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Hello IASP Members, This week's Advocacy Podcast takes you behind the scenes as our Legislative Committee continues its work on the 2026 Legislative Platform and Priorities. The platform is the foundation of our advocacy efforts, and in this episode I walk through the major themes shaping our early conversations—everything from principal leadership, student and staff well-being, and assessment and accountability to funding realities, educator pipeline challenges, and emerging needs in technology and multilingual education. It's a big-picture episode designed to help you understand where we're headed and how your experiences as building leaders drive our legislative work. I also share a few important announcements: Assistant Principals Conference – Thursday & Friday, November 20–21. Incredible keynote speakers, rich concurrent sessions, and specialized learning strands. There's still time to register! Fall Professionals Conference – Sunday, November 23–Tuesday, November 25. Another outstanding lineup with keynotes, special guests, and robust professional learning opportunities. If you haven't signed up yet, we'd love to see you there. A quick programming note: the learning taking place at these two conferences will stand in place of the Advocacy Podcast for the next two weeks. We'll be back in early December with information on the final School Accountability Rule, and then we'll return in January with our weekly Legislative Update Podcast as soon as lawmakers are back in session. Thank you for all you do and for staying engaged in the work that moves Indiana schools forward.
Hello, IASP Members! This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast features Amy Niemeier, Principal of Slate Run Elementary School and an active contributor to the School Accountability working group. Amy joins me to share her insights on the latest developments in Draft #2 of Indiana's new School Accountability rule — and, perhaps most importantly, how she's managing the messaging around the return of school letter grades with staff and her community. Tune in for the elementary point of view on one of the most discussed topics in Indiana education policy right now. Stay informed. Stay focused. And keep leading Indiana forward.
Hello, IASP Members, Today, advocacy and leadership come together in a big way! In this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast, we're celebrating an exciting announcement about the future of the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute (IPLI). Since 2013, IPLI has been hosted by Indiana State University with a strong partnership with IASP. Earlier this week, ISU announced that IPLI will begin transitioning to IASP over the next year, ensuring continued growth, sustainability, and impact of IPLI's mission. This move strengthens IASP's commitment to leadership development and aligns perfectly with our vision to support principals at every stage of their careers. Joining me on today's episode are Dr. Todd Bess and Dr. Tiffany Barrett as we discuss this exciting transition, what it means for Indiana school leaders, and how IASP will continue IPLI's proud legacy of relationships, reflection, and growth.
Hello, Indiana School Leaders, This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast takes you inside two major meetings shaping education policy in Indiana: the Fiscal Policy Interim Study Committee and the State Board of Education's discussion of Draft 2 of the School Accountability model.
Hello, School Leaders! This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast tries something new. I'm joined by Executive Director Dr. Todd Bess for a rapid, insightful game we're calling One Word, Two Lenses—we each bring a word shaping education right now and look at it from the local (in-school) lens and the larger (statewide/policy) lens. In this episode, we cover: Accountability — measuring impact through student success factors Advocacy — connection, one conversation at a time Attendance — student attendance vs. school attendance Leader Development — mentoring tomorrow's leaders and growing with IASP Fall BREAK — time to recharge and rejuvenate As always, thank you for leading with purpose and partnering with IASP to keep Indiana's schools moving forward. Warmly, Cindy Long
Good morning, School Leaders! It's Friday, and that means it's time for the IASP Advocacy Podcast — your go-to for education policy, leadership insight, and what's next in Indiana and beyond. This week's episode features Dr. Bess's Fireside Chat with KGR attorney Seamus Boyce, and it's packed with timely updates you won't want to miss. Topics include:
Good morning, School Leaders! It's Friday, and that means it's time for the IASP Advocacy Podcast! In this week's episode, I'm fresh off our September Board of Directors meeting and district visits across the state. I'll share three big topics that are shaping our schools right now: School Accountability – Why the draft model is a step forward and how it can better highlight the incredible work happening in our schools. Freedom of Speech – A timely discussion on educators' First Amendment rights Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) – A dive into the stipulations of the grant, who is eligible, and some practical approaches. Click here to access the IDOE Guidance document.
Good morning, School Leaders! It's Friday, and that means it's time for the IASP Advocacy Podcast — your go-to for education policy, leadership insight, and what's next in Indiana and beyond. This week, I'm joined by Dave Strouse, Principal of Batesville Middle School and IASP's NASSP Coordinator. Dave just returned from his bi-monthly NASSP meeting and he's bringing you the inside scoop. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: ✅ Conference Shifts — NASSP is adjusting its conference timeline. Find out what's changing and why it matters. ✅ Federal Appropriations — What must be done before September 30 to avoid a government shutdown. ✅ National Principals Month — October is all about celebrating YOU and the incredible work you do.
