IU to Split Schools of Education

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The Indiana University Board of Trustees has endorsed a recommendation to split the IU School of Education into two independent institutions on its Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses. The university says the move will allow each school to "more effectively meet the educational needs of Indiana and the nation."

IU says the School of Education at IUPUI will have the goal of enhancing its programming and reputation in urban education with a focus on Indianapolis Public Schools. The school will also focus on providing pathways for students from underrepresented groups to become classroom teachers and expand efforts in school administration, teacher and counselor training, curriculum development and educational technology.

The School of Education at IU Bloomington will aim to expand its Global Gateway for Teachers program and take part in the educational component of the Center for Rural Excellence initiative on the campus. 

"Over its more than century-long history, Indiana University’s School of Education has played a vital role in improving education in the state of Indiana, nationwide and around the world, and it continues to be at the forefront of delivering innovative and creative approaches to teacher training, professional development and education research," IU President Michael McRobbie said in a news release. "Both of our campuses have maintained a high level of quality in their programs, which will grow even stronger as these two independent schools focus their expertise and energy on areas where they are well positioned to make a major impact in the communities we serve."

The recommendation to create separate schools came from a blue ribbon committee established in 2015 with the goal of assessing the structure and future direction of IU’s education programs. IU says the move furthers one of the top priorities of the university’s Bicentennial Strategic Plan, which calls for a reimagination of IU’s approach to education.

The official separation of the two schools is expected to take place next summer.