Thea Bowman Leadership Academy in Gary is seeking a second chance from Indiana Charter Board after Ball State University declined to renew its charter over long-standing governance concerns. Two Indiana laws intended to prevent failing charter schools from escaping closure or accountability through finding another sponsor could now face their first test.

An Indiana education official was allowed to suggest edits and changes to a report summarizing an independent investigation into the state's ISTEP exam.

Grades approved by the board reflect changes signed into law last month. The law ensures lower ISTEP scores do not negatively impact schools during the state's transition to more rigorous college and career ready academic standards.

Public hearings are expected to start next month on the future of four long-troubled schools under state intervention.

In preliminary numbers compiled by State Board of Education staff, 17 percent of Indiana's K-12 schools will be considered failing under the state's A-F accountability system. Last year, 4 percent of schools were considered failing.

State leaders say they recognize the difficulties presented by changing standardized tests, and that they are taking the necessary steps to help make the transition go more smoothly.

Arlington Community High School Principal Stan Law told the State Board of Education Wednesday that the school had seen a "nearly 100 percent turnaround" in student behavior but there is still much improvement to be made.

Confusion and frustrations over the transition of Indiana's Arlington Community High School from state intervention back to its home district continues to play out behind the scenes.

Arlington Community High School is a "top concern" of the Indiana Department of Education due to its ongoing turbulent atmosphere, an education officer told the State Board of Education today.

New high school diploma requirements that drew criticism for a variety of reasons will head back to the drawing board after the State Board of Education voted to postpone any action that would put the diplomas into effect.