Good morning, School Leaders, This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast recaps important takeaways from the September 9th State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting. Here are some highlights:
Hello IASP Members, This week on the IASP Advocacy Podcast, we're looking at advocacy through a different lens. As school leaders, advocacy isn't just about legislation — it's also about telling the story of your school. Whether it's culture, attendance, or programming, we are always sharing what makes our schools unique. In this episode, I'm joined by IASP's new intern, who shares her work-based learning experience and talks about her role in launching Reel Impact — a brand new digital media competition from IASP Student Programs. You'll hear about: The power of work-based learning opportunities What it takes to create a short, high-impact video How her school community reacted to her project Why Reel Impact videos can be powerful tools for advocacy — not only with students and parents, but also with local officials and state legislators. Consider how you and your students could use Reel Impact to showcase your school's story while also engaging your community and decision-makers. Thanks for all you do to advocate for your schools and your students! Warm regards, Cindy Long Assistant Executive Director Indiana Association of School Principals
Dear IASP Members, It's Friday, and that means it's time for the IASP Advocacy Podcast — your go-to for education policy, leadership insight, and what's next in Indiana and beyond. This week, I sat down with Denise Funston, Director of Exceptional Needs for Community Schools of Frankfort, to talk all things special education. We dive into: Indiana's new IEP process and PowerSchool implementation The biggest challenges in rollout and how schools are adapting Strategies for addressing special education staffing shortages Tips for school leaders on working most effectively with special education staff Denise's perspective on what she'd change if she had a “magic wand” to remove barriers for students and educators This conversation offers practical insights for principals and a deeper understanding of what's happening in special education across Indiana.
IASP Members, It's been a full and exciting week for Indiana education policy, and we've captured the highlights for you in this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast with Dr. Todd Bess. Click here to listen to this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast! In this episode: Highlights from the State Board of Education meeting, including the release of IRead scores. A follow-up to our powerful School Accountability webinar with over 400 IASP members. **Additional resources provided via email for our members.
I'm excited to share a brief but important episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast: “Action Items & Accountability: What You Need to Know Before School Starts.”
This week's episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast is short—but powerful.
A brand-new episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast is now live — and this one's a must-listen for every school leader in Indiana. On June 4, the Indiana Department of Education presented the first draft of the state's new school accountability model to the State Board of Education. In this 15-minute episode, I break down what's changing, why it matters, and how this shift could impact your school — all in language built for building leaders.
Greetings, IASP Members! We've just released a new episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast, and this one is a must-listen as you plan for the 2025–26 school year. In this episode, I walk through the budget shifts, new mandates, and key funding implications from the 2025 Indiana General Assembly—and what they mean for your school.
Good afternoon, IASP Members! As we start shifting into summer planning mode, I'm excited to share the latest episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast: “Top Ten Hidden Nuggets from the 2025 Legislative Session: What Principals Need to Know Now.”
IASP Advocacy Podcast: Wrapping Up Our Legislative Series with Dr. Jane Bitting We're closing out our Voices from the Field – Legislative Perspectives podcast series with an elementary lens on the 2025 legislative session. This week's guest is Dr. Jane Bitting, Principal of Perry Hill Elementary School and IASP's next Vice President. Jane offers thoughtful reflections on how this year's new laws are shaping the foundational years of education and what elementary principals should keep in mind moving forward. In this episode, we explore: HEA 1498 – Accountability & Assessment: How changes in performance metrics and testing are impacting elementary schools. HEA 1634 – Advanced Math Placement: Why early math readiness matters and how elementary educators play a role in advanced pathways. SEA 482 – Absenteeism: The importance of early attendance interventions and building family partnerships to support consistent learning.
