November 2026 has brought several major updates for education in Ohio and Indiana, from significant federal policy changes to local election outcomes and major state program rollouts. Together, these developments underscore the purpose of thoughtful educational reform: to ensure every student has access to strong teaching, meaningful opportunities, and the support to succeed. When reforms are guided by evidence and shaped around the needs of students and communities, they can strengthen schools today while preparing learners for tomorrow.
Regional & Federal Policy Updates
- Joint Retention Policy Impact Studies: Two newly published research studies analyzing early literacy laws in Chalkbeat highlighted that third-grade retention rules in both Ohio and Indiana have significantly boosted student academic achievement. The studies found that the mere “benchmark threat” of being held back motivated schools to implement better intervention frameworks, benefiting students even if they weren’t ultimately retained.
- Bipartisan Federal Legislation: Indiana Senator Jim Banks introduced the Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act, which passed the U.S. Senate on November 9, 2026. The bill allows K-12 students with disabilities from states like Ohio and Indiana to use their existing IEP or 504 plans as proof of disability to qualify for college accommodations, cutting out costly duplicative diagnostic testing.
- Returning Education to the States Waivers: Following Indiana’s earlier approval, the U.S. Department of Education officially issued a flex waiver to Ohio on October 30, 2026, granting both states expanded power through 2029 to combine siloed federal funding streams to directly support local literacy and workforce readiness programs.
Ohio Specific Updates
- Teacher Workforce Initiative: On November 10, 2026, the State Board of Education of Ohio announced that it secured an $8.4 million federal Teacher and School Leader grant to launch ELEVATE Ohio. The three-year initiative focuses on educator recruitment, licensing pipeline enhancements, and retention, and will launch an initial pilot reaching roughly 70,000 students.
- Gifted Education Framework: The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce published Ohio’s Plan for K-12 Gifted Education on November 3, 2026, setting a common statewide vision for high-ability learners.
- Voter Approval Prevents Massive Deficits: On November 3, voters approved a vital 5-year property tax levy for Cincinnati Public Schools. The district announced on November 9 that this new revenue averts a looming $44.5 million deficit and removes the school system from state “fiscal precaution”.
- Voucher System Oversight: Newly elected Governor-elect Amy Acton announced plans on November 10 to increase public transparency and taxpayer oversight regarding Ohio’s massive EdChoice private school voucher program.
Indiana Specific Updates
- High School Referendums Pass: The Indiana School Boards Association announced on November 5, 2026, that 70% of public school referendums passed across the state. Voters supported 27 out of 39 funding measures on local ballots despite widespread cost-of-living concerns.
- Indianapolis Deficits and Closures: In contrast to successful referendums elsewhere, Indianapolis Public Schools reported an 8% drop in student enrollment for the current school year. Facing a $20 million deficit, the district announced it will release a formal list of school closures later this November.
- Licensing Disciplinary Clash: On November 10, 2026, Attorney General Todd Rokita publicly called on Governor Mike Braun to direct the Indiana Department of Education to take licensing disciplinary action against dozens of public school teachers accused of making inappropriate social media comments regarding a political figure.