Indiana

Indiana cannot afford to botch its curriculum reform

Published

2 years ago

April 28, 2024

Indiana cannot afford to botch its curriculum reform

Michael Hicks
| Muncie Star Press

Indiana is in the process of revamping its high school curricula. This could be a superb opportunity to rethink some fundamentals about schooling, its role in society and the needs of the future economy.

It is also a good time to re-center the long-term wellbeing of students into the discussion.

However, the last time Indiana made significant changes to school curriculum, we failed badly. That cannot happen again.

In December 2013, then-Gov. Mike Pence announced an ambitious plan to offer more career-focused education to Hoosier high school kids who weren’t going to college. It was a smart, thoughtful and much-needed addition to our educational landscape. I was an enthusiastic supporter and wrote in support of it.

Almost from the beginning, the execution of that plan was botched. It is worth recounting how a very good idea became very bad public policy, and how the accumulated mistakes of a decade continue to haunt Indiana’s economic performance even now and into the distant future.

The Daniels-era education reforms were successful on almost every important measure.

The push for higher standards revealed itself in test scores, graduation rates and college attendance and success.

They strengthened good local public schools and forced bad ones to change. But not everyone wishes to go to college and, for three generations, we’d cut programs for those students.

Pence’s plan was met with strong support by business, which offered free curriculum in STEM, and support for students wishing a career route.

My school corporation, led by Jennifer McCormick, developed an award-winning program with a local manufacturing firm.

Things started off well. Then the Department of Workforce Development began to push the state’s board of education.

The Department of Workforce Development had an occupational forecast claiming that, between 2014 and 2024, there’d be a huge demand for high school-only graduates — that is, students who graduated high school and did not go to college. The Department of Workforce Development’s forecast claimed that the state would need 400,000 more high school-only graduates by 2024.

I did everything I knew how to do in order to explain why this was mistaken.

I used labor demand forecasts from a half dozen economists that said we’d need fewer high school graduates by 2024. I showed them the studies from the 1970s through the 2000s explaining how these forecasts were too flawed to be used as a labor market policy tool.

Nothing I said or wrote had any effect.

The Department of Workforce Development had already run off their economists for saying roughly the same thing. They weren’t at all interested in hearing analysis from anyone who actually knew anything about labor markets. The newer versions of that forecast are still guiding both labor market and education policy in Indiana.

All of this presents the question: How wrong were they?

A lot.

In 2015, the forecast overstated the demand for high school only graduates in 2014 — that is, the previous year — by 190,000 workers. Yes, you read that correctly. They actually got history wrong. I’ve never seen a forecast that wrong, that quickly. Still, that did not deter their enthusiasm for the forecast.

As of last fall, Indiana has 20,000 more high school graduates working than in 2014. So that forecast of demand for 400,000 more high school graduates is going to be wrong by about 2,000%.

I write this because it is my biggest professional failure.

Had I been more persuasive, I should’ve been able to avoid the train wreck that ensued. I was not, and the state has been trapped by bad human capital policy ever since. It has significantly weakened Indiana’s long-term economic prospects.

The recovery from the Great Recession was the worst economic expansion in state history. We slipped on every important measure of economic success with some of the worst performances coming in the last five years of the expansion.

The COVID and post-pandemic economy should’ve been very kind to Indiana. Because of our manufacturing intensity, our growth should’ve outpaced the nation. It did not. The reason for 15 years of relative decline is that we have a poorly educated workforce that is getting worse.

That bad labor forecast from 2014 was very influential in the legislature. And how could it not be? It was a false promise of economic growth without actually investing more in education. It didn’t matter that the nation had gone more than two decades without creating a single net new job for someone who hadn’t been to college. The bad forecast drove policy.

Funding for K-12 stalled on a per-student basis and dropped as a share of GDP. Pence’s vision morphed into an anti-college agenda. The state’s workforce development director and the president of our community college system downplayed the benefits of post-secondary education.

By 2017, Indiana introduced career indoctrination down to sixth grade. Among the largest of these were manufacturing occupations and truck drivers. The demand for both is lower today than in 2014.

Pence’s program to offer career-focused opportunities to older students became a platform for pushing students away from post-secondary education. To their credit, in 2020, the legislature increased the age that career pathways would start. So, today, we wait until children are 13 to provide them bad labor market advice.