We're continuing our special podcast series Voices from the Field – Legislative Perspectives with another powerful conversation, this time from the middle school lens. This week's guest is Dr. Bret Bailey, Principal of Hamilton Heights Middle School and IASP Vice President. Bret shares thoughtful reflections on how recent legislation is likely to impact middle schools across Indiana. In this episode, we dive into: SEA 255 – Bullying, STEM Flexibility, and Religious Instruction HEA 1634 – Math Education HEA 1498 – Accountability and Assessment
We're excited to launch a brand-new series on the IASP Advocacy Podcast featuring members of our Executive Board! Over the next three weeks, we'll be spotlighting school leaders from across Indiana — each offering their unique perspective on key education legislation from the 2025 General Assembly session. This week's guest is Andrew Allen, Principal of Batesville High School and IASP President-Elect. Andy brings a thoughtful and experienced voice to the conversation as we dive into three impactful bills: HB 1064 – Student Transfers: Exploring how the bill may shift local control and enrollment dynamics. HB 1498 – Accountability: Unpacking new provisions around data, assessment, and what they mean for schools. HB 1001 – Teacher Appreciation Grants: Discussing changes to how these funds are distributed and recognized. Whether you're a principal, administrator, or education advocate, this series is designed to keep you informed and connected to the policy decisions shaping our schools.
This week's episode features a dynamic conversation recorded at the IASP Fall Conference. Dr. Todd Bess, IASP Executive Director, sits down with Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner to discuss what's ahead for school leaders in 2025. From the upcoming legislative session to the education transition under Governor-Elect Braun, Dr. Jenner shares insights on key priorities and potential policy changes shaping Indiana's schools. In addition, we bring you breaking news from the State Board of Education: the adoption of Indiana's new diploma rule. Learn about this significant update and its implications for students, families, and educators statewide. Helpful links: IDOE Press Release Final Diploma Rule Presentation Final Diploma Rule As we prepare for the holiday season, Dr. Jenner offers an important reminder to rest and recharge—a message that resonates deeply with us at IASP. Tune in for critical updates, thoughtful discussion, and inspiration as we look ahead to the new year. Don't forget to subscribe for our next episode, dropping January 10, with fresh insights as the legislative session kicks off!
IASP Advocacy Podcast This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast brings you an engaging replay of our Fireside Chat with Dr. Todd Bess, IASP Executive Director, and Seamus Boyce, education attorney. Together, they: ✅ Recap key educational developments and legal developments from 2024. (Click here to see slides from Boyce's presentation at the AP and Fall Conference! The pass code is IASP24KGR) ✅ Share insights into how these changes have impacted schools and educators. ✅ Look ahead to 2025 with thoughtful predictions about upcoming legislative session. This conversation is packed with valuable information to help you stay informed and prepared for what's to come.
Welcome back to the IASP Advocacy Podcast! I'm Cindy Long, Assistant Executive Director here at IASP. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Todd Bess, our Executive Director, to discuss important updates from the recent State Board of Education meeting on November 12, 2024. We dive into details about the Indiana Learns grant program, designed to support families, and the upcoming Summer Learning Labs opportunities. With deadlines approaching fast for both, we've got the key information you need!
In this episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast, we dive into the results of recent state and national elections, examining what they mean for education policy and school leadership across Indiana. After unpacking the potential impacts of these outcomes, we switch focus to an equally important topic: how we, as educators and leaders, can continue to inspire and positively influence the lives of students in Indiana.
Join us on the IASP podcast as we dive into the 2025 Legislative Platform and Priorities. Guided by input from our online survey and the expertise of the IASP Legislative Committee, we've crafted a robust advocacy framework for the upcoming Indiana General Assembly session. This week, IASP Executive Director Todd Bess joins us to share insights into the committee's process and the direction of our legislative efforts. Are you interested in joining our Legislative Cadre? Click here to sign up!
The latest episode of the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast dives into the importance of elections and the role school leaders play in shaping education policy. Hosted by Cindy Long, Assistant Executive Director at IASP, this episode leverages the excitement of election season to explore how government decisions—from local school boards to the Indiana General Assembly—impact schools across the state. Cindy highlights the IASP advocacy efforts, emphasizing that advocacy isn't just for election time but a year-round effort.
Episode Description Welcome to this week's episode of the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast! In this week's two-part episode, Assistant Executive Director Cindy Long discusses the publication of the second draft of the new Indiana high school diploma and highlights some much needed clarification from the IDOE. In part two, IASP is honored to host Principal Amy Neimeier to learn about her trip to Washington DC as the NAESP state representative. Principal Neimeier recounts the National Principals of the Year celebration and provides some additional insights about federal legislation.
Welcome to this week's episode of the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast! In this episode, IASP Assistant Executive Director Cindy Long sits down with the Chesterton High School administrative team to discuss their unique "Principal for a Day" event. Hear insights and highlights from Principal Brent Martinson, Associate Principal Kristen Peterson, and their special guest, State Senator Rodney Pol, as they recap the day. Tune in for an engaging conversation about leadership, education, and community collaboration!
