Indiana

McCormick emphasizes curriculum, accountability and teachers in Indiana education plan • Indiana Capital Chronicle

Published

1 year ago

August 29, 2024

McCormick emphasizes curriculum, accountability and teachers in Indiana education plan • Indiana Capital Chronicle

School accountability, teacher salary boosts and “academic freedom” are priorities on Jennifer McCormick’s education plan, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate announced on Thursday.

The former state public instruction superintendent, along with running mate Terry Goodin, said their platform largely intends to create more flexibility for K-12 administrators and educators to craft curriculum, while still ensuring academic rigor and accountability across both public and private schools.

The plan also guarantees that teachers would be paid at least $60,000 per year — an increase from the current $40,000 minimum.

“Obviously, education is my passion. It is also Terry’s passion. We believe in the power of education — not just for our kids — but for our families and our communities and the entire state. It’s also what empowers us as a nation,” McCormick said during a Thursday press call. “Too often in Indiana, we talk about the expense, because we are incredibly expensive, but we don’t talk about it as an investment, and it needs to be. … It’s not a K-12 isolation, it is a system of education.”

The costs of the proposal are unknown at this time.

Democrats outline education priorities

The McCormick-Goodin “Commonsense Education Plan” is broken down into five pillars: increased funding for early education; school accountability; teachers’ pay and bargaining rights; keeping partisan politics out of school curriculum decisions; and “re-establishing” a statewide emphasis on attaining post-high school education.

Specifically, the Democratic plan would expand “quality and affordable childcare to address Indiana’s childcare deserts.” The platform also seeks to guarantee universal pre-kindergarten education for all Hoosier families.

Democrat lieutenant governor candidate Terry Goodin speaks on the debate stage on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Although McCormick said the state is doing “a much better job” at expanding child care now than in years past, she emphasized that “we still have an enormous amount of Indiana” that does not have access to quality care.

“And with some of that childcare, too, we’re really struggling to find providers because of (low) wages,” she added.

The platform also promises to “protect the rights of students and parents” by establishing a “streamlined,” “consistent” and “transparent” accountability platform for all schools accepting public dollars. McCormick said the system seeks to ensure schools — public, private, urban, rural and so on — are all being held to the same academic and fiscal standards.

This would impact private schools receiving voucher dollars that currently don’t have to follow some of the same rules and regulations.

“We’re a school choice state, and there are no quality guardrails on that system,” she said. “And so in order to really do it in a way that makes sense and is fair to kids and families and our business industry — that’s relying on us getting this right — and taxpayers, there should be some accountability.”

“If we’re going to be a state of school choice, it needs to be parent choice and not school choice,” McCormick continued. “It also needs to be one that those quality guardrails are tight so parents at least know there’s some threshold that when you come into a school, that you do have some educated and trained teachers. What kind of curriculum you are following? What kind of fiscal responsibility are we following?”

McCormick and Goodin said they’ll also “champion” Indiana’s K-12 and post-high school instructors “by implementing policies to recruit and retain the best and brightest educators.” That means fighting for a minimum base salary of $60,000 for Hoosier teachers, and adjustments for veteran teachers’ salaries “to reflect their non-educator peers.”

When it comes to finding the funding for increased salaries, McCormick said “there are a lot of areas” in the state budget that “we just need to re-look at again.”

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“It’s about prioritizing,” she said, noting that her property tax relief plan, for example, “really offers some relief” and “tries to relieve some of the local dollars, which would also help with some of the expenses at the school level.”

The Democratic duo further promised to uphold teacher rights by “protecting the freedom of teacher unions to bargain for wages and benefits.” Mandates placed on educators and school boards will be reviewed, too — and where unnecessary or burdensome — those will be eliminated, McCormick said.

The plan additionally calls for “autonomy at the local level” to design a unique curriculum “that prepares students for the future they choose.” The Democratic nominee said that doesn’t mean lowering standards, though. Rather, it’s guarantee of “more flexibility.”

“Why should we have to go to the State Board of Education to beg them to address the needs of our kids?” McCormick asked. “We can still hold everyone accountable for certain thresholds and certain standards of performance, but allowing them to take care of the needs of their schools with the resources they are provided — given where they are located within the state of Indiana, and the partners they have access to and don’t have access to — only make sense. For too long, Indiana has said one size fits all.”

And when it comes to higher education, McCormick and Goodin said they intend to “celebrate, champion, protect, and better fund our higher education institutions and direct workforce development training programs.” That means ensuring resources are place for high schoolers to earn certifications they can use upon graduation, McCormick noted, in addition to maintaining and promoting clear paths towards college.

