Are they really going to listen?

Two recent articles after the REPA hearings, one from the AP and the other from the Indianapolis Star, in which Dr. Bennett completely ignores the events of the past week.  It sure doesn't sound like Dr. Bennett and the DOE are going to take into account the thousands of voices that have stood in opposition to REPA.  We must hold them accountable.  

Schools chief defends teacher licensing proposals

Associated Press - November 3, 2009 5:14 PM ET

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana schools chief Tony Bennett is dismissing criticism by opponents of his plan to revamp the state's teacher licensing standards.

During Tuesday's meeting of the Indiana Education Roundtable, an advisory group that includes lawmakers, educators and business leaders, Bennett said his proposed changes are needed to help bring more top-notch teachers into Indiana's schools.

The roundtable met one day after representatives of several education colleges offered scathing criticism of Bennett's proposals at the last of 3 public hearings on the matter. They said the proposals had been inadequately researched and would not improve the quality of the state's teachers.

Bennett rejected that criticism Tuesday. He says he hopes his licensing proposals can be approved by year's end by the Indiana Professional Standards Board.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

November 3, 2009

Schools chief expects vote on teacher training, licenses by end of year

By Bill Ruthhart
bill.ruthhart@indystar.com

The state’s chief schools official said today that he expected to have a final vote by the end of the year on his proposal to reform how teachers are trained and licensed.

“I dare to say we are going to reform teacher licensing in this state, and my resolve to do that is more galvanized than ever,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett.


“We have to act now.”

Bennett’s comments came after a regular meeting this morning of the Indiana Education Roundtable, in which he once again laid out his plan to require future middle school and high school teachers to major in their academic subject, such as English or math, instead of majoring in secondary education with a minor in an academic subject.

Monday, about 300 people attended the final public hearing on the proposal, during which a petition signed by 2,481 people opposing the rule change was presented to state officials.

Bennett said the Professional Standards board will consider comments from the three hearing in their next meeting Nov. 18. After a couple more meetings, Bennett said he hoped the board could hold a final vote by the end of December.