Indiana is charging into the future of education with unstoppable momentum, and this week, Governor Mike Braun and Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner are leading the nation with a bold, visionary waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education.
This isn’t just a policy filing — it’s a declaration of independence for Hoosier students.
Signed with pride by Secretary Jenner and fully endorsed by Governor Braun, this landmark ESEA flexibility request cuts through bureaucratic red tape, redirecting $1.7 million in staff time from compliance to direct student impact. The result: stronger literacy, STEM, career readiness, and innovation initiatives that helped propel Indiana to the #3 overall ranking on CER’s 2025 Parent Power!™ Index.
In the waiver request, Secretary Jenner highlights Indiana’s transformative progress and the need for greater flexibility to drive even more results for Hoosier students. Here are key insights
CER is celebrating:
- Historic Literacy Gains: A record-setting rise in early reading achievement powered by science-of-reading reforms, propelling Indiana to a top national ranking in 4th-grade literacy.
- High School Redesign: New diploma pathways centered on readiness for college, career, and service, embedding real-world learning and credentials into every student’s experience.
- Responsible AI Innovation: Statewide pilots are advancing literacy and STEM through responsible AI, keeping teachers empowered and students at the center.
- Future-Ready Accountability: A next-generation model launching in 2025 will measure real-world outcomes, not just test scores, driving results that matter for students and families.
- Unified, Student-First System: From diplomas to dollars, Indiana is aligning education around one goal: empowering every learner to succeed.
Secretary Jenner, who signed the request with a clear message – “Every child deserves an education that fits their path” – is celebrated for her relentless leadership in uniting educators, families, and industry leaders to remove barriers and unleash local innovation.
We applaud Governor Mike Braun for championing this initiative with unwavering vision, declaring it will ignite unprecedented synergy across K-12, higher education, and business – proving Indiana doesn’t just follow reform, we define it. This waiver isn’t about less accountability — it’s about more impact. By consolidating 45 rigid federal funding streams into a strategic block grant, Indiana will replicate the agility of ESSER, doubling down on what works and pivoting fast when needed.
“We’re not asking for less responsibility — we’re demanding more results.”— Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education
Indiana is proving that bold leadership + smart flexibility = transformational outcomes.
For more details on Indiana’s innovative request in context and its potential to reshape education, be sure to visit CER’s Federal Policy page and the 2025 Parent Power!™ Index.