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Indiana Schools Receive Roadmap for K-12 Policy Changes Following Legislative Session
A new academic year is still weeks away, but Indiana educators are already working to implement a slate of new laws passed during the 2025 legislative session — including changes to classroom instruction, attendance policies, and teacher pay. More than two dozen K-12 education laws are set to take effect July 1, along with the state’s next two-year budget.
Although overall state spending was trimmed, K-12 schools avoided deeper cuts, securing a 2% increase over the biennium — equal to about $640 million in new funding. And in the budget’s second year, Indiana will drop remaining income limits and move to a universal taxpayer-funded “school choice” voucher system.
“It will still require a bit more time and collaboration with stakeholders to finalize,” said Secretary of Education Katie Jenner, describing the IDOE guidance document as a “living” resource that will continue to evolve.
The annual guidance is meant to answer common questions and serve as a “one-stop shop” for schools. IDOE plans to update it throughout the summer, ahead of the 2025-26 school year.
More focus on math, plus other curriculum changes
Following a high priority literacy overall during the 2024 session, House Enrolled Act 1499 will give students at least two chances to retake the state-mandated IREAD exam over the summer to avoid retention.
Current statute requires that — if after three attempts — a third grade student is unable to pass the IREAD assessment, they must be held back a year in school.
The new policy also exempts some English language learners from reading retention, depending on the school’s student population. But Indiana lawmakers mostly shifted focus this year to math performance improvement.
- The full 2025 education legislative guidance can be viewed on IDOE’s website.
Similar to the state’s literacy requirements, House Enrolled Act 1634 lays out a new statewide effort to boost foundational math skills by requiring schools to annually screen students in kindergarten through second grade for math readiness, beginning in 2026-27.
IDOE officials said the goal is earlier identification of students at risk of falling behind in key numeracy and computation skills, while also ensuring students are prepared for high school coursework and postsecondary success
Students identified through the screener will receive support through a multi-tiered system of interventions spanning grades K–8. Per the state’s preliminary guidance, schools will need to implement evidence-based instructional strategies, regularly monitor progress, and ensure staff are trained to respond to a range of skill levels.
The law also requires automatic enrollment in advanced math courses for eligible middle school students. Starting in 2026–27, students who score “above proficient” on the ILEARN math assessment and earn a C or better in their previous math course must be placed in a more rigorous class the following year.
Starting in the 2025–26 school year, Indiana schools will additionally face stricter rules when teaching about human sexuality and sexually transmitted infections.
Although school boards already have the authority to review and approve curricular materials, Senate Enrolled Act 442 clarifies that boards must formally approve all human sexuality instructional materials used in grades four through 12 and publicly post a list of those materials on the district’s website.
The new law also mandates that parents receive written notice at least 14 days before instruction begins. That notice must include the instructional dates, a summary of content and information on how to opt their child out.
IDOE advised that participating schools must “incorporate in the instruction that (the) best way to avoid sexually transmitted infections and other associated health problems is to establish a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in the context of marriage.” It also has to include “age appropriate instruction concerning the importance of consent to sexual activity between two individuals.”
Students attending in-person classes are required to view a fetal ultrasound video “that is medically accurate and age appropriate” and includes:
- a high definition ultrasound video, at least three minutes in duration, showing the development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development; and
- a high quality computer generated rendering or animation showing the process of fertilization and each stage of fetal development inside the uterus, noting significant markers in cell growth and organ development for every week of pregnancy from fertilization to birth.
If a school provides online human sexuality instruction, students will still need to view a virtual presentation on human growth and development that meets the same requirements, according to IDOE.
State officials said the changes are meant to increase transparency and parental involvement while still allowing local control over curriculum details.