Education Matters With MySchoolOptions

• Episode 45 - Putting Families First: Inside Indiana’s ESA and CSA Program Success

  On this episode, Cesar and Sarah sit down with Indiana State Treasurer Daniel Elliott. Daniel isn’t just the man who oversees $16 billion of Hoosier funds—he’s also a passionate advocate for school choice, a dad of four, a former software engineer, and a true Hoosier at heart. Daniel shares his personal journey from growing up in rural Jennings County to public service, his family’s diverse education choices, and his strong belief that parents know their kids best. The focus turns to Indiana’s innovative Education Scholarship Account (ESA) and Career Scholarship Account (CSA) programs. Daniel explains why he believes the Treasurer’s Office is best equipped to manage these programs instead of the Department of Education. He highlights the office’s record of efficiency (including reducing payment processing times from 45 days to just 3 days), significant cost savings, and a parent-centric, flexible approach hailed as the “gold standard” nationwide. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear real stories about how school choice options—homeschool, charter, public—have benefited Daniel’s own children, and powerful testimonials about ESA’s impact on special needs students. Daniel also addresses recent legislative proposals to move ESA/CSA program oversight, raising concerns about the possible loss of personalized service and program flexibility if transferred to a larger bureaucracy. Key Takeaways: Daniel Elliott’s Background:Growing up in Southern Indiana, being first in his family to attend college, and his move from IT to public service. School Choice Journey:The Elliott family's hands-on experiences with public school, homeschool, and charter schools for their four children. Inside Indiana’s ESA & CSA Programs: What the programs offer (customized education funding for special needs students and career/apprenticeship pathways). Why the Treasurer’s Office administers these programs, not the Department of Education. Dramatic improvements in efficiency, provider options, and direct, responsive service to families. Parent-Centric Approach:How Daniel’s team listens to parents and adapts the programs to fit real needs—plus why this nimble, small-business style model works better than traditional bureaucracy. Advocacy and Legislative Concerns:The potential risk to families if ESA/CSA oversight moves to a larger agency, and Daniel’s appeal for lawmakers to keep the program where it is. How Listeners Can Help: Parents: Share feedback and personal success stories with officials. All: Reach out to Indiana lawmakers to support school choice and the Treasurer’s Office’s continued oversight. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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• Episode 44 - Celebrating Indiana’s Literacy Gains: Greg Harrell Talks IREAD Scores & the Future of School Choice

  In this episode, Sarah welcomes Greg Harrell, the newest addition to the IQE/MSO team, for his podcast debut. Greg shares his background in public service, education, and government, and provides an in-depth look at the recently released 2025 IREAD scores—Indiana’s critical assessment for third-grade literacy. Together, they discuss the state’s post-pandemic progress, key education policy priorities, and the strong results from Indiana’s non-public schools.Key Takeaways: Meet Greg Harrell: Greg’s roots in southern Indiana, his career path from state government to education advocacy, and his passion for policy and school choice. What is IREAD? Overview of Indiana’s IREAD test for third graders: Origins, purpose, and why it matters. The evolution of the assessment since its 2013 implementation. The 2025 IREAD Results: Statewide increase: Over 87% of third graders passed, hitting pre-pandemic levels. Record gains: Largest year-over-year improvement since the test’s creation, with about 6,000 more students passing compared to last year. Non-public schools shine: 96% proficiency rate for Indiana’s private schools. Factors Driving Improvement: $170 million invested since 2022 in literacy initiatives (public and philanthropic funding, including from Lilly Endowment). Earlier identification and support: Second graders now take IREAD, helping educators identify and assist struggling students sooner. Looking Forward: The Department of Education’s ambitious goal: 95% of third graders passing IREAD by 2027. Ongoing policy priorities: Defending school choice, reducing unnecessary regulation, and tweaking programs for better outcomes in the 2026 legislative session. Why School Choice Matters: Greg’s personal perspective on the evolution and importance of educational choice in Indiana. The alignment between K-12 and higher education in empowering families and students with options. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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• Episode 43 - Empowering Parents: Navigating Indiana School Choice

