Schools, Businesses Joining Forces
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOne of the state's largest school districts is partnering with the business community to find ways to improve low-performing schools. The Indianapolis Public Schools' Business Alliance launches today. It pairs 11 principals at schools with failing grades and “champions” from private companies to identify barriers and develop transformational strategies. The businesses involved include Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), ExactTarget and Indiana University Health. September 26, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indianapolis Public Schools is proud to announce the launch of a transformative partnership with strong local companies. The IPS Business Alliance pairs our 11 priority schools with champions from the business sector to foster growth in our buildings facing the toughest challenges. We're honored to welcome Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cummins, ExactTarget, Fifth Third Bank, Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL), Indiana University Health, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Kroger, Lilly, PNC Bank and Schmidt Associates to this innovative partnership.
The goal of this initiative is simple, but it will bring a positive impact to the entire community. We're teaming up with businesses to improve student outcomes while making Indianapolis the most desirable city for teaching professionals. Our business partners pledged support for each principal and their entire school staff. They will assist in transformational change at these schools and advocate for school improvement.
The IPS Business Alliance is focused on key reform strategies including innovation, early intervention, engaging stakeholders, and fostering exceptional leaders and excellence in teaching. Each of our priority school principals has been paired with a champion from our local business landscape to identify key barriers and challenges for student learning, outline a primary strategy for transformation, and to document the impact of this alliance at the end of the school year.
About the IPS Business Alliance
Indianapolis Public Schools, the state's largest district, is engaging strong community partners to assist in the transformation of the IPS priority schools. The 11 priority schools received a letter grade of “F” in 2012 and 2013 and exhibited negative or no growth in the IDOE A-F model. 11 Indianapolis business leaders have committed to provide support to help these schools overcome challenges and grow as innovative and exemplary educational environments.
Source: Indianapolis Public Schools