The most damaging effect was on college attendance. Indiana peaked in 2015, sending 65 percent of our high school graduates to college, at a time when the national average was 72 percent of students. In the race for a talented workforce, Indiana was well behind and running slower than the pack. Over the past two years, fewer than 53 percent of our high school graduates have gone to college. Until this changes, we will not be contenders in a 21st century economy.

We are now near the very bottom in human capital development, making it an opportune time to compare what Indiana does and aspires to do with that of the nation as a whole. Over the past three decades, more than 100 percent of new jobs in the U.S. have gone to people who attended college, with 8 in 10 going to 4-year degree holders.

Over the same time, the college wage premium has grown. We are now 50 years into an economy that places a premium on human capital. That won’t change, no matter how badly some states prepare.

Indiana is moving in the wrong direction at record speed.

The period since 2015 is the start of the first decline in educational attainment in Indiana history.

The educational reforms we now consider must reverse this decline. We must consider what students need to know for the next 50 years of work — not what low-wage employers say they need after graduation. We simply cannot fail at this again.

Michael J. Hicks, Ph.D., is the director of the Center for Business and Economic Research and the George and Frances Ball distinguished professor of economics in the Miller College of Business at Ball State University.

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Indiana

Indiana RB comes up short of Derrick Henry’s high school rushing record

Published

5 hours ago

November 22, 2025

Press Room

Indiana RB comes up short of Derrick Henry’s high school rushing record

FORT WAYNE, IN – Myles McLaughlin needed 364 yards to break the high school national career rushing record held by Derrick Henry, one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs. The Friday night lights were shining, the stands were packed, and the crisp November air was drizzling rain.

But on this night, it wasn’t meant to be for Knox High’s McLaughlin, who recorded just 78 yards in the 3A semistate game against Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, which beat Knox 35-0. With McLaughlin’s high school career over, Henry’s 13-year record of 12,124 yards stands.

McLaughlin, who averaged 367 yards this season, rushed for 52 yards in the first half of Friday’s game. Bishop Luers’ defense was too much for him as he finished with 78 yards in what was his lowest game in Knox’s 13-1 season. His longest carry of the night was 11 yards for a first down in the second quarter.

Before Friday’s game, McLaughlin had 4,768 yards for the season, which is the Indiana record. He rushed for 2,830 as a junior, 2,584 as a sophomore and 1,579 as a freshman.

In last week’s regional championship game against Angola, McLaughlin set the Indiana and national record for touchdowns in a season with his second score, passing the 68 scored by New Palestine’s Charlie Spegal and Albemarle, N.C.’s T.A. McClendon.

In that game, McLaughlin had 372 rushing yards and four touchdowns, giving him 11,761 yards for his career and leaving him 364 yards short of Henry’s all-time mark.

Myles McLaughlin is ‘truly special’

Knox coach Russ Radtke talked to IndyStar before Friday’s game about his star player who he says has an intense work ethic and is a true leader of his team.

“His competitiveness drives him to elevate not only his own performance but also the standard for everyone around him,” Radtke said, “and his football IQ allows him to anticipate plays, read defenses and make adjustments that give his team an edge.”

Radtke, who’s coached for 40 years, says McLaughlin stands out.

“What makes him truly special is the rare combination of competitiveness and intelligence. He’s not just playing the game, he’s thinking it through at every level,” said Radtke. “His ability to balance intensity with composure makes him someone teammates want to follow.”

But McLaughlin’s athletic prowess — he plays varsity basketball and baseball — is not the only thing that stands out, says Radtke. The Knox star plans to major in special education in college, though what school he will play at is still undecided. McLaughlin has received several college offers, including Division I offers from Ball State, Valparaiso and Murray State.

Outside of football, McLaughlin spends time with and mentors children with special needs.

“He has always taken care of what he needs to off the field as well and helps out with the younger kids,” Radtke said. “He is always looking to lend a helping hand.”

A day before McLaughlin went for his record, Henry talked to IndyStar, saying he was happy for the success McLaughlin has had.

“Records are meant to be broken. I’ve had it for 10-plus years, so somebody is going to come around and do something special, and it’s him this year,” Henry said. “I’m happy for him.”

Henry also offered some advice for the player chasing his record.

