Indy Kids Winning fights for excellent education for all students. Education is an ever-changing landscape. Below are the articles that captured our readers’ attention the most, including an article published this week.

7. Bilingual teachers and staff deserve compensation for interpretation and translation services by Educator Barnes

A little over 10% of U.S. public school students are multilingual learners. Students’ families may not speak English or have limited English proficiency. This emphasizes the unintended consequence when bilingual staff are asked to translate documents or serve as an interpreter at meetings on top of their other job responsibilities. 

6. Indiana approves new high school diploma requirements: What does it look like? by Andrew Pillow

The Indiana State Board of Education approved new high school diploma requirements aimed at offering students more flexibility and alignment with their future goals. The updated diploma includes a base structure with minimum requirements for all students, along with optional “readiness seals” that reflect college, career, or military readiness. These seals, developed with various educational and business organizations, include options for honors, employment, and enlistment pathways. The class of 2029 will be the first class of students who will earn the new diploma.

5. Superintendent Dr. Nikki Woodson announces retirement from Washington Township by Educator Barnes

Dr. Nikki Woodson, superintendent of Washington Township Schools since 2011, will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Under her leadership, the district introduced the Elevate strategic plan, focusing on equitable achievement, though it has faced criticism for the achievement gap between Black and white students. Washington Township is now preparing to begin a search for her successor.

4. Sound Off: What we can learn from the failed attempts to block a girls-only STEM school by Educator Barnes

Educator Barnes wrote a poignant op-ed about the controversy surrounding a new STEM charter school for girls, backed by Paramount and the Girl Scouts of Indiana, which faced opposition from Washington Township parents and residents. 

3. Carrying the torch: Honoring Diane Lewis’ legacy through scholarship and service by Darius Lewis

Diane Lewis, a former foster child and mother of 11 who became a dedicated teacher, passed away in 2011 after battling stage four breast cancer. However, her legacy lives on through her family and their commitment to her values. In her honor, her family established a scholarship to support high school graduates in Lake County, Indiana, with the goal of helping students succeed and stay on the right path. The scholarship also serves to raise awareness for breast cancer.

2. From classroom to kitchen: Scotchy Jamaican Grill by Educator Barnes

Marlon Llewellyn, an educator and former school principal, ventured into the culinary world with his fast-casual restaurant concept, Scotchy Jamaican Grill. Inspired by his Jamaican heritage and family legacy. His goal is to open a chain of Scotchy Jamaican Grill locations across the Midwest, offering high-quality Jamaican cuisine. 

1. National Alliance of Black School Educators launches Indiana affiliate by Educator Barnes

A new statewide affiliate of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), called INABSE, was established in Indiana to support Black student achievement. The organization aims to address the academic challenges Black children face by focusing on professional development, resources, and community engagement. 

2024 was an exciting year, and we look forward to providing education coverage in 2025. 

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