He's also working for more flexibility and accountability in our public schools, increasing reading and math readiness, and is urging a greater emphasis on early childhood education. Governor O'Bannon formed the Education Roundtable , co-chaired with Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed, to help shape education policy. He brought together business leaders, educators, parents and students throughout the state asking for suggestions to improve Indiana's public schools. The Roundtable created new accountability laws requiring schools to make continuous improvements, while also giving schools flexibility to determine how to meet their goals. The Roundtable has also championed a plan that gives Indiana some of the highest math, English and science standards in the nation.
Work is now underway to adopt new standards for geography, economics, civics and history as well.
Under O'Bannon's leadership, state support for public education is at an all-time high. During his first term, he increased funding for colleges and universities by a total of 28 percent. He launched the Community College of Indiana system that provides a convenient and affordable way for students of all ages to pursue advanced education. The Community College system has experienced tremendous success with two consecutive semesters of record-setting enrollment growth at the first four campuses. During the next five years, the Community College of Indiana will expand to all 23 Ivy Tech State College sites.