IASP Podcast

This week's IASP Legislative Update Podcast takes a slightly different approach as we head into Spring Break—a time that brings both excitement and increased demands in your buildings.

In this episode, I'm sharing a valuable resource to support your work during this busy season.

IASP continues to partner with Attorney Seamus Boyce and the team at Kroger Gardis & Regas to provide practical guidance following the legislative session. This week's podcast features a preview of their Legislative Debrief, with a focused breakdown of HEA 1004 – Various Education Matters, one of the most comprehensive bills from this session.

Assistant principals and deans play a critical role in shaping the culture, systems, and learning within our schools—but leadership growth doesn't happen in isolation.

In this episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany D. Barrett highlights the IASP LEADing APs program, a statewide mentoring experience designed specifically for assistant principals and deans who want to grow their leadership capacity while connecting with colleagues across Indiana.

Dr. Barrett is joined by two outstanding mentors in the program—Kris Warner, Assistant Principal at Newburgh and Sharon Elementary Schools, and Kyle Coffman, Principal at Oak View Elementary School. Together, they discuss how the LEADing APs program creates a trusted space for leaders to collaborate, reflect, and tackle real challenges facing schools today.

Throughout the conversation, they explore:

• How mentoring relationships create meaningful leadership growth

• The power of discussing real problems of practice with colleagues

• How the School Leader Paradigm frames leadership development

• Why reflection, connection, and networking are essential for assistant principals

• New program adjustments designed to make participation even more accessible

Whether you're a new assistant principal, an experienced dean, or someone preparing for your next leadership role, this episode offers insight into how intentional mentoring and collaborative learning can strengthen your leadership journey.

🎧 Learn more or register for the LEADing APs program at: IASP.org

Lead on, Indiana.

Dear IASP Members,

This week's IASP Legislative Update Podcast takes a closer look at Indiana's newly adopted Accountability Rule.

In this episode, I'm joined by IASP Executive Director, Todd Bess, for a discussion about the rule from a "what's changed" perspective. Rather than diving into the specific metrics, we step back and examine the big-picture shifts in Indiana's accountability framework and what those changes may mean for schools across the state.

If you're looking for a 30,000-foot view of the new rule and the direction Indiana is heading, this episode is a great place to start.

For those who want to dig deeper into the specific metrics and indicators, IASP is hosting an Accountability Webinar this morning at 10:00 AM EST.

Thank you for the leadership you provide for Indiana's students and schools.

As the school year begins to wind down, school leaders face a unique balance of reflection and preparation. In this episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany D. Barrett is joined by Kristen Peterson, IASP Assistant Principal Liaison, and Ashley Nevin, Assistant Principal at Highland Hills Middle School.

Ashley shares insights from her article Marching Toward the Year's End, highlighting how this time of year provides an important opportunity to celebrate progress while intentionally preparing for the year ahead. From course placements and scheduling decisions to maintaining a focus on rigor, relevance, and student-centered learning, Ashley discusses how leaders can use this season to strengthen instructional vision and school culture.

Listeners will gain practical ideas for reflecting on the current school year, supporting staff and students during the final stretch, and laying a strong foundation for the next.

Whether you are an assistant principal, principal, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers thoughtful strategies for leading with purpose as the school year concludes.

This week's IASP Legislative Update Podcast features an important conversation with Dr. Todd Bess, Executive Director of the Indiana Association of School Principals.

After years of discussion, drafts, feedback, and refinement, Indiana's new Accountability Rule has now been finalized and approved by the State Board of Education. In this episode, Dr. Bess walks through:

• The extensive work that went into developing the new rule • The timeline that led to its final adoption • How this model aims to better reflect the success and growth of every student in Indiana schools

This rule represents a significant shift in how school performance is measured and communicated, and we know school leaders will want clear guidance as they begin thinking about implementation.

Good morning, Indiana School Leaders —

As the General Assembly moves toward adjournment, the pace at the Statehouse has accelerated. Conference committees have dominated the week, and final votes may still be occurring as this message reaches you.

In this week's Legislative Update Podcast, I focus on legislation that has officially crossed the finish line.

At the time of recording, Governor Braun has signed four bills we've been following into law.

Below you'll find direct links and a brief summary of each.

✅ HEA 1035 – Permissible Unsupervised Activity

Author: Representative Teshka This new law defines "independent activity" and clarifies that a child is not considered a Child in Need of Services solely because a parent allows age-appropriate independence — including walking, biking, playing outdoors, remaining at home, or remaining briefly in a stationary vehicle.

While not an education-specific bill, this legislation shapes the broader child welfare framework impacting our students and families.

