IN School Supt Glenda Ritz Talks About Takeover Schools, Blacks In Her Office, ISTEP And More

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz answered a bunch of community concerns in an exclusive Afternoons with Amos interview.  In her first month in office, Ritz angered many in Indianapolis by letting Mayor Greg Ballard have oversight over the four Indianapolis schools that were taken over by the state last year.  Ritz, who opposes state takeovers of schools, defended her decision saying she’s in favor of “local control” of takeovers.  Ritz was asked about her relationship with the Legislature, especially Republicans.  She talked about the current criteria top be Superintendent of an Indiana school district and possible changes in the law that would allow anyone to run a school district without a Superintendent’s license. Ritz was asked about keeping her campaign promise of hiring African-Americans at the Department of Education, including Blacks in top level positions.  Ritz also talked about the importance of the ISTEP tests which occur during the first two school weeks of March and the upcoming IREAD tests.  Ritz said she wants ISTEP to not be a “pass/fail” test but a true measure of student achievement.  Click the Link Below to hear Glenda Ritz’ interview with Amos. Runs 20 Minutes ©2013 WTLC/Radio One.