Morning Bell: Charter Lotteries, Higher Education Budgets, Graduation Rates

Signature School lottery produces stressful, edge-of-seat clutching afternoon – “If the number of applicants exceeds the number of spots available at Signature, the charter school is forced to hold a lottery. There were 142 applicants for the 70 spots available.” Evansville Courier & Press

Take caution with IPFW budget cuts – “Budget woes at IPFW are budget woes for all of northeast Indiana. The university’s financial well-being is a key factor in the region’s economic health, demanding of attention as painful cuts are made and funding for the next biennium is secured.” Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

National high school graduation rates at a four-decade high – “Based on data collected from the states for the Class of 2010, the National Center for Education Statistics estimated that 78 percent of students across the country earned a diploma within four years of starting high school. The graduation rate was last at that level in 1974, officials said.” ICYMI — Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, wants to reduce the use of graduation waivers. Indiana’s non-waiver rate is on pace with the national average. The Washington Post

States Push Ahead With Plans to Arm Teachers – “The president has also proposed $150 million in funding to address campus climate and safety issues, including adding more school counselors, and more extensive training to help staff recognize and address students’ mental health issues.” (Indiana lawmakers have proposed providing grants to hire school resource officers.) The Educated Reporter