Education Matters With MySchoolOptions

Latest Episodes:

Episode 36 - Inside Indiana’s New High School Diploma Requirements May 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Education Matters, hosts Cesar Roman and Sarah Milligan unpack Indiana’s bold new redesign of the high school diploma.

With student needs and workforce demands rapidly evolving, Indiana's 2025 legislation marks a turning point for K-12 education. These new diploma requirements aren’t just about credits—they’re about preparing students for real life. We’ll walk through what’s changing, why it matters, and how parents can help their children navigate the new expectations.

Whether you have a middle schooler or a rising senior, this episode offers a vital breakdown of how Indiana is rethinking high school to better equip students for a successful future.

Key Takeaways:

One Diploma, Many Paths: Indiana now offers a flexible base diploma with career, college, or military “readiness seals.”
Why It’s Needed: Fewer students are attending college, joining the military, or graduating career-ready.
Career Readiness: Internships, certifications, and military experience can count toward graduation.
More Electives, More Credits: Students can earn up to 64 credits, with 12 elective credits for personalized learning.
Automatic Acceptance: Students earning the “Honors Plus” seal get automatic acceptance to Indiana colleges.
Get Informed: Visit in.gov/doe/diplomas for details and planning tools.

🎧 Don't miss this essential episode—perfect for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about preparing students for success in a changing world.

🔗 Learn more about school choice options in Indiana at myschooloptions.org

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 35 - A Legislative Recap with Betsy Wiley May 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Education Matters, hosts Cesar Roman and Sarah Milligan sit down with Betsy Wiley, President & CEO of the Institute for Quality Education, to unpack one of the most consequential legislative sessions for school choice in Indiana history.

Despite facing a surprise $2 billion budget shortfall, Indiana prevailed—delivering major wins for Hoosier families and students. From the miraculous passage of universal Choice Scholarships to critical funding protections for ESAs, CSAs, and charter schools, this session proved that smart policy and powerful advocacy can overcome even the toughest fiscal environments.

Betsy walks us through how it happened, what it means, and what’s next in the ongoing fight to defend and expand educational opportunity across the state.

Key Takeaways:

Universal School Choice is Coming: Vouchers will be available to all Indiana students by 2026–27.
Advocacy Was Essential: Parent and school voices played a critical role in advancing choice.
Core Programs Protected: ESAs, CSAs, and charter schools avoided cuts despite the shortfall.
Academic Quality Advancing: New math screeners and accountability measures are on the way.

🎧 Don’t miss this inside look at how Indiana became a national leader in education freedom—again.

🔗 Learn more about school choice options in Indiana at myschooloptions.org

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 34 - Ely Page: Fighting for Every Child’s Future Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Education Matters, host Cesar Roman sits down with Ely Page, Regional Organizing Director at My School Options, to uncover how school choice is transforming communities across Indiana.

From his deeply personal homeschooling background to his policy work during Indiana’s historic school choice expansion, Ely brings a unique lens to the evolving education landscape. His mission? Ensuring every family has the knowledge and access to choose the best education path for their child.

Tune in for a powerful conversation about how educational freedom is reshaping regions like Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Hamilton County—and what that means for parents, students, and the future of Indiana.

Key Takeaways:

Breaking Down Barriers to Access: Discover why awareness—not availability—is the biggest hurdle for families, and how My School Options is working face-to-face in communities to spread the word about school vouchers, ESAs, and micro-schooling.
Inside Indiana’s Diverse Education Ecosystem: Explore how Fort Wayne’s established institutions, Michiana’s innovative spirit, and Hamilton County’s abundance of choices offer unique approaches to learning.
Empowering Parents with Real Options: Hear how school choice helped a student with muscular dystrophy gain two reading levels thanks to Indiana’s ESA program—and how flexible options like this are changing lives.
A Message to Families: Whether you’re seeking the perfect school now or preparing to pivot later, Ely reminds families: “You have options. You deserve it.”

🎧 Whether you're a parent exploring school alternatives, an advocate for education equity, or just curious about what’s possible in Indiana, this episode will leave you informed and inspired.

