Indianapolis

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

Victim of Early Morning East Side Crash Identified

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:46:10 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The driver and sole occupant of the 2003 Ford Mustang involved in the three vehicle crash shortly after 2:00 a.m. this morning has been identified as Amber Hurst, 22, of Greenfield, Indiana and her immediate family has been notified. The crash occurred on southbound I-465 near the 40 mile marker on the east side of Indianapolis and involved Hurst's Mustang and two semi-tractor trailers.

Preliminary investigation has determined Hurst was driving her silver 2003 Ford Mustang southbound in the left lane of I-465 near the 40 mile-marker lane when her vehicle struck the rear end of a green 2007 Peterbuilt tractor trailer being driven by Charles L. Dixon, 43, of Richwood, OH. After striking Dixon's semi Hurst's vehicle swerved right and struck a gray 2003 Freightliner tractor trailer being driven by Christopher D. Henderson, 33, of Indianapolis, IN.

After the second impact Hurst's vehicle rolled over and Hurst, who was not wearing her seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner M. Willis of the Marion County Coroner's Office. Dixon and Henderson were wearing seatbelts and were not injured. All southbound lanes of I-465 were closed for approximately three hours while officers investigated the crash.

Investigating Officer: Trooper Brandon Trinkel

Assisting Officers: Troopers Benjamin Cook, David Salley and Sergeant Greg Anslow

Assisting Agencies: Indiana Department of Transportation, Marion County Coroners Office, Castleton Fire Department and Lawrence Fire Department

State Health Department Releases Medical Error Report

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:55:45 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Indiana State Department of Health today released the annual report of the Medical Error Reporting System (MERS), which includes reported events for calendar year 2007. The report is designed to provide reliable data on medical errors and improve patient safety. According to the data, 105 medical errors were reported for 2007 with 101 events occurring at hospitals and 4 events occurring at ambulatory surgery centers.

"MERS is a valuable tool to help improve patient safety," said State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. "The data we get from this report will help reduce the frequency of medical errors by promoting awareness of patient safety, revealing causes of medical errors, and identifying statewide trends."

According to the 2007 report, 27 of the 105 reported events were stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers acquired after admission to the facility. Other reported events include:

24 events of retention of a foreign object in a patient after surgery;
23 events of surgery performed on the wrong body part; and
31 events fell in the remaining 24 categories, which can be found in the 2007 MERS report on the State Department of Health Web site at: www.statehealth.IN.gov by clicking on "Medical Errors Reporting System."

Health officials say pressure ulcers are an example of a system-based problem. It is not uncommon for a pressure ulcer to develop in one facility and become worse or treated in another facility. Reducing pressure ulcers requires close care coordination between facilities and frequent thorough care assessments. Dr. Monroe says the State Department of Health has already taken the following steps to address the pressure ulcer problem:

Developed and implemented the Indiana Health Care Quality Initiative - Pressure Ulcer Reduction Campaign, an 18-month collaboration among the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community, provider associations and advocacy groups to provide a systems-based approach to reducing pressure ulcers. The program provides education, training, and technical assistance to 150 health care facilities and agencies on best practices and systems for the prevention of pressure ulcers.
Provided an alternating pressure, low air loss mattress and four pressure-reducing wheelchair cushions to every nursing home in the state;
Held a conference in October 2007 for 1167 health care providers with national presenters on pressure ulcer reduction initiatives and experts discussing best practices for ulcer prevention and treatment.

MERS requires hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, abortion clinics, and birthing centers to report to the Indiana State Department of Health any of 27 reportable events in the following categories: surgical, products or devices, patient protection, care management, environmental and criminal.

Each facility is required to report the event, as well as the facility where the event occurred, and the quarter and calendar year of the event. MERS only collects data on the number and category of reported events. It does not collect specific information about the event; distinguish between events that result in death and serious disability; events that result in less than death or serious disability; "near misses;" and root cause analysis.

Source: ISDH Press Release

Gubernatorial Candidates Highlight Indianapolis Chamber’s HobNob: Meet the Candidates

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:45:13 -0700

NDIANAPOLIS, IN - All three Indiana gubernatorial candidates—Governor Mitch Daniels, Democrat Jill Long Thompson and Libertarian Andy Horning—are slated to appear at the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce’s eighth annual HobNob: Meet the Candidates, on Thursday, September 4 at the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.