✅ HEA 1195 – High School Equivalency Diplomas

Author: Representative Davis This legislation extends pilot timelines through 2028 and requires students pursuing a High School Equivalency diploma to:

• Complete the Indiana Career Explorer program

• Complete a DOE-approved readiness assessment

Effective upon passage.

This reinforces structure and accountability within alternative diploma pathways.

✅ HEA 1325 – Special Education

Author: Representative Pfaff HEA 1325 requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Health, Department of Child Services, and the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services, to collect data and make recommendations regarding:

• Residential placements

• Developmental preschool

• Special education services

With next year being a budget year, this data-driven approach positions Indiana for more informed conversations about special education funding and service alignment.

✅ HEA 1036 – Children in Need of Services

Author: Representative Wilburn

This law requires the Department of Child Services to have in-person contact with an alleged victim before:

1. Concluding an abuse or neglect assessment, and

2. Dismissing or terminating a pending CHINS case.

Given recent statewide discussion around DCS processes, this legislation strengthens procedural safeguards.

School leaders — often mandatory reporters and partners in these cases — should be aware of this procedural shift.

As session concludes, remember:

IASP will continue monitoring conference outcomes and agency guidance and will provide additional updates as final language settles.

Thank you for your leadership, your advocacy, and your steady presence for Indiana students.

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Ready to Lead? Your Moment Starts Here.

In this inspiring episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany Barrett sits down with dynamic speaker and WE Conference keynote, Kristen Campbell, for a powerful conversation about pressure, perseverance, and purpose.

Using the powerful metaphor of a diamond, Kristen reminds us that growth doesn't happen without resistance and that the very pressure we feel may be shaping us into something stronger, brighter, and more impactful than we imagined.

You'll walk away with encouragement to: ✨ Reframe adversity as refinement ✨ Build intentional environments that help you thrive ✨ Embrace support, vulnerability, and community ✨ Lead with courage — especially in challenging seasons

If leadership is on your heart, don't miss the 2026 IASP Aspiring Leaders Conference: your launch pad toward your first administrative role. Two high-impact days of real talk, hands-on scenarios, meaningful networking, and practical strategies grounded in the School Leader Paradigm.

👉 Register now: [Aspiring Leaders Conference Registration Link]

Step up. Lead in. Lead on, Indiana.

You're used to having your IASP Legislative Update with your Friday morning coffee…

But this week, we're serving it at dinner time. 🍽️

With this being the final week of committee meetings, there was simply too much on the plate for a quick sip-and-go update.

In tonight's episode, I break down what happened in the "committee kitchen":

• The bills that made it out

• What was sent back for modification

• The measures that fizzled

• The big pot still simmering (HB 1004)

• And what appears to be heading straight for the finish line

We're officially in the final stretch:

Second reading – February 23 Third reading – February 24 Sine die anticipated – February 27

The final seasoning is happening quickly.

As always, thank you for staying informed and engaged. Your leadership matters — especially in these final days.

IASP Leadership Podcast – Special WE Conference Keynote Preview with Tish Frederick

In this special preview episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany D. Barrett sits down with WE Conference keynote speaker Tish Frederick to explore the power of vulnerability, leadership growth, and the lasting ripple effect educators have on students and communities.

Tish shares her deeply personal leadership journey, the inspiration behind founding her nonprofit organization, Beautiful As You Are, and how authentic storytelling can create meaningful change in schools and beyond. Through powerful reflections on transparency, healing, and hope, Tish encourages leaders to embrace growth, learn from those they serve, and lead with intentionality.

Listeners will also get an exciting preview of Tish's interactive WE Conference keynote and breakout sessions, which focus on empowerment, resilience, and renewed purpose for women in education and leadership. From hands-on engagement to powerful moments of reflection, Tish shares how leaders can walk into professional learning spaces ready to transform both their personal and professional impact.

Whether you are planning to attend the WE Conference or simply looking for inspiration in your leadership journey, this episode offers practical encouragement and a powerful reminder that even small actions can create lasting ripple effects for students, staff, and communities.

Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded of the incredible influence you hold as a leader.

If you'd like to learn more about the WE Conference, visit IASP.org.

This week's IASP Legislative Update Podcast is now available, and we're taking a focused approach—highlighting five key bills that directly impact school leadership, student expectations, and district operations: SB 78, SB 199, SB 88, HB 1004, and HB 1325.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• The latest action on student wireless device legislation

• New social media and literacy policy developments

• Proposed "success sequence" curriculum requirements

• Updates on administrator contract language

• A bipartisan legislative win advancing special education fiscal clarity

We encourage you to stay informed and continue sharing your insights with lawmakers as these proposals move forward. Your voice remains one of the most important influences in shaping effective education policy.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. And thank you for your leadership.