No specific GOP plan yet

McCormick was endorsed by the political action committee for the Indiana State Teachers Association — the state’s largest teachers union — earlier this year.

A former Republican, McCormick fell out of favor with the Indiana GOP while serving as state superintendent.

Republican governor candidate Mike Braun at a 2024 political event. (Nathan Gotsch/Fort Wayne Politics)

The Republican-controlled legislature — with approval from Gov. Eric Holcomb — eliminated the elected position and replaced it with a Secretary of Education, who is appointed by the governor.

McCormick switched sides to become a Democrat shortly after. She announced her campaign for governor in May 2023 and was the only gubernatorial candidate on the Democratic primary ballot in May.

Goodin, a former Indiana lawmaker and social conservative, was previously a teacher, assistant principal and public school superintendent at Crothersville Community Schools.

“I think, unfortunately, the other team, they look at education as a liability. But our team, the Democratic team, looks at it as an investment,” Goodin said Thursday. “We look at the state budget … over 50% of that budget goes to education. We’re looking at that as an investment that will make Indiana better going forward and into the future. And the folks on the other side say that it’s a waste of money, and that’s been proven in the policies that they’ve been trying to push for the last, three, four, five 10, years. ”

McCormick’s competitor, Republican Sen. Mike Braun, has yet to release a detailed education platform.

Braun’s campaign website emphasizes that while more than half of the state budget is spent on K-12 education, “far too many of our graduates are not prepared to enter the workforce or pursue a degree.”

The Republican candidate — a former school board member — “knows parents are the primary stakeholders in their children’s education and every family, regardless of income or zip code, should be able to enroll in a school of their choice and pursue a curriculum that prepares them for a career, college or the military,” Braun’s website continues.

Recently, he has additionally supported the state education department’s proposed overhaul of Indiana’s high school diplomas and graduation requirements, saying Hoosier education focuses too little on career readiness.

Libertarian Donald Rainwater is also running for governor.

He said he is troubled by McCormick’s focus on “expanding government control over our children and their educational opportunities. Rainwater supports expanding educational opportunities, including school choice.

“Let’s break down barriers, empower parents, and create a vibrant educational landscape,” he said. “By trusting families and respecting their choices, we build a stronger Indiana—one where every child’s potential is unlocked.”

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Music therapy research program helps Indiana residents recovering from opioid use disorder

Published

3 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

Music therapy research program helps Indiana residents recovering from opioid use disorder

A team of music therapy researchers at IU Indianapolis is partnering with Hoosier communities to help residents recover from chronic opioid use. The team is, from left, SJ Stuckenchneider, undergraduate research assistant; Kate Myers-Coffman, principal investigator; Caitlin Krater, co-investigator and study music therapist; and Shelby Schuller-Hsu, study project manager. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

A team of music therapy researchers at Indiana University Indianapolis is partnering with Hoosier communities to help residents recover from chronic opioid use. The team was recently awarded $310,000 through a State Opioid Response Grant from the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions. The funds will help the program expand, demonstrating IU’s leadership in finding innovative, effective solutions for addiction recovery and mental health across the Hoosier state.

In Marion County, the team led by Kate Myers-Coffman, visiting assistant professor of music therapy in the Herron School of Art and Design, has been building a music therapy protocol through a partnership with the Indianapolis Comprehensive Treatment Center, a state-funded outpatient opioid treatment facility.

The sessions are designed to train the brain to restore impulse control and reconnect with healthy sources of pleasure, like music and meditation, instead of relying on opioids. The Herron team’s research is the first in the U.S. to focus on how music therapy, paired with medication-assisted recovery, can help people who engage with recovery via outpatient clinics.

IU music therapy researcher Caitlin Krater plays the guitar during a music therapy session. The sessions are designed to train the brain ... IU researcher Caitlin Krater plays the guitar during a music therapy session. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Supporting Indiana communities

During the pilot phase of the study, 19 participants attended drop-in music therapy sessions at the Indianapolis Comprehensive Treatment Center over two eight-week periods. They later reported significant improvements in calmness, self-kindness, hopefulness and readiness to cope with stress.

“It gives me the opportunity to relax and focus on what I’m trying to do in my day,” said Ed Robinson, an Indianapolis resident who has regularly attended the center’s music therapy sessions for the past year and a half. “I never thought about music being a way for me to do that until now.”

