Suellen Reed

INShape Indiana Focuses on School Wellness

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:45:38 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Educators, public health advocates, and members of the business community were in attendance at the fourth annual INShape Indiana Health Summit Wednesday October 15, 2008 at Indiana University in Bloomington. "Healthy Schools, Healthy Indiana," this year's theme, focused on improving the health of Indiana's students and school employees.

Governor Mitch Daniels made opening remarks at the Summit. He was joined by State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D.; Karen Hanson, Provost & Executive Vice President for Indiana University, Bloomington; Robert M. Goodman, Ph.D., Dean of the Indiana University School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation; and Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed (via video presentation).

"Schools are another place we can reach people wholesale, which makes the theme of today's summit so appropriate," said Gov. Daniels. "This summit can be one of the most productive things we do if we find things that work on a broad scale. The success we've had so far is satisfying in its way, but we want to see those needles which are barely tilting towards the positive go in a great and bold direction."

Featured national speakers were Gene R. Carter, executive director for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and Howell Wechsler, director of the Division of Adolescent & School Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Following opening remarks, the Summit's presentations included:

· "The Learning Compact Redefined: A Call to Action;"
· "National Means and Resources to Improve Indiana School Health Programs;"
· "Improving the Health of Indiana School Teachers, Administrators and Employees;"
· "How to Build a Health Promoting School: Two Indiana School Districts;"
· "Various Resources to Help Build Health Promoting Schools;"
· "Healthy Kids Make Healthy Results: Solutions & Tools for the Greater Community;" and
· "Can We Improve the Health and Education of Indiana School Students?"

"Healthy children learn better and healthy school employees are more productive," said Dr. Monroe. "However, schools cannot do it alone. They need the support of their communities, including parents, health care providers, community organizations, and businesses.

"My first call to action is for parents, businesses, faith-based organizations, health care providers, and other community organizations to contact the Coordinated School Health Advisory Council for your local school corporation and find out what you can do to promote school wellness, both for students and school employees," said Dr. Monroe.

According to the 2007 Youth Risk Behaviors Survey, high school students in Indiana showed an increase in the percentage of students who were physically active and a decrease in the amount of television being watched. However, the same health survey showed a greater percentage of Indiana's high school students are overweight than the national average. The same was true for the percentage who reported having used tobacco.

"We have seen some positive changes in the habits of young people in our state recently, but clearly there is still work to be done," said Dr. Reed. "Physical activity in adolescents has consistently been related to higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of anxiety and stress - each of which has been associated with better academic performance. Healthy students are healthy learners."

The 2008 INShape Indiana Health Summit at Indiana University was sponsored by platinum sponsor UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare (www.unitedhealthcare.com) provides a full spectrum of consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services to individuals, public sector employers and businesses of all sizes, including more than half of the Fortune 100 companies.

"We did not become a country of overweight Americans overnight," said Dr. Jeffrey Beardmore, medical director, UnitedHealthcare of Indiana. "It is crucial that we teach our children the right way to be as healthy as possible, and to do it for the right reasons. If they learn and adopt healthy habits early in life they are set up for healthier adulthood."

The Summit was also supported by gold sponsors Clarian Health and Kroger, silver sponsor IU Department of Kinesiology, and bronze sponsors Cook Medical and WFIU (103.7 FM).

"Indiana University Bloomington is delighted to host the 2008 INShape Indiana Health Summit," said Karen Hanson, provost & executive vice president, Indiana University Bloomington. "We're honored to welcome representatives of Indiana's state government and leading experts on health and education from around the nation. We hope the summit will mark the beginning of an ongoing partnership - between school systems, educators, students, parents, and communities - to promote the healthy habits that help young Hoosiers to be successful in school and life."

INShape Indiana also held summits in 2005, 2006, and 2007 focusing on disease prevention and improving health in Indiana.

Source: Indiana State Department of Health

Reed Encourages Hoosiers to Learn about State’s Energy Sources

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 13:45:48 -0700

Learn Green, Live Green focus for October: Indiana’s Energy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - According to the Energy Information Administration, Indiana ranks 8th in the nation in total energy usage. Because of this, and other alarming energy statistics, the Indiana Department of Education is encouraging Hoosiers to learn more about Indiana’s energy throughout October as part of the ongoing Learn Green, Live Green initiative.

