The Department of Education (DOE) announced a meeting on the State's turnaround plan as it relates to Broad Ripple Magnet High School (BRMHS) just a few hours before the meeting was held at Broad Ripple United Methodist Church. The short notice and that the meeting coincided with back-to-school night at Broad Ripple meant that almost no one was able to attend.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett gave an overview on the next phase of the DOE's involvement at BRMHS.

"We are here to join forces with IPS especially in this situation with Broad Ripple to elevate our schools to bring resources together to do the things we have to do to provide for the children of our community," said Bennett.

"The day has come and gone where the discussions the public hearings the debates about whether or not the state should engage itself in turnaround measures, those days are over. We are now here to say how can we do it together, how can we build our capacity together, how can we pool our resources so that our children benefit the most. The day has come where adults have to stop fighting The kids are in the middle of this discussion. The bickering of the adults must end."

There were no details presented at this meeting, just an explanation of a framework of intervention. Jim Larson, director of school turnaround for DOE, explained that Scholastic Achievement Partners (SAP) will provide mentors to Broad Ripple for the core subjects of English and math. Each teacher will have a mentor. That mentor will observe the classroom and then work with the teacher to make changes in the curriculum that will strengthen the learning experience. SAP will provide targeted assistance, but will not be governing the school. The magnet programs and the extra curricular activities will not be affected, as this mentoring is for core curriculum.

Another meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2011. The time and location will be announced. SAP will be at that meeting to answer more detailed questions about the process. When the time and location are announced we will post them at www.broadripplegazette.com.