🔗 Learn more about school choice options in Indiana at myschooloptions.org

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 33 - Inside Indiana’s School Choice Movement with Taki Floutsis Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Education Matters, host Sarah Milligan sits down with Taki Floutsis, Regional Organizing Director for MySchoolOptions, to explore the evolving landscape of school choice in Indiana. For Taki, education advocacy is more than a job—it’s personal. His own school choice journey fuels his passion for helping Indiana families navigate their options and find the best fit for their children.

Tune in as they discuss the real impact of school choice policies, the growing role of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), vouchers, charter schools, and micro-schooling, and how communities across Indiana are coming together to expand opportunities for students.

Key Takeaways:

Indiana’s Expanding School Choice Landscape: Learn about the latest school choice programs, including how ESAs are empowering homeschooling families and the growth of charter and faith-based schools in the Northwest Indiana, Lafayette, and Evansville regions.
Building Stronger Communities Through Education: Discover how regional advocates and community organizations are transforming local education through partnerships with Catholic schools, micro-schooling initiatives, and groups like the Big Shoulders Fund and HOLA Evansville.
Parental Advocacy Matters: Hear how families who struggled to access the right educational opportunities have directly influenced legislation in Indiana.
Finding the Right Fit for Every Child: Whether it’s public, private, charter, or homeschooling, Taki reminds families that there is a place for every child—and resources to help them get there.

🎧 Don't miss this insightful episode! Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation will leave you inspired about the future of education in Indiana.

🔗 Learn more about school choice options in Indiana at myschooloptions.org

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 32 - Senator Raatz Talks School Choice & Career Pathways Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

On this episode, host Sarah Milligan sits down with Indiana State Senator Jeff Raatz, Chair of the Senate Education and Career Development Committee. As a key legislator shaping the state’s education policies, Senator Raatz has been at the forefront of expanding school choice and strengthening career pathways for Indiana students.

Tune in as they discuss Indiana’s latest legislative advancements in education, including removing income caps for school vouchers, allocating property tax dollars to charter schools, and the growing role of career coaching in preparing students for the workforce.

Highlights from the episode:

Universal School Choice: Senator Raatz breaks down Indiana’s latest milestone—eliminating income caps for school vouchers. With this move, all Hoosier families, regardless of income, will have access to school choice programs, ensuring students can attend the school that best fits their needs.
Funding for Charter Schools: A major legislative push is underway to allow property tax dollars to support charter schools, a significant step in achieving funding equity across Indiana’s diverse educational landscape.
The Power of Parental Advocacy: Learn why direct engagement from parents is crucial in shaping education policy and how personal stories can make a difference in legislative decisions.
Career Coaching and Workforce Readiness: Senator Raatz shares Indiana’s innovative approach to career coaching, aiming to guide students toward fulfilling career paths through hands-on learning experiences and industry partnerships.
The Future of Education in Indiana: What’s next for school choice and workforce development? Senator Raatz offers his vision for continued improvements in Indiana’s education system.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that highlights why education truly matters.

🔗 Did you find this episode informative? Help us out!

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help spread the word about educational freedom and career opportunities for Indiana students.

For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 31 - Speaker of the House Todd Huston’s Perspective on the Future of School Choice Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Join our guest host, Betsy Wiley, as she is joined by Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston. Together they discuss Speaker Huston’s involvement in championing educational freedom and expanding school choice options for families across the state. From overcoming initial challenges to garnering public support for voucher programs, Speaker Huston shares his insights and experiences that have contributed to significant victories in the realm of school choice.

Listen in as they reveal the intricacies and triumphs of advocating for an education system where every child has the chance to thrive.

Highlights from the episode:

A Personal Journey to Advocacy: Speaker Huston delves into his personal connection to school choice, tracing his passion back to a formative experience with educational change and a pivotal read on Milwaukee's school voucher program. His personal story underscores the importance of tailored educational paths for every child.
Victories and Challenges: As a legislator deeply involved in expanding school choice, Huston reflects on the gradual yet rewarding journey of policy advancements in Indiana. He talks about key victories and the evolving public support for the voucher program, emphasizing how incremental progress has fortified educational freedom in the state.
The Current Landscape and Future Steps: With universal school choice on the horizon, Speaker Huston remains optimistic yet realistic about the legislative process. He discusses potential challenges and the unwavering commitment to advocate for educational options until they become a reality for all families in Indiana.
The Role of Advocacy: Huston emphasizes the critical role that parents, students, and grassroots advocates play in shaping education policy. He encourages continued engagement and storytelling to keep the momentum strong and ensure that educational policies resonate with the needs of students.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that highlights why education truly matters.

