DePauw Professor McKeown named to ISTEP review panel

Friday, April 29, 2016
Professor Michelle McKeown

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence Friday appointed Michelle McKeown, part-time assistant professor of education studies at DePauw University and 2003 graduate of DPU, to the ISTEP review panel created by House Enrolled Act 1395 during the 2016 legislative session.

Wendy Robinson, superintendent of Fort Wayne Public Schools and a 1973 DePauw graduate, was appointed to the panel by Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz.

The bill, signed into law by Gov. Pence early this year, established a 23-member panel of experts in education to study alternatives to the statewide standardized exam (ISTEP) and make recommendations for a shorter, simpler-to-administer test.

The panel will submit recommendations to the governor and General Assembly by Dec. 1.

"Today we take an important step toward moving away from ISTEP to create a shorter, more reliable test," Pence said. "This dynamic slate of education experts and stakeholders, led by Nicole Fama -- an accomplished and passionate public educator -- will take the lead in developing the next iteration of assessment and accountability for our schools. Each candidate's extensive expertise in the education realm and their willingness to weigh in as part of our panel will help ensure students in Indiana receive an excellent education, coupled with an alternative assessment model that will provide a strong foundation for accountability."

Friday's announcement notes that McKeown teaches courses on education and law at DePauw.

She also serves as the general counsel and director of policy for the Indiana Charter School Board. Previously, McKeown served as general counsel for the Indiana State Board of Education and in numerous policy and legal-related roles with the Indiana Department of Education.

McKeown has also taught as an instructor at Indiana University -- Bloomington School of Education.

Wendy (Sanders) Robinson began working as a teacher in Fort Wayne Community Schools following her graduation from DePauw.

She was named assistant principal at Memorial Park Middle School in 1986 and served as assistant principal at Weisser Park and Price elementary schools and was promoted to deputy superintendent of schools in 1995. She's had the top post at FWCS since 2003. Robinson has received numerous awards, including the National Alliance of Black School Educators 2009 Joseph E. Hill Superintendent of the Year Award.

In addition to McKeown and Farma, Gov. Pence appointed the following:

-- Jim Roberts, Batesville Community School Corp. superintendent.

-- Chuck Weisenbach, principal of Roncalli High School in Indianapolis.

-- Brent Freeman, Special Education Officer for Indianapolis Public Schools.

Besides Robinson, Ritz appointed the following:

-- Ayana Wilson-Coles, third-grade teacher at Eagle Creek Elementary School in Indianapolis.

-- Julie Kemp, principal at Chrisney Elementary School in the North Spencer County School Corp.

-- Callie Marksbary, Indiana State Teachers Association.

House Speaker Brian Bosma appointed the following:

-- Melissa Scherle, IPS second-grade teacher.

-- Edward Rangel, assistant principal at Tindley Genesis in Indianapolis.

-- Scot Croner, Blackford County Schools superintendent.

-- Lynne Stallings, Ball State University professor.

Senate Pro Tempore David Long appointed the following:

-- Jean Russell, literacy specialist at Haverhill Elementary in Southwest Allen County Schools and 2016 Indiana Teacher of the Year.

-- Steve Baker, Bluffton High School principal.

-- Kenneth Folks, East Allen County Schools superintendent.

-- Marilyn Moran-Townsend, Fort Wayne-based CVC Communications chairman and CEO.

In addition to those 17 selections, the panel is rounded out by Ritz, the commissioner of Workforce Development, commissioner of Higher Education, chairman of the Senate Education and Career Development Committee, chairman of the House Education Committee and a member of the State Board of Education.

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