Why does Indiana Learns exist?

Results of a study conducted by the National Center for Assessment in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) show that students experienced a moderate to significant academic impact in English/language arts and a significant impact in math following pandemic-related learning disruptions. After one year of intensive support, results show that learning is stabilizing or recovering for many students. However, proficiency rates for specific student populations, including Black, Hispanic, English learner students, low income students, and students with disabilities, remain significantly below both pre-pandemic levels as well as their grade-level peers. 

Passed in January 2022, House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1251 outlined requirements forIDOE to establish and administer a microgrants program to support students in recovering from learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In summer 2022, the Indiana Department of Education partnered with The Mind Trust to manage implementation of this program, naming it Indiana Learns.