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 30 - The Evolution of School Choice: Insights from Indiana State Represenative Robert Behning, a True Champion for School Choice Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Education Matters, host Cesar Roman discusses the evolution of school choice with Indiana State Representative Robert Behning. From personal stories of choosing education paths to monumental legislative victories like the 2011 voucher bill, Cesar and Representative Behning discuss how these changes are reshaping the educational landscape. They dig further into the power of school choice, the role of parent advocacy, and the exciting prospects of universal choice in Indiana. Whether you're a parent, educator, or policymaker, this is essential listening to understand how educational options are expanding opportunities for all students. Listen now and see why education matters!

Key Takeaways:

Moral, ethical, and faith-based reasons for school choice
School choice as a means to facilitating a nurturing environment for diverse learning needs
Early attempts and challenges with school choice movement in Indiana
The role of external influences and opposition
Growth of grassroots advocacy and parental involvement
Key legislative measures in 2011 that made an impact
State-wide acceptance and implementation of school choice policies
The future of school choice and long-term objectives for equitable education options
Utilization and expansion of pilot programs like ESAs

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

BONUS - Nation's Report Card Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

In this bonus episode, Sarah Milligan and Cesar Roman discuss the Nation's Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). They explore its significance as a comprehensive measure of student performance across the U.S., particularly focusing on Indiana's recent educational outcomes in reading and math. The conversation highlights the importance of NAEP in providing data for policymakers and educators, as well as Indiana's ranking and performance trends over the years.

Key Takeaways:

The Nation's Report Card is a vital indicator of educational performance.
NAEP provides a uniform assessment across states.
Indiana has shown improvement in fourth and eighth grade reading.
The test helps identify historical trends in education.
Data from NAEP is crucial for policymakers and educators.
Indiana's fourth graders ranked sixth in reading nationally.
There is a slight dip in eighth grade math scores in Indiana.
The test samples a representative population of students.
Top performers continue to excel while low performers struggle.
Understanding educational performance helps improve the system.

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 29 - Unpacking Indiana's Legislative Session: School Choice, Education Funding, and Policy Changes for 2025 Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, join our host, Sarah Milligan, as she explores the potential impact of key legislative bills shaping Indiana's education landscape. Sarah and guest, Betsy Wiley, President and CEO of Institute for Quality Education discuss House Bills 1001, 1002, 1136, and 1636, which could transform education funding, regulation, and school choice options across the state. From the intricacies of creating a state budget to the challenges of ensuring school choice remains a priority, this episode is packed with valuable information for families, educators, and policymakers. Tune in to discover how the evolving legislative session and the push for universal school vouchers might influence the future of education in Indiana.

Key takeaways:

Analysis of key education bills:
House Bill 1001 (State Budget)
House Bill 1002 (School Regulation Reduction)
House Bill 1136 (School District Reform)
House Bill 1636 (Dynamic Choice Scholarships)
Challenges faced by IQE in advocating for school choice policies
Opposition from defenders of the status quo
The narrative that school choice diverts resources from public schools and addressing misconceptions
Strategies by IQE to educate the public and legislators on the benefits of school choice
Various methods for families to advocate for school choice, including contacting legislators and attending roundtables
Advice for families on how to navigate school choice options

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 28 - Finding the Right Fit for Every Child- Anastasia’s Story Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Education Matters, Sarah sits down to an inspiring conversation with Anastasia, a nurse, mother of six, and education advocate who has made a powerful impact on her children's schooling!

Anastasia discusses her journey in navigating various education options for her kids, leveraging school vouchers, and her proactive approach to ensuring her children receive the best education possible. She also emphasizes the importance of evaluating each child's unique needs and adapting their educational path accordingly and touches on the advantages of classical education.

As an advocate for universal school choice, she makes it a priority to bring awareness and support the Indiana Choice Voucher program.

Key Takeaways: