Paul Ketcham

Dr. Lisa Vosper said it well: “Connections of value are as important as credentials of value.” That’s the power of work-based learning—students don’t just gain skills, they build relationships, networks, and real-world perspective. Those connections often open the very doors their credentials help them walk through. @SHEEOed

Carrie Samson of the Business–Higher Education Forum shared a powerful insight: “Often K–12 and employers aren’t speaking the same language—but they’re saying the same things.” That’s the power of a strong intermediary in work-based learning: translating needs, aligning partners, and creating real pathways for students. @SHEEOed

We truly thank Paul Ketcham and David Buyze for the fascinating update this morning on restarting A-F letter grades, the meaning of Year 0, the status of the federal ESSA waiver, and teacher appreciation grants.

The happiest people I know choose positivity, practice gratitude, and lead with kindness. They lift others up, celebrate the small things, and make every room a little brighter. Good reminder this Sunday: Be that person for someone today.

This morning, the Indiana State Board of Education approved a new accountability model for schools. Click here to learn about the new system and how it will impact the state: fox59.com/indianapolitic…

Culture redefines what’s possible. When people believe in the mission, and in each other, “impossible” doesn’t feel final. It feels like something we can work on together. In an unselfish culture, teammates step in without being asked. They carry the load when someone else is tired. They give their best because the work matters, and the people beside them matter. That’s how possible becomes progress. And progress, over time, becomes something special.

Good night and Sine Die!

Lead with intention and communicate with clarity. True leadership isn’t about having all the answers…it’s about listening, connecting, and inspiring others to grow.

Met with two impressive future educators, Katie and Avery, who shared their research on the Science of Reading. The depth of their thinking and commitment to literacy was inspiring. Also had the opportunity to connect with IU President Pam Whitten at Regionals at the Rotunda. Incredible energy in the Statehouse today — proud to see IU’s regional campuses developing scholars who are meeting the real needs of Indiana communities. @EducateIN

Mid-morning in the heart of Indiana. A quiet reminder that service is a privilege. Grateful for the opportunity to do my small part for our state and its students.

At @BCG’s People & Processes in the AI Era conference today. Thoughtful dialogue on how AI is transforming leadership, talent strategy, and the way organizations operate. Proud to see fellow Hoosier Melina Kennedy representing Indiana so well as CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and through her service on the Ascend Board. @AscendIndiana @CICPIndiana

It’s important for leaders to deposit into the human capital bank daily. Genuinely love people, praise people, acknowledge people’s efforts. Build a large account with those around you. It makes those times you ask for a withdraw easier, and the goodwill improves quality of work.

Today, students and partners gathered to celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Day at the Statehouse! Student leaders from across Indiana shared how hands-on training and real-world experiences are actively carving out their career paths. #CTEMonth

When leaders serve with humility, invest in people, and truly believe in their teams, momentum follows. Momentum that builds confidence. Confidence that fuels purpose. Purpose that turns effort into shared success. That’s how teams rise together.

Winter Seminar Spotlight Today, we are pleased to welcome @KetchamPaul, Indiana Assistant Secretary of Education with @EducateIN, to our Annual Winter Seminar. Mr. Ketcham is providing an important update on the current state of education in Indiana, including school funding, legislative activity during session, and key issues impacting districts across the state. We appreciate our partnership with IDOE and the timely insights shared with Indiana’s public school leaders. #LeadIAPSS @IAPSSExec

Indiana is 1⃣ of only 10 states receiving a federal Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant this year, joining the nation’s leading states in advancing scalable, research-backed literacy practices. Read more here: bit.ly/4bviNP1

Thank you, Dr. Butts. Grateful for the opportunity to serve Indiana and work with 92 counties full of Indiana’s most precious natural resource and future leaders. Growing productive citizens, full of what we value as Hoosiers; knowledge, skills, attributes, and experiences.

Indiana’s class of 2025 marks the 3rd consecutive year of improved graduation rates and sets a new state record! Nearly 92% of Indiana seniors graduated high school last year, up 1.6 percentage points from the class of 2024.🎓📚 Read more here: bit.ly/49lAnSX

Mercy rule… #CFBPlayoffs #RoseBowl #iufb