Teresa Lubbers, former Indiana State Senator, discussed her seven-year journey to pass the state’s first charter school bill. She emphasized the importance of freedom and accountability in education, noting the bill’s passage in 2001. Lubbers highlighted the role of multiple authorizers, including mayors and higher education institutions, in supporting charter schools. She noted that 51% of Indianapolis Public Schools students now attend charters, with higher performance. Lubbers also discussed the need for economic mobility and the evolving role of higher education in supporting diverse educational pathways.
Transcript
Outline
Teresa Lubbers’ Journey in Education Policy
- Jim Goenner introduces Teresa Lubbers, former Indiana State Senator, and highlights her significant contributions to education policy.
- Teresa Lubbers discusses her background, starting as a high school English teacher and being mentored by Dick Lugar.
- She explains her transition from teaching to politics, driven by her passion for education and economic development.
- Teresa emphasizes her commitment to building an education system that provides opportunities for all while being accountable to families.
Challenges and Persistence in Passing the Charter School Bill
- Teresa Lubbers recounts the seven-year journey to pass the first charter school bill in Indiana, facing numerous challenges and compromises.
- She highlights the importance of maintaining a strong bill despite the compromises made along the way.
- Jim Goenner and Teresa discuss the political dynamics of the time, including the partisan nature of the issue and the need for bipartisan support.
- Teresa shares her experiences and strategies for building relationships and partnerships to move big ideas forward.
The Evolution of Education Reform in Indiana
- Teresa Lubbers describes the educational landscape in Indiana, including the diverse needs of different school districts.
- She discusses the outdated industrial model of education and the need to adapt to a new economy.
- Teresa explains the cultural and generational challenges in changing the education system and the importance of building relationships to overcome these obstacles.
- She highlights the role of charter schools in providing new pathways and opportunities for students.
Implementation and Challenges of the Charter School Bill
- Teresa Lubbers talks about the initial implementation of the charter school bill, including the opening of the first charter schools in different parts of the state.
- She emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance to ensure the sustainability and success of charter schools.
- Teresa discusses the challenges of funding and the need for full per pupil funding, transportation dollars, and capital dollars.
- She highlights the role of various authorizers, including school boards, mayors, and higher education institutions, in supporting charter schools.
The Role of Authorizers and the Impact of Charter Schools
- Teresa Lubbers explains the decision to allow multiple authorizers, including higher education institutions, to support charter schools.
- She discusses the importance of having different models of charter schools to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Teresa highlights the role of the State Charter School Board and the need for dual accountability between schools and authorizers.
- She shares the success stories of charter schools in Indiana, including the high performance of students in innovative and charter schools.
The Impact of Charter Schools on Economic Mobility
- Teresa Lubbers discusses the relationship between education and economic mobility, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for all students.
- She highlights the success of the 21st Century Scholars Program in Indiana, which helps low-income students achieve higher education.
- Teresa explains the role of higher education in providing multiple pathways for students and the importance of economic mobility.
- She shares her vision for the future of education, focusing on personalization, innovation, and preparing students for the changing economy.
The Future of Education and the Role of Charter Schools
- Teresa Lubbers discusses the future of education, including the impact of AI and the need for personalized learning.
- She emphasizes the importance of being proactive in preparing students for the future and avoiding the risk of leaving people behind.
- Teresa highlights the role of charter schools in leading the way in innovation and adapting to new models of education.
- She shares her vision for the next decade, focusing on the future of work, learning, and the role of employers and educators in preparing students for success.
The Importance of Choice and Accountability in Education
- Teresa Lubbers discusses the principles of charter schools, including freedom, accountability, and multiple pathways for students.
- She emphasizes the importance of maintaining these principles while adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
- Teresa highlights the role of parents and the growing demand for choice in education.
- She shares her thoughts on the future of education, including the need for a marketplace of choices and the importance of accountability.
The Role of Higher Education in Supporting Charter Schools
- Teresa Lubbers discusses her transition from the legislature to the role of Commissioner for Higher Education.
- She highlights the importance of higher education in supporting charter schools and providing multiple pathways for students.
- Teresa shares her experiences working with various higher education institutions and the role of the State Charter School Board.
- She emphasizes the need for collaboration and support from higher education institutions to ensure the success of charter schools.
The Legacy of Teresa Lubbers and the Future of Charter Schools
- Teresa Lubbers reflects on her legacy and the impact of her work on education policy in Indiana.
- She emphasizes the importance of building relationships, understanding the needs of different communities, and maintaining a focus on students.
- Teresa shares her vision for the future of education, including the role of charter schools in providing new models and opportunities for students.
- She highlights the importance of sustaining efforts and ensuring that the progress made in education continues to benefit students and communities.
