Nothing is more essential to Indiana’s future than a quality education for all Hoosier students. This reality has placed increased scrutiny on our schools’ efforts to raise student achievement.

With the level of performance data that is available today, we have a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in our K-12 education system than ever before. Though undoubtedly more work must be done to tailor instruction and support to meet the needs of each student, clearly schools cannot meet this challenge alone.

With that in mind, each year the Indiana Department of Education, local schools and newspapers across the state work together to publish performance "report cards" for every school corporation and school between January 15 and 30. These reports are part of a continuing effort to encourage Hoosiers to become more knowledgeable about the progress of their students and schools.

Each school report features the most recent information available, including test scores, attendance rates, school safety statistics, teacher salaries and dollars spent per student. The reports provide even more information this year with additional data linked to high school graduation, such as the numbers of dropouts, freshmen not earning enough credits to become sophomores, suspensions/expulsions and students moving from school to another (mobility).

To provide an even clearer picture of Indiana’s schools, our Department makes detailed information available year-round on our Accountability System for Academic Progress (or ASAP) Web site at www.asap.state.in.us. ASAP provides information beyond what is possible on the printed page, allowing anyone to access a wide range of data, graphically display the results, and even compare schools based on a variety of characteristics.

I encourage all Hoosiers to review the performance reports for the schools in their communities. Then take the time to visit your local school to find out what you can do to help make a difference. Together, we can ensure that all students meet the high expectations we have set in Indiana.

Sincerely,

Dr. Suellen Reed,

Superintendent of Public Instruction