Caitlin Krater leads a music therapy session at the Indianapolis Comprehensive Treatment Center, which specializes in outpatient opioid recovery. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

The new funding will help the current program expand, offering three 90-minute sessions per week rather than one 60-minute session. It will also help the program build relationships with additional clinics in high-need Indiana communities, including Kokomo and Charlestown, and pilot a program for Dove Recovery House, a residential recovery center for women.

“We partner with community clinics to find out how we could uniquely support the needs of the people who go there for care, and then we develop programming that’s tailored to them,” Myers-Coffman said.

Caitlin Krater, a board-certified music therapist and Ph.D. student, has been working on the research team since the study began. Krater is developing a separate protocol designed for pregnant or postpartum women in recovery, in addition to leading the music therapy sessions at the Indianapolis Comprehensive Treatment Center.

“There has historically been very limited research on music therapy embedded in outpatient opioid treatment programs, particularly in methadone clinic settings,” Krater said. “Most of the existing literature focuses on in-patient or residential contexts, so we are helping to fill an important gap.”

Participants improvise music during a music therapy session. Each instrument is tuned to allows everyone to play without worrying about the notes. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Medication assisted recovery is often necessary for chronic opioid users since they must wean themselves off of their body’s chemical dependence. Krater said medication assisted treatment is evidence-based and lifesaving, and for many people it is an essential part of stability, not a failure of recovery.

“This year, the state of Indiana passed legislation that increases access to medication assisted recovery,” Krater said. “Indiana has really been targeting the opioid epidemic, and the numbers are improving.”

Staying engaged in recovery is highly important for those struggling with opioid dependence. Krater said that finding coping mechanisms and systems of support outside of a clinical setting are essential for helping people stay engaged, which is what the team strives to provide.

Finding peace, practicing patience

“I find peace when I’m here,” Robinson said of the music therapy sessions. “I didn’t know what to expect, but this is one of the things that has kept me coming back, and it’s helped me not feel so ashamed.”

Robinson is a mechanic who recently took a leave of absence to undergo heart surgery. He said one of his favorite parts of music therapy is when Krater plays the monochord, an ancient string instrument that, when played in person, produces a deep, resonant tone that vibrates throughout the body.

Caitlin Krater, a music therapy researcher at IU Indianapolis, plays a monochord, an ancient string instrument. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Robinson said he has even started meditating in the mornings when he’s at home, humming or playing music to replicate the effects of the monochord.

After the hypnotic monochord session, Krater asks participants to choose from an assortment of instruments, including small tin drums, tambourines, maracas and wooden xylophones. Together, they play improvisationally as Krater strums a guitar. Each instrument is tuned to the C pentatonic scale, which allows everyone to play without worrying they will hit a “wrong” note.

Sometimes Krater will ask the group to share a word to guide their improvisational music session.

“It gives me the opportunity to relax and focus on what I’m trying to do in my day,” said Ed Robinson of Indianapolis, who has attended music therapy sessions for the past year and a half. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

“I heard patience,” Krater said during one session. “That’s a great one. Let’s start a little slow to be patient and then build it up.”

Several of the participants gathered to talk about patience after they played their instruments. They agreed that practicing patience is important for recovery, since opioid use hijacks the brain, diminishing impulse control. They said taking time to pause and reflect can often be the difference between using and not using opioids.

“For me, it gave me an opportunity to look inside and ask myself some questions because in the hustle and bustle of life, you don’t always get a chance to do that, and that’s how I found myself in this situation in the first place,” Robinson said.

He said he hopes that music therapy of this nature will become more widely available to those in recovery because it has helped him a great deal.

“I’ve never once felt judged coming to this whole entire program, but especially this music aspect,” Robinson said. “It’s made a big difference for me, and I appreciate it. I’d like to see it go on forever.”

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It’s been a predictably tough year for Indiana, even with Pascal Siakam playing like an All-Star

Published

16 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

It’s been a predictably tough year for Indiana, even with Pascal Siakam playing like an All-Star

Indiana’s Pascal Siakam went 1-on-1 against Boston’s Derrick White as time was running out, backed into him a couple of times near the foul line, spun into the lane and then watched his shot kiss off the backboard and fall for what became a game-winner.

For the Pacers, it was joy.

There hasn’t been much of that this season.

Monday night’s 98-96 victory over the Celtics — one where Boston coach Joe Mazzulla answered every question in his postgame news conference by saying “illegal screen” — sent Indiana’s record to just 9-31 on the season, still the worst in the Eastern Conference. And that’s even with the Pacers now on a three-game winning streak.

It’s a far cry from seven months ago, when Indiana was in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and fully believing it was about to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder for the title. Then Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in the first half, Myles Turner left in free agency and … well, everything is different.

Except, that is, for Siakam. He was an All-Star last season, his third selection to the league’s showcase game, and has even better numbers this season. And with the debut of another new All-Star format this season — U.S. vs. the World — the forward from Cameroon is hoping to get another invite.

“It’s going to be an honor if it happens,” Siakam said. “I’m not too focused on it. I just try to be the best player that I could be out there every single night. Some nights are going to be great. Some nights are not. But I just stick to the work and hopefully it comes with some accomplishments.”

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, right, works the ball inside against the defense of Boston Celtics guard Jordan Walsh, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Credit: AP/Doug McSchooler

Indiana coach Rick Carlisle has been campaigning. Siakam’s heroics on Monday night made it easy to keep it going.

“Just further makes the case for the All-Star team,” Carlisle said.

Siakam is averaging 23.5 points and 6.8 rebounds; only nine other players right now have numbers like that per game in both categories. It could be argued that he’s putting up those numbers for a team where he’s often the go-to option with Haliburton out for the year, and that’s fair. But Carlisle also points out that Siakam is leading by example, helping young players in new roles as the Pacers try to figure out who can best help them going forward.

“Pascal Siakam is one of the favorite players I’ve ever been around at any level,” Carlisle said. “He’s just amazing.”

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) drives to the basket... — Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Credit: AP/Nell Redmond

The Pacers beat Sacramento on Dec. 8 for what was their sixth win of the season and the 999th in Carlisle’s career as a head coach. The milestone celebration was looming. The Pacers went into the next game wondering if that would be the night. It wasn’t. They did the same the next game. Again, it wasn’t. And so on. And so on. And so on. They lost 13 in a row. Carlisle was stuck on 999 wins for a month. It was Jan. 8 when the streak was snapped and the celebration finally happened.

“It took way too long,” Siakam said. “Yeah, too long. I mean, I think it was great, obviously, because he’s an amazing coach. It’s a great honor for him. And again, we’ve been trying not to think about it too much, but obviously, we’ve lost a lot of games. There’s just too much losing for my liking and for the liking of the team. So, I’m glad that we got that out of the way and hopefully we don’t find ourselves in that situation ever again.”

The Pacers are 3-0 since that losing streak. Siakam — a champion with Toronto in 2019 — has no delusions about what the rest of the season may bring. Haliburton will be back next season and Indiana should be vastly improved. Siakam isn’t thinking about that yet, though. For now, it’s just about what happens each day, with this team, and this three-game streak is a reminder that work is paying off.

“Definitely one of the most challenging years for me, I think, on the court and also even emotionally,” Siakam said. “All I really want is to win. And I’ve been so used to being in a winning situation, so this situation, it’s hard. It’s tough.”

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National championship game predictions, picks, odds for Indiana vs Miami

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

Press Room

National championship game predictions, picks, odds for Indiana vs Miami

Indiana and Miami will face off in the national championship game in a matchup between unlikely foes.

The No. 1 Hoosiers (15-0), ranked No. 19 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, has dominated nearly everyone they’ve faced this season and are coming off a 56-22 win over Oregon and a 38-3 win over Alabama to reach the title game.

Meanwhile, the No. 10 Hurricanes (13-2) are amid an impressive run of their own. After nearly missing out on a College Football Playoff bid, Miami has upset Texas A&M on the road and taken down Ohio State and Ole Miss to set up a bout with Indiana.

The national championship game will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, where the Hurricanes play their home games. Indiana’s fan base has traveled in droves for its two CFP games, though.

Who’s going to come out on top? Here are the latest odds along with the matchups to watch in the national championship game.

Indiana vs Miami national championship game odds

Odds from BetMGM as of Jan. 12.

Indiana is favored against Miami in the 2025-26 national championship game. Here are the latest odds.

Spread: Indiana (-8.5)
Over/under: 48.5
Moneyline: Indiana -350 | Miami +270

National championship game Indiana vs Miami matchups to watch

Fernando Mendoza vs. Miami pass rush

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been outstanding in the CFP, with eight touchdowns to only five incompletions in two starts against Alabama and Oregon. Miami’s pass rush has been the most dominant in the CFP, though.

The Hurricanes are led by edge duo Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, both of which are projected first-round picks. The duo has 19 combined sacks this season, including 7.5 of which have come in the CFP. Defensive back Keionte Scott has also been a weapon defensively, with two sacks and a forced fumble against Texas A&M and a 72-yard pick-six against Ohio State.

