring
• Excellence
• Revitalized
• Linguistically Responsive
• Equitable
• Resilient
• Innovative
• Successful
• Strong
• Stronger
• Transformative
• Competitive
• Unapologetic
• Opportunity
• Responsive
• Accessible
• Equitable
• Responsibility
• Thriving
• Vigor
• Sustainable
• Grit
• Game Changing
• Just
• High Performing
• Amazing
• Passionate
• Collaborative
• Exceptional
• Determined
• Inspiring
• Stewardship
• Innovative
• Unlimited
• Legendary
• Parent Power
• Persevere
• Vigorous
• Triumphant
• Teamwork
• Opportunities
• Indispensable

Reflections from “Attucks: The School That Opened a City”

Committee members shared the following reflections after watching the documentary, “Attucks: The School That Opened a City.” The documentary shows the unfiltered history of IPS.

Reflections included:

• “As I listened to the dates being shared, I realized this story, this trauma has impacted three generations of my family: my mom, me and now my kids.”
• “My family had to be dishonest and disruptive so I could attend the school we wanted that was closest to where we lived.”
• “I could have walked to Arlington, but was instead bussed to the suburbs.”
• “I was not aware that the IPS School Board was consumed by the Ku Klux Klan. I thought they were an outside force. They were instead part of the system.”
• “I think this all happened a long time ago, but in fact it was not very long ago. My parents were removed by police from a school that was within walking distance.”
• “Because of the impact of interstate, my grandparents lost their home and business.”
• “IPS had been desegregated then resegregated. Shows how quickly we can go backwards, especially now in light of current legislation. We must keep fighting.”
• “Causes related to living conditions: not enough care, not enough concern, not enough courage.”
• “(The documentary is) timely, given House Bill 1134. It did not pass, thankfully.”
• “Importance of teaching the unvarnished and full truth and history. Some of my history has been white washed. Accurate history is important.”
• “Important to ask ourselves: What has NOT changed?”
• “A letter from a parent sparked something — locally and nationally.”

Inquiring Minds

Before the meeting ended, committee members shared questions they like answered to inform reorganization planning. Questions will be answered during upcoming meetings.

Questions included:

• How many/what percentage of the facilities are severely under enrolled?
• How is IPS monitoring proficiency across schools/subgroups?
• Are there plans to set/adjust Board goals (50% ILEARN pass rate) seeing as though the Board set these prior to the release of ILEARN?
• What percentage of teachers received satisfactory ratings from the 2020–21 school year?
• What percentage of leaders received satisfactory ratings from the 2020–21 school year?
• What percentage of IPS school buildings have low enrollment? How low is low?
• Do we have data on college completion for IPS graduates? Please disaggregate by race, school, ELL, SPED, and other relevant demographics.
• Which IPS and Innovation Network schools are the most expensive (per pupil) to operate and why?
• What are the choice versus neighborhood parent communication strategies?
• What is the facility comparison with neighborhood versus choice schools?
• Is another referendum possible for an increase in funding?
• What are the technology compatibility phases?
• Does the ILEARN data include Innovation schools?
• What is the composite score rating?
• Will IPS be able to actually fund an equitable education and experience for all scholars?
• What is the impact of the IndyGo partnership on students? Is it a good idea?
• Does the student experience include all students connected to IPS (Innovation and all others in partnership)?

Original source can be found here.