“Learning about Indiana’s energy can help Hoosiers better conserve these resources and save ourselves money in the process,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed.

Alternative energy sources

Though Indiana ranks high for fossil fuel consumption, the state is an emerging leader in the production of alternative fuels. As one of the nation’s top corn-producing states (fifth in the nation), Indiana’s potential as an ethanol producer is growing. Combined production of Indiana ethanol plants currently operating and those under construction will exceed 1 billion gallons of ethanol annually, using approximately 390 million bushels of corn. Moreover, Indiana is the fourth largest soybean state with four biodiesel plants currently in operation.

Indiana also possesses viable wind resources scattered across the northern half of the state. Earl Park, located in Benton County, is home to Indiana’s first working wind farm which provides renewable energy that reduces total greenhouse gas emissions. To learn more about Indiana’s alternative energy sources, go online to www.doe.in.gov/green.

Randolph Eastern school makes conservation a priority

Union City Community High School is committed to teaching students about alternative energy sources through hands-on activities. Currently, the school, which is part of Randolph Eastern School Corporation, has a solar and wind electric system made up of eight solar panels and a 90-foot wind turbine.

Although the system currently produces less than one percent of the school’s electricity, it offers big opportunities for project-based learning activities that span multiple subject areas. Students are able to work with the system directly through monitoring data, predicting energy output and studying how carbon-free electricity helps cut down on harmful emissions. Students and staff agree that these lessons are proving effective.

“I didn’t know a whole lot about alternative energy until I took the environmental education course,” said Ali Gelhaus, senior. “Now, I love learning about it. It makes me feel good to know our school is doing something to help the environment.”

To learn more about the solar and wind system at Union City Community High School and what other schools across the state are doing to “go green,” visit www.doe.in.gov/green and click on the Spotlights link.

Keep up the ‘green’ work

Although this month’s focus is Indiana’s Energy, Hoosiers should take a look at all the other Learn Green, Live Green initiatives such as recycling, reducing waste, using renewable resources, choosing more environmentally friendly transportation and learning more about beneficial organisms. For more information on our past initiatives, visit www.doe.in.gov/green and click through the different months on each of the tabs or go to the Recycle Bin.

Learn Green, Live Green

Learn Green, Live Green is a year-long initiative, launched in January 2008, that is designed to help educators, students, parents and community members discover practical, cost-effective ways to model environmentally-responsible behavior both inside and outside of the classroom. The Learn Green, Live Green concept fits naturally with Indiana’s academic standards, local school curricula and student learning goals at each grade level. Local participation is completely voluntary.

Each month in 2008, the Indiana Department of Education spotlights a different aspect of the issue through an interactive Web site, www.doe.in.gov/green, while offering a variety of related resources for schools and communities.

Source: Indiana DOE

Garden City Elementary’s Nicole Law named Milken National Educator

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 03:45:32 -0700

Indianapolis teacher receives $25,000 Milken educator award

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The life of one Indianapolis educator changed dramatically this morning when she became $25,000 richer. Nicole Law, principal of Garden City Elementary in MSD of Wayne Township, received a $25,000 National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation (MFF) in a surprise schoolwide assembly hosted by Dr. Suellen Reed, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Dr. Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of Milken Family Foundation.

“We are proud to recognize this outstanding Hoosier educator for her achievements,” Reed said. “Nicole Law is an excellent example of how dedicated school professionals can truly make a difference in ensuring our students succeed.”

Called the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher Magazine, the Milken National Educator Awards were conceived by Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder, to recognize the importance of outstanding educators and encourage talented young people to enter teaching. Indiana has received $1.3 million in awards from the MFF over the past 17 years. Indiana is the first state to kick-off the nationwide announcements.

Law has 13 years of experience with six of those in administration.

In a letter recommending Law, Mary Ann Dewan, Assistant Superintendent of MSD of Wayne Township, said, “Nicole embraces the diversity of her school, looks beyond the poverty to the potential and has created a school environment in which all students can achieve at high levels.”

