They’ll have just nine weeks to get new laws proposed and passed through both chambers of the General Assembly during the fast-paced short session. And, as always, expect plenty of school-related proposals to make their way to the floor for debate. Here are some of the top education issues to watch this year.

A mandate for workforce-related professional development, passed by the legislature last year, started a conversation about a litany of training requirements placed on teachers. Lawmakers are taking a hard look at those requirements and could make adjustments to how much training teachers need and how often.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Yesterday, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced the federal approval of a Medicaid waiver that will offer new hope to thousands of Hoosiers suffering from serious mental illnesses. The waiver, approved by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services late last week, gives Indiana Medicaid the authority to pay for acute inpatient stays in institutions for mental disease for individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Until now, Medicaid law prevented funding from being used for inpatient SMI treatment at any hospital, nursing facility or other institution with more than 16 beds. 

Read more: https://www.eaglecountryonline.com/news/local-news/in-to-receive-federal-approval-to-expand-medicaid-treatment-for-serious-mental-illnesses/