Education

By Andy Klotz— INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner has recognized Muncie Community Schools (MCS) among a handful of districts around the state for its significant improvement in Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) third grade assessment scores. The recognition came at today’s State Board of Education meeting where it was announced that schools statewide saw an unprecedented increase in third grade literacy proficiency. “Indiana has made extraordinary progress from where we began just a few years ago, when nearly one in five Indiana third graders could not read, to today when literacy rates have increased by nearly five…

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University’s Teachers College, in collaboration with Ball State Online, has partnered with Muncie Community Schools (MCS) to expand the district’s leadership pipeline by supporting current educators who aspire to become school leaders. Through the new Leadership Pipeline program, eligible MCS employees who enroll in Ball State’s fully online Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in Educational Administration and Supervision—a 36-credit hour degree—will receive a 50 percent tuition reduction for all 36 credits, representing a savings of approximately $11,000 over the course of the program. The initiative reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to…

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has appointed Aidan Davis as the new student representative on the Ball State University Board of Trustees. Mr. Davis, whose appointment began July 10, 2025, will serve a two-year term through June 30, 2027. “We are pleased to welcome Aidan Davis as our newest member of the Board of Trustees,” said Rick Hall, chair of the Ball State Board of Trustees. “Aidan is an accomplished student whose leadership, perspective, and passion for serving others will be a valuable addition to our board.” Mr. Davis, a Greenfield, Ind., native,…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN— Mary Kult and Kate Hughes have been selected as Muncie Community Schools’ (MCS) Teachers of the Year for primary and secondary grades, respectively, for the 2024-25 school year. MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Chuck Reynolds presented each with awards during a staff event today at Muncie Central High School. The event marked the return of teachers to school for the upcoming year, which begins Wednesday for students. Kult is a kindergarten teacher at South View Elementary School who is exceptional at classroom management, successfully meeting every student’s individual needs. Her positive attitude…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) earned recognition at the 2025 NATAS Central Great Lakes Regional Emmy® Awards, with faculty, staff, and students receiving awards and nominations across several categories for professional and student-produced work. “This recognition is a testament to the immersive, hands-on experiences we provide across our programs in CCIM,” said Dr. Kristen McCauliff, CCIM dean. “Our students and faculty continue to lead by example—blending creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology to produce work that informs, inspires, and elevates. I’m incredibly proud of our Emmy® winners and nominees. Their…

By Tami Silverman, President & CEO of Indiana Youth Institute— INDIANAPOLIS—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…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University celebrated its Class of 2025 on Saturday, conferring more than 1,300 doctoral, specialist, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees during its Summer Commencement ceremony. Held in Worthen Arena on the Ball State campus, the event featured an address by David Taylor Little, associate teaching professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. A 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Creative Endeavor Award, Prof. Little delivered his address, “Buckle Up, Buttercup!”, in which he encouraged graduates to listen to all of their feelings and be vulnerable. “You have the power to use your vulnerability…