Welcome to the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast. This week, IASP Advocacy Podcast host, Cindy Long, speaks with Dr. Todd Bess about the high school diploma redesign progress, Indiana School Principals Week, and information about some of the School Leader Celebrations at the AP/Fall Conference. We also reflect on the 2024 IASP Legislative Priorities and are seeking input regarding the IASP legislative priorities in 2025.
In this episode, Yasmin Sheikh interviews Bibi Badejo – a family law barrister at Four Brick Court chambers, in London, and an advocacy coach. Bibi recounts her journey into law and how she pursued advocacy despite an initial fear of public speaking and a hefty dose of imposter syndrome. These challenges early in her career motivated Bibi to improve her skills through extensive training in the UK, the US and Australia. And she is now an accomplished advocacy coach in her own right, as well the founder and host of The Advocacy Podcast. This episode is rich with insights and practical tips for anyone interested improving their public speaking. Yasmin and Bibi also discuss the value of mentors and coaches, the emotional challenges of family law, and the evolving legal landscape – especially in addressing domestic abuse. You can listen to The Advocacy Podcast here: https://podfollow.com/1547600021
Welcome to the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast. This week, IASP Assistant Executive Director Cindy Long shares another episode of pivotal insights and updates regarding educational legislation implementation in Indiana. Join us as Principal Randy Maurer discusses literacy and IRead 3 implementation strategies.
Welcome to the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast. This week, IASP Assistant Executive Director Cindy Long shares another episode of pivotal insights and updates regarding educational legislation and implementation in Indiana. Principals Steve Baker and Amy Niemeier discuss SEA 282 and the implementation of the new attendance mandates in their respective schools. Don't miss these insights and ideas that can lead to community involvement and ultimately student achievement!
Welcome to the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast. This week, IASP Assistant Executive Director, shares another episode of pivotal insights and updates regarding educational legislation and implementation in Indiana. This week's episode features IASP Executive Director, Dr. Todd Bess discussing the September 11, 2024, State Board of Education meeting.
Welcome back to the IASP Advocacy Podcast - your weekly portal to insights and updates regarding education legislation and implementation. This week host Cindy Long spends time reviewing laws that have gone into effect for the 24-25 school year.
Welcome back to the IASP Advocacy Podcast - your weekly portal to insights and updates regarding education legislation and implementation. This week host Cindy Long interviews Dave Strouse, Batesville Middle School Principal and IASP's representative with NASSP. Dave brings an update from his bimonthly NASSP meeting. Don't miss this info on Title IX, E-Rate Funding, and financial appropriations.
Welcome back to the IASP Advocacy Podcast - your weekly portal to insights and updates regarding education legislation and implementation. This week, you'll hear from Cindy Long and Dr. Todd Bess recap the Indiana State Board of Education meeting that occurred on August 14. Learn about Indiana I-Read 3 results and intervention plans, as well as the 2nd version of the Indiana High School graduation requirements redesign!
Join us for an introduction with our new host, Cindy Long! Cindy will be discussing her adventures in the world of advocacy.
Tim McRoberts records his final episode as the host of the IASP Advocacy Podcast
Today, I will bring you my NINE lessons learned in nine years of Advocacy with IASP!
IASP Executive Director Dr. Todd Bess provides an update from the June 5 State Board of Education meeting.
Dave Strouse joins today to bring national updates on behalf of NASSP
Cindy Long joins up today. On July 1, 2024 Cindy will become the Assistant Executive Director at IASP. She joins today to introduce herself to our membership as she prepares to come on board! Welcome Cindy!
National updates from NAESP state rep Amy Niemeier
On this week's episode of CMDA Matters, Dr. Mike Chupp and Dr. Jeff Barrows are joined by Rev. Elizabeth Woning from the CHANGED Movement to discuss the political divide caused by LGBTQ identities and culture. RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE: Give to CMDA Email CMDA Matters CMDA Bookstore 2025 CMDA National Convention Voice of CMDA Media Training Ethics Hotline Elizabeth's Blog Post The Point Blog CHANGED Movement CMDA Advocacy The Voice of Advocacy Podcast
Dr. Bess is our guest this week to discuss the May State Board of Education meeting. More updates on HS Diploma re-design!
Panel discussion in regard to legislative changes that will be on schools plates for the fall.