This year’s unprecedented spike in third-grade literacy is a testament to the work of Indiana’s public educators and Katie Jenner’s leadership at the Indiana Department of Education. Despite lawmakers diverting about $497 million to School Choice vouchers for the 2024-25 school year, third-graders at more than 450 schools tested at 95% reading proficiency — a milestone Indiana hopes to reach statewide by 2027.
At a special meeting Friday, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education unanimously approved Jenner as its next commissioner. Beginning Oct. 11, after Higher Education Commissioner Chris Lowery steps down, she’ll lead both the state education department and higher education commission.
The question is: Can she lead both departments as competently as she has led the education department? It’s a daunting task. Indiana’s college-going rate declined yearly between 2015 and 2021. Today, 53% of high school graduates matriculate straight to a college or university.