“The Indianapolis Chamber has historically been the voice for business as well as the larger community within city-county government and at the Statehouse,” said Indianapolis Chamber President Roland Dorson. “We offer HobNob annually because democracy is not a spectator sport and we believe it’s necessary to give business leaders and citizens an opportunity to meet the candidates in a nonpartisan atmosphere.”

NEW THIS YEAR, Howey Politics Indiana will release its third of four Howey Gauge Poll Results exclusively at HobNob. For more information on the Howey Gauge Poll, please visit HoweyPolitics.com.

What: HobNob: Meet the Candidates, presented by State Farm Insurance

When: 5 – 8 p.m., Thursday, September 4, 2008

Where: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

Presented by State Farm Insurance, HobNob is the premier political event in central Indiana, opening the region’s 2008 election season. Local business leaders, voters and members of the Indianapolis Chamber have an opportunity to interact one-on-one with candidates running for office.

In years past, HobNob proved to be a flashpoint for candidates for Marion County prosecutor and provided voters an early glimpse of Mayor Greg Ballard, who last year staged one of the biggest election upsets in Indiana political history.

Cost to attend HobNob is $10 for Chamber members and non-members. For more information go to IndyChamber.com and click on the HobNob banner.

Be informed. Be heard. Be there.

Source: Howey Politics Indiana 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

Indiana State Police Add Additional Commercial Vehicle Patrols for Labor Day Weekend

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:45:56 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division of the Indiana State Police will have extra inspectors patrolling Indiana highways this Labor Day holiday weekend. Troopers and Motor Carrier Inspectors will work extra hours above and beyond their normal shifts from August 29th to September 2nd.

Motor Carrier Inspectors (MCI’s) will focus their efforts on driver factors during this period. These factors include but are not limited to logbook violations, driver fatigue, and size and weight enforcement. A number of the MCI’s may choose to man the permanent scale facilities located along interstates routes in Indiana.

The troopers who participate in this project will be required to work either of two high crash areas. These areas have been identified by statistical data to be the areas with the highest incidence of commercial vehicle crashes. One of these areas is located in Marion and the surrounding counties of Hendricks, Hancock, Hamilton, Morgan, Boone, Johnson, and Shelby. The second area is located in the counties of Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart. The officers patrolling these areas will focus their efforts on crash causation factors such as following too close, improper/unsafe lane movement, disregarding automatic traffic signals, and driver fatigue. These factors have been statistically identified as the more prevalent causes of commercial vehicle crashes.

The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division will continue its proactive approach to gain voluntary compliance within the commercial vehicle industry through enforcement and education. If you observe reckless or dangerous driving, please call your nearest Indiana State Police post or dial 911 to report the incident.

Source: Indiana State Police

Engineering Firm to Expand Its Headquarters, Development Center in Indianapolis

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:03:22 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - High-tech equipment designer Jarrett Engineering announced on Friday, July 28, it will expand its headquarters and engineering center here, creating nearly 40 new jobs by 2012.

The company, which designs advanced manufacturing equipment and processes for manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace and pharmaceuticals industries, will invest more than $1.3 million to expand its engineering services and headquarters into an adjacent 7,000 square-feet of existing space at its 1011 North Pennsylvania Avenue facility.

"Jarrett Engineering is creating the kinds of high-tech jobs that contribute to our economic comeback. We're glad to see the company continuing to grow and investing in Indiana," said Governor Mitch Daniels.

Founded in 1962, Jarrett Engineering currently employs 40 associates at its downtown offices and will begin hiring additional design and engineering associates this summer to accommodate an increase in demand.

"In partnering with the IEDC, and being made aware of the opportunities available through them, Jarrett Engineering can continue our support of manufacturing and advance the field of mechanical engineering and design in this area," said Gregory Day, owner of Jarrett Engineering.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Jarrett Engineering up to $165,000 in performance-based tax credits and $60,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The City of Indianapolis will consider property tax abatement at the request of Indianapolis Economic Development Inc.

"This is another great announcement for the City of Indianapolis as we work to bring high-tech, high-paying jobs to Marion County," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "This is one more sign that Indianapolis is open for business and a great environment to create jobs."

Indiana's manufacturing industry was rated sixth in the nation and given an overall "A" grade, the highest ranking in the Midwest, according to Conexus Indiana's 2008 National Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card,. The report concluded that Indiana's manufacturing and logistics industries are "healthy vibrant and growing."

Source: IEDC Press Release