The recent Indiana University PK-12 Education Summit transformed the NCAA Hall of Champions in downtown Indianapolis into a hub of educational innovation. Over 200 leaders from across Indiana gathered to renew connections and shape the future of education in the state.
Highlights of the summit include:
- A leadership panel offering firsthand insights from school districts.
- Dynamic breakout sessions on coalition-based partnerships.
- Discussions on strengthening campus-community connections.
- A focus on advancing educational equity.
- Teacher professional development models of partnership.
- Showcases of innovative educator preparation programs.
- Exploration of college and career readiness initiatives.
“Indiana University’s partnership with PK-12 education is more than just a commitment; it’s a cornerstone of our strategic plan,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “By collaborating with educators and policymakers, we’re not only strengthening our state’s educational foundation but also fulfilling our role as a vital economic and cultural asset.”
IU confers nearly one-quarter of all education degrees awarded in Indiana, which poses a unique opportunity as well as responsibility. IU 2030’s vision calls for a transformative relationship between IU, PK-12 partners and the broader Hoosier communities. The goal is to construct a university-wide infrastructure capable of innovating, amplifying and expanding IU’s engagement with Indiana’s PK-12 communities to address critical educational, societal and economic challenges.
“This gathering has reinforced the vital role that Indiana University plays in supporting and elevating PK-12 education,” said Ken Iwama, IU vice president for regional campuses and online education. “The partnerships showcased at the summit are testament to IU’s commitment to serving as a true leader and partner in our educational community.”
The summit addressed several key areas that align with IU’s strategic vision:
Strengthening campus-community connections
Sessions featuring coalitions like the New Neighbors Education Center and the Community Education Coalition highlighted IU’s community-centric approach to PK-12 engagement.
These coalition models of partnership involved IU Southeast and IU Columbus and demonstrate how IU campuses are working hand-in-hand with their local communities to address specific educational needs and challenges.
Advancing educational equity
A panel on “Centering Equity in PK-12 Partnership Praxis” showcased IU’s commitment to ensuring that its programming actively engages underrepresented and marginalized students and communities. The panel was moderated by Ellen Szarleta, director of the IU Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence, and included representatives from IU Indianapolis and the Urban League of Northwest Indiana.
Panelists discussed how these concepts can be integrated into courses and what practices are necessary to operationalize definitions of equity and inclusion within PK-12 partnerships. IU’s collective efforts continue to lead the way in creating pathways for all students to thrive, while honoring their backgrounds, communities and ways of knowing.
Innovating educator preparation
Presentations from the Center for Educational Partnerships highlighted innovative programs from IU Kokomo such as Tomorrow’s Teachers and the Teacher Residency Program. The School of Education at IU Kokomo is well known by the 162 partner schools in the 38 surrounding districts; its outreach to these schools, teachers and students underscores IU’s role in maintaining a robust pipeline of well-prepared educators ready to meet current and future PK-12 education challenges.
Professional learning-based partnerships
Credit: Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University A session on professional learning-based collaborations showcased novel approaches to educator development and creating sustainable education initiatives. J. Adam Scribner, director of STEM education initiatives at IU Bloomington, highlighted the importance of diverse grant-funding strategies and community-engaged approaches for PK-12 educators in STEM fields. Building on this foundation, Center on Education and Lifelong Learning Director Sandi Cole introduced the concept of implementation science and demonstrated how these frameworks not only enhance support for teachers but drive data-informed decision-making.
Both presentations illustrated how IU spearheads cutting-edge educational partnerships that combine targeted support, sustainable funding models and data-driven implementation strategies to elevate the quality of education across Indiana.
Enhancing college and career readiness
A panel discussion on partnerships for college and career readiness featured representatives from IU East, IU Kokomo, Randolph Eastern School Corp., the Indiana Department of Education and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. The discussion, moderated by Interim Assistant Vice President for School Partnerships Leah Nellis, addressed the critical intersection of dual-credit programs, work-based learning and career exploration.
“We all agree about the importance of partnerships — with one another and other community organizations and businesses — in preparing youth for life after high school,” Nellis said. “Innovative and thoughtful partnerships between IU and our PK-12 colleagues produce the programs and solutions to common challenges required to leverage our individual assets and fulfill our obligation to helping youth find their purpose and future path.”
Elevating IU’s contributions
By bringing together diverse stakeholders from across the state, the summit served as a platform for centering the voices and stories of PK-12 partners when considering partnership practices. Each group of presenters was a collaboration of PK-12 partners alongside their IU partner. The summit also paved the way for new collaborations.
“The PK-12 Education Summit was an excellent forum for exchanging ideas and strengthening vital partnerships,” said George Philhower, superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools. “Our ongoing collaborations with Indiana University have been instrumental in creating opportunities for our students by blurring the lines between high school and what they might choose to do afterward. By bridging the gap between secondary and higher education, we’re not just enriching the educational experience but also empowering students to explore and pursue their future paths with confidence and clarity.”
