McCormick vowed to fight portrayals of public education as a boogeyman, as Indiana Republicans lean into support for school choice.

Supporters of the statute say it will help students by making sure they learn about a variety of viewpoints. Critics argue it will intimidate professors and make prospective teachers less prepared to run classrooms well.

Purdue Polytechnic High School Lab School offers personalized curriculum to around 20 students while getting support from the charter school network.

With federal pandemic aid for schools expiring, the schools say the additional operating funding would be crucial for students and staff.

Secretary of Education Katie Jenner said the goal is to identify which children need additional support in their early years.

There are some exceptions to the cell phone ban, like if a student needs it to manage their health or the device is part of their Individualized Education Program.

Big changes are ahead for schools, including more support for reading, stricter third grade retention rules, and cellphone bans.

House and Senate lawmakers removed a proposal to allow chaplains in public schools, but schools would still be required to release students for off-campus religious instruction.

A revised bill targeting absenteeism would require schools to prohibit habitually truant students from extracurricular activities, and would also impose a penalty on parents who make unproven allegations against teachers.