Active in 48 states and the District of Columbia, the Milken Educator Awards have grown to become the nation’s largest teacher recognition program. Since 1987, over $60 million has been awarded to more than 2,300 educators. Each recipient receives a $25,000 check in the spring at an awards ceremony held in Los Angeles, Calif., during a professional development conference with new and past winners. Recipients are able to use the money any way they choose.

“Nothing in America’s K-12 schools has more influence on student learning than the quality of the classroom teacher,” Lowell Milken said. “Highly effective teachers are the bedrock in constructing a world-class education system that meets our challenges and opportunities in this 21st century. It is a national imperative that we attract, retain and motivate people of talent to the profession. America’s prosperity depends on it.”

Candidates for the Milken Educator Awards are selected on the basis of the following criteria:

Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
Strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.

Unlike most teaching awards, the Milken Educator Awards have no formal nomination or application process. Educators are recommended without their knowledge by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state’s department of education. Each year exceptional teachers, principals and specialists are stunned with the news of their awards.

Source: Indiana Department of Education

Eight Indiana Schools Receive National Blue Ribbon Award

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:46:04 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Eight Indiana schools were named Blue Ribbon Schools today by the U.S. Department of Education. The No Child Left Behind–Blue Ribbon Schools awards honor K-12 schools that either make significant gains in closing the achievement gap or demonstrate academic superiority in their states.

“Indiana schools are working hard every day to raise student achievement,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed. “Earning the national Blue Ribbon honor is a fitting tribute to the ongoing efforts of the Hoosier students and educators at these schools.”

Blue Ribbon schools are selected based on one of two criteria (Indiana winners listed below each):

1) Indiana schools with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students that have dramatically improved student achievement:

· Liberty Park Elementary School, MSD Warren Township, Indianapolis
· Rousseau McClellan School 91, Indianapolis Public Schools, Indianapolis
· St. Casimir School, Diocese of Gary, Hammond

2) Indiana schools in the top 10 percent of the state with fewer than 40 percent disadvantaged students:

· Centerton Elementary School, MSD Martinsville Schools, Martinsville
· Christ the King School, Diocese of Fort Wayne, South Bend
· Hazel Dell Elementary School, Noblesville Schools, Noblesville
· Signature School Inc., Evansville
· Union Township Middle School, Union Township School Corporation, Valparaiso

Indiana’s eight Blue Ribbon Schools were among 320 schools honored nationally this year. The U.S. Department of Education determines how many schools in each state are eligible to receive the award based on the total number of K-12 students and schools in that state.

For the past 26 years, this prestigious program has honored more than 5,800 of America’s most successful schools. The 2008 winners will be honored at an awards ceremony hosted by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings in Washington, D.C. on October 20-21. A complete list of 2008 Blue Ribbon Schools is available online at www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.

Source: Indiana DOE

Reed asks Hoosiers to be more ‘water wise’ in September

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 9 Sep 2008 18:45:23 -0700

Learn Green, Live Green focus for September: H2Know: Water Conservation

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Precious little freshwater exists. Did you know that if the entire world’s water were to fit into a gallon jug, the amount of freshwater would be just one tablespoon full?

Every day, each North American uses 50 to 70 gallons of water indoors and about the same amount outdoors, depending on the season. In contrast, the average person in the developing world uses approximately 2.6 gallons each day. Startling numbers such as these underscore the importance of Indiana’s Learn Green, Live Green focus for September: H2Know: Water Conservation.

“We all need to be more water wise in our daily lives,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed. “That means not only conserving the amount of water we use but also doing our part to preserve the quality of water for future generations.”

Water conservation

When most people think about water conservation, quantity first comes to mind. However, water quality is equally important. There are simple things Hoosiers can do every day at home, at school and at work to become more water wise and truly make a difference. Go online to www.doe.in.gov/green for tips, fun facts, school projects, reading lists and much more.

Saint Joe’s Riverdale Elementary committed to outdoor education

Riverdale Elementary students in Saint Joe have a unique classroom – the outdoors. When the weather is nice, students study nature up close along the St. Joseph River Greenway, a 1.3-mile paved walkway along the St. Joseph River in DeKalb County.

