Indy Standard

Gov. Eric Holcomb recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) aimed at improving math scores and boosting computer literacy and internet safety in Indiana's K-12 schools.

Behning, chair of the House Education Committee, noted that recent assessments show students in grades four and eight are trending lower in math proficiency compared to scores from 2019. Through House Enrolled Act 1243, the Indiana Department of Education will develop strategies to identify students early on who are falling behind in math and make recommendations for effective intervention.

"Just like with reading, math is a cornerstone to success in school and beyond," Behning said. "It's essential that we identify children who are falling behind academically sooner rather than later and provide the support that can help them get back on track."

The legislation will also require students beginning with the class of 2029 to pass a computer science course to graduate and gives school corporations the ability to include age-appropriate instruction on internet safety in their curriculum.

"Students need a basic understanding of how computers work and their capabilities in addressing problems and analyzing data," Behning said. "With how much time young Hoosiers spend online, and especially with social media, it's also important that they have the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from those seeking to do harm."

The internet safety portion of the law was motivated by the death of Evansville teen Mason Bogard, who died in 2019 after attempting a trending online challenge known as the "choking challenge."

For more information on HEA 1243, visit iga.in.gov.

State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91, which includes a portion of Marion County.

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