(ADAMS) – Several new education laws took effect across Indiana this month. The Indiana Youth Institute is assessing what those will mean for Hoosier kids, families, and educators.
IYI is hosting a free webinar, Updates on Youth Issues from the Legislative Session, on Wednesday, July 23, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern. Mark Fairchild of the Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana will share the latest impacts on education, juvenile justice, foster families, and more. The public can register for this event and others here.
You can also find the 2025 Indiana KIDS COUNT® Data Book here.
The Indiana Youth Institute released the following column:
Changes in Indiana Law Impacting Our Students
TAMI SILVERMAN, PRESIDENT, CEO, INDIANA YOUTH INSTITUTE
On July 1, several new education laws took effect across Indiana, bringing changes that will shape the experiences of students, families, educators, and youth-serving professionals. These changes cover everything from math skills and graduation readiness to teacher pay, school safety, and how we support students navigating challenges like absenteeism or career uncertainty. To help us stay informed and prepared to best serve children and youth, below are highlights of the most meaningful changes.
Improving Attendance and Classroom Culture
Chronic absenteeism continues as a major concern in Indiana, with nearly 1 in 5 Hoosier students missing a significant portion of the school year. In response, the state is requiring that school districts develop new guidance on what counts as an excused absence and support for students regularly missing class. Schools will also receive best practices to help improve discipline and classroom management. These tools are designed to foster a stronger sense of belonging and connection in every learning environment.
A Clearer Path to College and Careers
A new diploma seal, the Enrollment Honors Plus Seal, was introduced to help students prepare for life after high school. Students who earn this credential, which combines academics, work-based learning, and essential interpersonal skills, will receive automatic admission to any Indiana public college or university. According to the Department of Education, the change is designed to encourage high expectations while removing uncertainty from the college application process.
Expanding Access to Internships and Military Pathways
Students exploring military service will benefit from new policies that make it easier to use financial aid from multiple sources, such as 21st Century Scholars and National Guard grants. These awards can now be applied to a wider range of costs, including room and board, providing more flexibility and fewer financial roadblocks for students who serve.
The state’s EARN Indiana work-study program is also being updated to expand access to paid internships. By lowering the minimum work-hour requirement, more students with financial need will be able to gain valuable, hands-on experience with employers who receive matching funds to support their wages.
Pay Increases and New Pathways for Educators
We know the invaluable role teachers play in each child’s development, providing not only instruction but also serving as important parts of each child’s network of caring adults. They deserve not only our esteem and gratitude, but also compensation and support that reflects their important work. Beginning this school year, Indiana teachers will see a statewide minimum salary increase to $45,000. In addition, more of each school’s funding will be directed toward teacher pay. A revamped Teacher Appreciation Grant program also introduces $3,500–$7,500 stipends for high-performing teachers, with added incentives for those mentoring colleagues or working in high-need schools.
At the same time, the state is working to ease teacher shortages by creating new pathways to licensure, especially in middle school and STEM subjects. These alternative routes offer a more flexible, yet reportedly still rigorous, way for talented individuals to enter the profession and meet local workforce demands.
Looking Forward to Future Years
Indiana seeks to strengthen math education, especially in the early grades. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, schools will screen all kindergarten through second grade students for foundational math skills. The Department of Education states the goal is to catch learning gaps early and connect students to targeted support to prevent them from falling behind. In middle school, students who do well in math will automatically be placed in advanced courses, eliminating barriers that often prevent students, especially from underrepresented groups, from accessing higher-level opportunities.
Cybersecurity is becoming a growing concern in schools, and Indiana is responding by requiring that all school districts adopt standard cybersecurity policies by 2027. A new Office of School Safety will also centralize training, grants, and resources, aiming to make it easier for local schools to keep students and staff safe through coordinated support.
As Indiana laws continue to update the state’s approach to education, we at Indiana Youth Institute are committed to keeping youth workers, educators, and community leaders informed. These laws may change how students learn, how teachers work, and how families engage with schools, and they also present new opportunities to work together in support of student success.
About Indiana Youth Institute
Indiana Youth Institute’s mission is to improve the lives of all Indiana children by strengthening and connecting the people, organizations, and communities that are focused on kids and youth. IYI is Indiana’s premier source for high-quality data on child well-being and data-informed action to challenges Hoosier children face. To learn more, visit iyi.org.
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