The Greenway is a seven-year collaborative effort between the DeKalb County Eastern School District and the community of Saint Joe. It features outdoor classrooms, bird houses, trees and even wetlands; making science, environmental education and water conservation efforts come to life for the students.

“This is a great resource for the whole community,” said Brennen Kitchen, principal at Riverdale Elementary School. “The kids are proud of it, and the community is proud of it. The town board has even stepped in to provide resources.”

To learn more about the St. Joseph River Greenway in Saint Joe and what other schools across the state are doing to “go green,” visit www.doe.in.gov/green and click on the Spotlights link.

Keep up the ‘green’ work

Although this month’s focus is water conservation, Hoosiers should take a look at all the other Learn Green, Live Green initiatives such as recycling, reducing waste, using renewable resources, choosing more environmentally friendly transportation and learning more about beneficial organisms. For more information on our past initiatives, visit www.doe.in.gov/green and click through the different months on each of the tabs or go to the Recycle Bin.

Learn Green, Live Green

Source: Indiana DOE

Reed encourages students, families to get ready for ISTEP+

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 8 Sep 2008 13:45:30 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - With ISTEP+ testing beginning at schools statewide next week, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed encourages Hoosier families to do their part to help students prepare. Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (or ISTEP+) begins September 15, so be sure to check with your school for local testing dates within the statewide September 15-26 window.

“ISTEP+ shows us what Indiana students know and are able to do, and families can follow some simple steps now to make sure our students are prepared to do their best,” Reed said.

Based on Indiana’s Academic Standards, ISTEP+ provides a learning check-up designed to make sure students are on track and to identify which areas need improvement. The test includes multiple choice, short answer and essay questions covering English/language arts and mathematics at each grade level as well as science at grades 5 and 7.

High school Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE) testing will take place September 16-18. Incoming high school sophomores (class of 2011) will be the last group of students to take the current GQE that covers English and math skills through grade 9. Incoming freshmen (class of 2012) will be the first group of students to take the new GQE which consists of Algebra I and English 10 exams taken after students complete the corresponding course. For most students, that will be in late spring 2009. Visit www.doe.in.gov/istep for more details.

A solid academic foundation is essential to a successful future. ISTEP+ is designed to make sure Indiana students master the basic skills on their way to earning a high school diploma. If students don’t pass the test, that signals they need some extra help. Though the true preparation for ISTEP+ takes place throughout the entire year leading up to the test, students and families should follow the simple steps below to get ready for ISTEP+:

How can students get ready for ISTEP+?

Be prepared. Cramming for any test is never the best way to prepare. Keep up with your homework and ask your teachers for help when you need it.
Ask for help. If you’ve had trouble with ISTEP+ in the past, ask a teacher, counselor or parent about extra help now.
Review. In the weeks before your test, take it seriously when your teachers review important information.
Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed a little earlier so you get a good night’s sleep. Being well rested will give you an extra boost of energy for test day.
Have a good breakfast. Eat protein (eggs, meat, cheese, etc.), which will help you perform better than a sugary doughnut. Too much food can make you feel sleepy, so don’t overdo it.
Take a break. Get some exercise during your breaks or after school to keep your energy up.
Double-check your work. Get in the habit now of double-checking your work and proofreading your answers on homework to be ready to find mistakes on test days.

What can parents do to help students prepare for ISTEP+?

Stay connected. Cramming for a test rarely results in the type of learning that will stay with your child throughout his or her life. The best preparation is to provide consistent support for your child throughout his or her education.
Know what’s expected. Read Indiana’s Academic Standards (www.doe.in.gov/standards) so you know what your child should know and be able to do, reinforce these expectations at home and stay connected to your child’s academic performance throughout the year.
Check grades. Your son or daughter may say things are “fine” at school but don’t stop checking report cards, progress reports or, if available, your child’s online grades or class progress.
Talk to the teacher. Teachers know how hard students are working, how well they are behaving, quality of their homework and what areas need improvement. Collect e-mail addresses or phone numbers of all your child’s teachers and check in periodically.
Don’t buckle on homework. If your child is not studying at home, ask why, and double-check with teachers. It’s tough to hold the line, but making sure your child does his or her homework is important for academic success.
Ask for help. Students who are struggling in a particular class may need extra help after school or with a tutor. Find out from your school where you can go for help and make sure your student gets the help he or she needs. Catching a problem area now can make a big difference.
Go to parent meetings. Most schools offer parent nights or teacher/parent sessions that provide great information. Check your school’s calendar at the beginning of the year and plan to attend.
Get involved. Nothing will have a bigger impact on your student’s success than your involvement in his or her education.