Mendoza has rarely been sped up this season by an opposing defense, and Indiana’s offensive line has allowed 22 sacks this season. If Miami is able to win, it’s likely due to its best two defensive players causing havoc.

Can Carson Beck find success through the air?

Miami quarterback Carson Beck wasn’t asked to do much in wins against Texas A&M and Ohio State, passing for a combined 241 yards with two combined touchdowns. However, he was a huge reason the Hurricanes won against Ole Miss, as he passed for 268 yards with two touchdowns while rushing for a game-winning score in the final seconds of the game.

Beck will have to play similar to how he did against the Rebels against Indiana’s tough defense, which ranks No. 4 nationally in total defense (260.9 yards per game).

Beck, a sixth-year senior, might need to play one of his best games of his career against the Hoosiers, who pair two of the best offensive and defensive units in college football this season.

Indiana receivers vs. Miami secondary

Indiana’s trio of Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr. and Charlie Becker have been next-to impossible to stop in the CFP, and pose a huge challenge with their speed and length.

Sarratt, who stands 6-2, leads the country with 15 touchdown receptions this season and caught two scores against Oregon in the Peach Bowl. Cooper Jr. leads the team with 64 receptions for 866 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, and has been the Hoosiers’ best middle-of-the-field attacker.

Becker, the 6-4 sophomore, has emerged of late as Indiana’s best deep threat. He climbed the ladder for a 36-yard touchdown reception against Oregon, and has gains of 30, 36 and 51 yards in Indiana’s past three games.

Miami has been very solid against the pass this season, ranking No. 17 nationally allowing a passing efficiency of 114.70.

Indiana vs Miami predictions in national championship game

Here are our expert predictions for Indiana vs. Miami in the national championship game:

Austin Curtright: Indiana 24, Miami 23

It’s wild to think Indiana was coming off a 3-9 finish in 2023 when it hired Curt Cignetti, who led James Madison from FCS to FBS during his tenure. The Hoosiers, one of the worst Power Four college football programs historically, have accomplished one of the greatest turnarounds of the modern era, regardless of if they defeat Miami in the national championship.

It won’t be easy for Indiana. Miami is playing its best football at the right time and has the most ferocious pass rush in the sport, holding Ole Miss’ high-powered offense to two touchdowns in the Fiesta Bowl.

Ultimately, I trust Indiana’s veteran roster, along with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has the edge over opposing quarterback Carson Beck. Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor will make things tough for the projected No. 1 overall pick, though.

Give me the Hoosiers on a last-second score, resulting in an unprecedented title for the former Big Ten doormat-turned college football power of the future.

Kevin Skiver: Indiana 24, Miami 10

When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, we find out which one of those things is actually true. In this case, the staunch Hurricanes finally budge and Indiana — yes, Indiana — stands atop the college football world when the dust settles.

Picking against Miami hasn’t done anyone any favors to this point, but Indiana has carved out a war path. It has met every stumbling block head-on. A long layover before the Rose Bowl? Not a problem, 38-3 over Alabama. A difficult rematch against Oregon? Try 56-22 in a game that saw Oregon score a garbage time touchdown to even make it that “close.” Fernando Mendoza has been all but perfect, and his offensive line has neutralized everything in front of it.

That brings us to Miami. Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor are the best pass rushing duo Indiana has seen this year. But Indiana’s Joe Moore finalist line has given Mendoza all of the time he needs and then some to find Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., not even to mention Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby in the running game. It’s pretty simple: Indiana has simply been better than everyone it has played this year. Why should that change in the final game of the season?

Matt Glenesk: Indiana 35, Miami 24

Miami’s swagger and physicality will test Indiana’s seeming invincibility. The Hurricanes’ pass rush will be the key because Fernando Mendoza has been absolutely surgical in two CFP games: eight touchdowns, five incompletions. Read that again. Eight touchdowns. Five incompletions. Miami’s run game should be able to keep the Hoosiers’ offense off the field, but Indiana’s efficiency doesn’t really rely on them needing the ball too much. As part of the nation’s largest alumni base, I can’t pick against Indiana. Having endured years of ineptitude, the layers of scar tissue are starting to heal as belief has turned into expectation. I expect Indiana to win every game now. And yes, that includes a national championship. Is this real life?

What time does the national championship game start?

Date: Monday, Jan. 19
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

The 2026 CFP national championship game is set for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Monday, Jan. 19.

Where is CFP national championship game?

Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)

The national title game will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, which is coincidentally the home stadium for the Hurricanes. The venue is also home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

What TV channel is CFP national championship game on?

The CFP national championship game, like the vast majority of the playoff, will air live on ESPN. Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial.

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