The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding local education and accountability within the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and charter schools. The meeting featured a range of stakeholders, including parents, educators, and council members, who shared insights and concerns regarding the effectiveness of educational institutions in meeting diverse student needs.

A key focus of the meeting was the importance of data in evaluating school performance. A parent advocate, who shared her personal experiences with her two sons in both IPS and charter schools, emphasized the necessity of measuring school effectiveness through reliable data. She highlighted her journey in finding suitable educational environments for her children, particularly noting the challenges faced by her autistic son. Her testimony underscored the critical need for schools to adapt to individual learning requirements and the urgency of holding underperforming schools accountable to prevent students from falling behind.

The discussion also touched on the recently released I LEARN data, which provides insights into student performance across various schools. Participants expressed a desire for actionable strategies to replicate successful educational models while addressing the shortcomings of less effective institutions. The overarching sentiment was clear: timely intervention is essential to ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive.

As the meeting concluded, attendees were encouraged to continue advocating for data-driven approaches to education reform, ensuring that every child in Indianapolis has access to a school that meets their unique needs. The council plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, aiming to foster a collaborative environment for improving educational outcomes across the city.