  In this episode of Education Matters, hosts Cesar Roman and Sarah Milligan sit down with Kim Graham, Director of Organizing and Partnerships at EmpowerED Families, to unpack what school choice looks like across Indiana—and how families can make the most of it. With over two decades of experience as an educator, advocate, and mom, Kim shares how families can navigate Indiana’s evolving K–12 landscape, from understanding new high school diploma options to partnering effectively with schools. She also highlights the importance of asking the right questions, staying engaged, and knowing what resources are available to help families find the best educational fit. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or advocate, this conversation offers practical insights on how informed families help drive student success. Key Takeaways: 🔑 Parents are essential partners in their child’s education—and their voice matters. 📚 Indiana’s school landscape is changing, with new diploma pathways and expanded choice options. 💬 Knowing what to ask schools helps families make better, more informed decisions. 🌟 When families are engaged, schools and communities benefit. 🎧 This episode is packed with real-world advice for navigating school choice and ensuring every Indiana student has an opportunity to thrive. 🔗 Discover how Indiana’s school choice options can work for your family at myschooloptions.orgDid you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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• Episode 42 - From Scholarship to Scholar: Daion Daniels’ Story

  In this inspiring episode of Education Matters, hosts Cesar Roman and Sarah Milligan sit down with Indianapolis native and rising education reform leader, Daion L. Daniels. His journey from a low‑income public school student to earning a PhD in Education Policy is proof of what’s possible when students have access to the right educational fit. Daion’s story begins in Indiana’s public schools, where he often felt academically unchallenged. That changed when his mother discovered the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, opening the door to a college‑prep Catholic high school. The academic rigor, supportive environment, and faith‑based values he encountered there set him on a path to college, advanced research, and a career in shaping education policy at the state and national level. Now, as the youngest ever PhD graduate from the University of Arkansas’ Department of Education Reform, Daion researches how private school choice impacts civic engagement, political tolerance, and long‑term student success. His work directly informs policymakers, helping states design programs that expand opportunity, strengthen civic life, and deliver measurable results for students. 🎧 More than just a personal success story, this episode is about how thoughtful policy—grounded in real‑world experience—can transform both individual lives and the future of education. Key Takeaways: Educational Access Changes Trajectories: How a voucher opened the door to academic challenge, supportive mentors, and future leadership. Policy Grounded in Experience: Why Daion’s firsthand journey makes his research especially powerful for lawmakers and advocates. Civic Engagement & Open‑Mindedness: Insights from his studies on how private and faith‑based schools prepare students for democratic life. Indiana as a Policy Model: How Indiana’s evolution from income‑limited vouchers to universal school choice offers lessons for other states. Looking Ahead: Daion’s vision for increasing capacity, transparency, and opportunity in education policy. Whether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or advocate, this conversation will deepen your understanding of why educational freedom matters—and how policy leadership can make it a reality for every child. 🔗 Discover how Indiana’s school choice options can work for your family at myschooloptions.orgDid you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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• Episode 41 - Breaking Down Indiana’s Latest ILEARN Test Results

  In this episode of Education Matters, hosts Sarah Milligan and Cesar Roman break down the newly released 2025 ILEARN test scores—what they reveal, why they matter, and how parents can use them to make informed school choices for their children. ILEARN, Indiana’s statewide assessment, measures how well students are meeting state academic standards in English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies. The 2025 results show encouraging progress in math proficiency, with 42.1% of students meeting the mark—a steady climb since 2021. ELA scores, however, remained largely unchanged at 40.6% proficiency. In fact, 7th and 8th grade performance slipped slightly, signaling ongoing challenges in middle school literacy development. The Indiana Department of Education is also rolling out a new “through-year” ILEARN model beginning in 2025–26, which will include checkpoints in the fall, winter, and spring to give families and educators more actionable data throughout the year. Key Takeaways: Math scores are on the rise across all grade levels—8th grade saw the biggest jump. ELA remains flat overall, with declines in 7th and 8th grade performance. Subgroup success stories: Special education, low-income, Black, and Hispanic students are making important gains. Through-year testing will provide families with real-time insight into student progress. Parents have options: Use ILEARN data alongside your instincts to explore public, charter, private, online, or hybrid school options. 🎧 Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or policymaker, this episode equips you with the knowledge to interpret ILEARN scores and use them as a tool for finding the right educational fit for your child. 🔗 Discover how Indiana’s school choice options can work for your family at myschooloptions.org Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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