INDIANAPOLIS – Two underperforming IPS schools could transform into Innovation Network Schools to prevent a state takeover.
Officials with IPS want to improve instructional models within Wendell Phillips School 63 and Washington Irving School 14.
"It's really figuring out how can we move the needle for our students in the most aggressive and quick way to make sure they're getting the quality education they deserve,” said Aleesia Johnson, IPS innovation officer.
Although Innovation Network Schools are managed by a non-profit board of community members, they still are held accountable to IPS.
Other schools within the IPS district have already been converted, including Global Prep Academy at Riverside 44. The school received an “F” for accountability for six years before IPS partnered with The Mind Trust and the Mayor’s Office to change curriculum.
"Getting kids to believe in themselves, getting families really engaged around the idea that proficiency is our goal and what does proficiency mean, really celebrating student achievement, making that cultural shift has been challenging,” said principal Mariama Carson.
Heidi Lyda, a student tutor at Washington Irving, said she’s worried about the impact of an overhaul as several students are homeless, in foster care or another unstable living situation.
The IPS School Board plans to vote on the schools Thursday.
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