SAT scores flat in Indiana, nationwide

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:46:04 -0700

State calls upon students to take rigorous courses seriously, urges schools to ensure rigorous curriculum and instruction

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SAT results released today revealed that scores for the high school class of 2008 remained relatively flat both nationally and in Indiana compared to a year ago. Indiana’s average score on the college entrance exam showed a one-point gain in math (508), a one-point drop in reading (496) and a two-point decrease in writing (481) for a combined score of 1485 (1487 in 2007). Nationally, average scores remained unchanged across the board in math (515), reading (502) and writing (494) for a combined score of 1511.

“Students who take advantage of challenging courses and related preparation opportunities perform better on the SAT and in college,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed said. “Indiana has made this a priority by requiring our rigorous Core 40 curriculum for all students, paying PSAT fees for all 10th graders, providing students customized SAT study plans and offering workshops to help educators analyze their students’ test results.

“Now the challenge is two-fold: students must take these opportunities seriously, and schools must use test data in making improvements to their curriculum and instructional practices.”

Performance gap narrows

The recent SAT results disrupt Indiana’s long-running trend of steady progress on the test for more than two decades. Despite the current decline, Indiana has gained 32 points since 1990 and narrowed the performance gap with the nation from 29 points to 13 points over that period.

Indiana’s average SAT score continues to trail the national average, which is primarily attributed to a greater proportion of Hoosier students taking the SAT (62 percent) than the U.S. as a whole (45 percent). SAT participation rates vary greatly from state-to-state – ranging from a high of 87 percent to a low of 3 percent – with scores generally decreasing as testing populations increase. Indiana ranks 10th out of the 22 states that test over 50 percent of their students (combined math and reading).

In contrast to Indiana’s SAT participation rate, about 22 percent of Hoosier students take the ACT, the nation’s other prominent college entrance exam. Indiana students scored above the national average on the ACT for the 18th consecutive year in 2008.

Preparation makes the difference

Indiana seniors taking academic “core” courses scored higher on the SAT in 2008 than those taking “non-core” courses. Hoosier seniors taking “core” courses recorded SAT scores of 516 in math, 504 in reading and 489 in writing. Conversely, SAT scores for Indiana seniors who took “non- core” classes scored 472, 482 and 456 respectively. The “core” curriculum outlined by SAT – four years or more of study in English and three years or more in mathematics, science and social science – corresponds very closely with Indiana’s Core 40 curriculum.

Additionally, Indiana students who took both the SAT and the PSAT earned average scores of 545 in math, 533 in reading and 521 in writing. These students vastly outperformed their peers who did not take both exams: 463 in math, 455 in reading and 435 in writing.

“We cannot discount the role of student accountability in improving Indiana’s SAT scores,” Reed said. “Students are responsible for taking advantage of the opportunities available to them, and parents must provide the essential support at home that ensures students succeed.”

Better preparation through Core 40

The state’s Core 40 curriculum became a graduation requirement for all incoming high school freshmen beginning in fall 2007. To graduate with less than Core 40, the student, the student’s parent or guardian and the student’s counselor (or another staff member who assists students in course selection) must meet to discuss the student’s progress and review the student’s career and course plan. The legislation also made Core 40 a minimum college admission requirement for the state’s public four-year universities beginning in fall 2011. Additionally, students must complete the Core 40 track to be eligible for higher education awards and scholarships.