“Don’t put any pressure on yourself. Go out there and do what you’ve always done, and that’s ball out, be the best player on the team and be a leader,” he said. “Go out there and get the ‘W,’ get the record and go win your state championship.”

Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: dbenbow@indystar.com.

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Braun administration pushes to enhance National Guard’s policing role during riots

Published

23 hours ago

November 21, 2025

Press Room

Braun administration pushes to enhance National Guard’s policing role during riots

The state is considering a program to train some National Guard members in local policing.
National Guard members typically do not make arrests or conduct local law enforcement, but Indiana law carves out some exceptions.
A state Democrat says he filed legislation to restrict guardsmen’s policing power in response to Republicans who want to strengthen it.

The Indiana National Guard wants to enhance some guardsmen’s role as police officers during times of civil unrest, as debates about the military’s role in policing play out nationwide amid President Trump’s deployment of federal forces in Democrat-led cities.

National Guard spokeswoman Lauren Houck confirmed the state is pushing a program that would offer Indiana law enforcement training to military police so those federal troops can “add value,” rather than merely add bodies, when working alongside local police during situations like the 2020 riots. Military police typically enforce federal laws on National Guard property, but governors can call guardsmen out to support local law enforcement and first responders during emergencies.

The Indiana National Guard approached Gov. Mike Braun’s office to make the request for the change. Houck would not say whether this training will give guardsmen broader authority to act as police in Indiana, enforcing local laws and making arrests, or if National Guard leadership just wants its troops to be better prepared for emergencies.

The news come days after IndyStar reported that Statehouse insiders are researching legislation that could grant more policing power to guardsmen in local jurisdictions. While some Republicans push for an expanded role for the National Guard, at least one Democratic lawmaker wary of military intervention in policing has filed legislation to restrict its power.

The new program would ultimately need to be approved by the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board, the body that creates training requirement for all Indiana police officers. The state’s basic training for new police officers requires more than 600 hours of coursework in criminal and traffic law, emergency vehicle operations, human behavior and de-escalation. It’s unclear how quickly the proposed program would train military police.

“These preliminary discussions have been about creating a fair and efficient process, while ensuring proper certifications and training are in place,” Houck said in a statement.

Houck said the new training has been discussed for months, but the need for it stems from the 2020 protests and riots that swept through Indiana cities after the police killing of George Floyd. At the time, Gov. Eric Holcomb stationed National Guard to defend state property, but their role in actively policing protesters was limited.

Braun said in a statement he supports the new training program because “law enforcement deserves every tool and partner they need to keep Hoosiers safe.”

Braun has so far declined to use the National Guard to intervene in local policing, even after violence in downtown Indianapolis this summer prompted calls by Republicans and the local police union for the state to step in.

But this week the governor showed his willingness to help the Trump administration by agreeing to deploy about 300 National Guard troops to Washington D.C. next month, after the president declared a public emergency over crime in the nation’s capital in August.

Meanwhile, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita earlier this month called for Trump to deploy National Guard troops to address crime in Indianapolis.

What Indiana law says about the National Guard

Trump’s National Guard deployments in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland have been stalled by lawsuits and court rulings, igniting a debate over whether the president is violating federal law that generally bars military troops from doing civilian law enforcement.

Indiana law gives the governor broad authority to call out guardsmen, who are part-time, ad-hoc military members, in extreme situations such as war, invasion, natural disaster and rioting. National Guard troops do not typically enforce local laws or make arrests but rather conduct patrols and provide logistical support to keep the peace.

During a state emergency, however, Indiana law does grant guardsmen some authority to disperse participants in an “unlawful assembly” and arrest those who refuse. Another portion allows guardsmen to arrest someone who knowingly or intentionally enters a street that the National Guard has closed off.

Even when a governor declares an emergency, local officials can challenge their deployment to cities. A Tennessee judge on Nov. 17 temporarily blocked the Republican governor’s deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, ruling that crime rates in the southern city were not a “grave emergency” or “disaster” warranting an emergency response.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has rejected the idea of National Guard intervention in local law enforcement. The mayor noted that criminal homicides and non-fatal shootings in Indianapolis have fallen by roughly 50% after they soared to record highs in 2021, according to IMPD data.

Democrat files legislation to restrict National Guard power

While some state Republicans seek to broaden the National Guard’s power, a state Democrat who works in law enforcement has filed legislation to restrict guardsmen’s ability to enforce laws and make arrests.

State Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis, filed House Bill 1015 Nov. 18 to prevent the governor from ordering any National Guard member “to perform any law enforcement duty that may result in the surveillance, apprehension, detention, or arrest of an individual” without formally declaring a state of emergency for one of three situations: “a natural disaster, a riot, or an act of terrorism.”

A captain at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in his day job, Gore told IndyStar he sees a need for the bill because some Republican state lawmakers have asked his opinion on allowing National Guard troops to function as police officers.

House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, did not respond to a request for comment on his party’s position on enhancing the National Guard’s policing power.

Gore said federal intervention in policing undermines a community’s trust in local law enforcement. He called such action “fundamentally un-American,” invoking the longstanding belief that troops on American streets are a threat to democracy and personal liberty.

“As a cop, I know that it just a practically stupid thing to do to use the Guard in this way,” Gore said. “Modern policing relies ultimately upon a trusting relationship between the public and the police.”

He said deploying guardsmen to Indiana cities without a serious emergency “will make community members feel once again like colonists felt back in the 1700s: like they are subjects to be ruled over by force, rather than we are neighbors all trying to achieve the same goal.”

Email Indianapolis City Hall Reporter Jordan Smith at JTSmith@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @jordantsmith09 and Bluesky @jordanaccidentally.bsky.social.

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Indiana

Police thwart ‘swatting’ attempt of 3rd Indiana lawmaker, amid Trump’s redistricting push

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2025

Press Room

Police thwart ‘swatting’ attempt of 3rd Indiana lawmaker, amid Trump’s redistricting push

A third Republican senator from Indiana has been targeted in a swatting incident the morning of Nov. 20 as pressure on redistricting holdouts continues to mount.

Sen. Spencer Deery, R-West Lafayette, was notified around 8 a.m. that someone had falsely reported domestic abuse at his address and threatened violence to officers who responded. Deery is opposed to mid-decade redistricting.

“It is disturbing that anyone would attempt to harm or intimidate lawmakers, but sadly not all that surprising in the current environment,” he said in a news release. “When our family decided to enter the public arena four years ago, we knew our lives would change, but we believed then – and still believe today – that it is important for people who are committed to representing the people with integrity and an attitude of public service to step up. We will continue to do our duty and to do what is in the best interest of our district, no matter the threats.”

The night before the incident, someone had delivered an unpaid pizza to Deery’s home. While not as serious as swatting, Deery said in the release, the tactic conveying “we know where you live” should always be condemned.

The Indiana State Police is investigating multiple incidents of swatting against lawmakers, it announced Nov. 20, and will seek criminal prosecution for those responsible.

“The Indiana State Police warn that not only is this potentially dangerous to all involved, but it is also against the law,” the law enforcement agency said in a statement. “While the motives for this type of activity may vary, we are working diligently with local, county and federal law enforcement partners to identify those responsible for these reckless, careless and illegal activities.”

Two other senators victims of swatting

The incident against Deery follows a string of other swatting attacks.

Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, was also a victim of swatting, he announced Nov. 19.

“It is scary and shocking to me that someone would go so far to try to cause harm or fear to me or my family,” Dernulc said. “I have always done my best to serve my community, be their voice, and work alongside them and my colleagues at the Statehouse to help make Indiana a great state. It is sad because of these efforts and work that I am villainized in some minds to the point of harmful retaliation.”

Days earlier, Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, was also swatted. The incident occurred hours after President Donald Trump mentioned Goode in a critical Truth Social post.

“While this entire incident is unfortunate and reflective of the volatile nature of our current political climate, I give thanks to God that my family and I are ok,” Goode said over the weekend in a statement.

While neither lawmaker has issued a public stance on redistricting, both voted to reconvene in January instead of December for redistricting.

The swatting incidents follow a decision by Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, to not take up the issue of redistricting. Bray’s announcement that the Senate doesn’t have the votes has brought fury from Trump and other redistricting proponents, including Gov. Mike Braun, who see Indiana as critical to maintain control of Congress.

Trump has called anti-redistricting senators “RINOs,” or “Republicans In Name Only,” and promised to primary those who don’t reverse course. His pressure on Braun to get the job done has also appeared to raise the stakes: the governor said Nov. 18 he would try to “compel” the Senate to meet.

Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or follow her on X @marissa_meador.

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