National studies have shown that completing a rigorous course of academic study in high school is the best preparation for college and workforce success. Since Core 40 was established in 1994, the number of Indiana students completing the curriculum has continued to increase. More than 70 percent of Indiana’s graduating students earned a Core 40 or Academic Honors Diploma last year.

More information on the 2008 SAT results is available online at www.doe.in.gov/SAT or www.collegeboard.com. Visit www.doe.in.gov/core40 to learn more about the state’s Core 40 curriculum and diploma requirements.

Source: Press Release

Reed Announces 2009 Teacher of the Year Finalists

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:45:23 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - On Friday, August 22, 2008, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed announced 10 finalists for Indiana’s 2009 Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes outstanding teachers from the state’s public and accredited nonpublic schools.

“Teachers are working hard every day to improve student achievement,” Dr. Reed said. “These 10 individuals are among our best and the brightest, and their hard work and dedication represent a fitting tribute to the profession.”

The Teacher of the Year program is open to all licensed classroom teachers who intend to remain active in the teaching field. Nominations for the program are requested each year from all local school superintendents and accredited nonpublic school officials.

School officials are asked to nominate one teacher by submitting a portfolio in which the teacher's exceptional qualities and accomplishments are described by current and former students, colleagues, supervisors and friends from their communities.

Local school superintendents nominated 63 public and nonpublic educators as the 2009 Indiana Teacher of the Year. All nominees will be honored November 5, 2008, at the Hilton Indianapolis North at a dinner hosted by the Indiana Department of Education and the program's corporate sponsors – Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. and the Farm Bureau Insurance Companies.

The 10 finalists were selected based on criteria that include a concern for students, the ability to inspire learning and an ability and willingness to work cooperatively with colleagues. Each of the finalists will be interviewed on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 by a committee comprised of Indiana Department of Education personnel as well as external community and education leaders – including former teachers of the year.

The winner, who will be announced in mid-to-late September, will represent Indiana at the national Teacher of the Year competition in Washington, D.C., in the spring and receive prizes including $1,000 and a portfolio from Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., Farm Bureau Insurance Sabbatical/Higher Education Scholarship Opportunities, a framed certificate and an Indiana Teacher of the Year pin and ring.

The National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the ING Foundation, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers. Visit www.doe.in.gov/toy for more information.

Source: Indiana DOE Press Release

Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council gives Hoosier students voice in state policymaking

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:45:22 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Eighteen Hoosier youth are tackling major issues facing state and local governments as part of their appointment to the first Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council. Representing communities across Indiana, the students will advise state legislators on a variety of matters affecting Indiana youth and adults.

“The health of our democracy depends upon well-educated and actively involved citizens,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed. “This council gives young Hoosiers a unique opportunity to participate in government. What they learn through the experience will serve them well throughout their lives.”

Created earlier this year through House Enrolled Act 1162, legislators charged the council with focusing on 10 key social issues: education, employment, poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, foster care, emotional and physical health, safe environments for youth, increasing youth involvement in government and improving youth access to state and local services.

The council is one of 18 such groups nationally that put youth in a leadership and advisory role in state and local government. Appointed by state lawmakers and the governor, council members serve two-year terms with the possibility of serving a maximum of four years. Indiana’s current members include:

Danielle Nicole Lutton, Anderson
Kaylie Scherer, Bloomington
Sarah Kelsey, Crawfordsville
Justin D. Kingsolver, Fishers
John Jacquet, Forest
Lawrence Batiste, Gary
Vinchessica Gray, Gary
Lauren Howard, Indianapolis
Krystin Johnson, Indianapolis
Terry Majors, Indianapolis
Douglas Sprowl, Indianapolis
Wyatt Jackson, Milltown
Kaitlyn Walker, Mooresville
Cassady Palmer, Syracuse
Blake Louis Kleaving, Tell City
Mary Kathryn Etling, Terre Haute
Mary Elizabeth Roberts, West Terre Haute
Kyle Gough, Wolcottville

The students must submit a report to legislators with recommendations and findings related to these issues each November. Indiana Department of Education Legislative and Governmental Relations staffers Joel Hand and Kate Clark provide assistance to the newly formed team. The next council meeting will take place September 22 in Indianapolis.

Source: Indiana DOE Press Release