Newswise — University of Indianapolis education experts will greatly expand their efforts to bring fresh ideas and vital support to Indiana schools as a result of a new $7.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

UIndy’s Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning, a catalyst in reshaping education throughout the state, plans several new ventures including an initiative aimed at middle schools and, in collaboration with the university’s School of Education, programs that prepare principals to turn around struggling schools. Another element will link schools and businesses in developing strategic plans aimed at economic development.

“Since CELL was established eight years ago, it and UIndy have encouraged stakeholders at all levels – students and parents, teachers and principals, community leaders and superintendents – to bring their best thinking to bear on the many issues facing education in Indiana,” said Sara B. Cobb, vice president for education at the Endowment. “In the process, CELL has demonstrated strong leadership, introduced new strategies and become an indispensable resource in efforts to improve education throughout this state.”

CELL will continue its ongoing initiatives, including the annual Indiana’s Future education conference that drew nearly 800 participants to Indianapolis last week, and its support networks for schools implementing the innovative New Technology and Early College high school models. Both models were introduced to Hoosier educators and opinion leaders through previous CELL conferences. Now Indiana has eight New Tech high schools in operation, nine more expected to open in 2010 and several more preparing to open in 2011. CELL’s Early College network includes 20 Indiana schools in various stages of development.

“Communities throughout the state increasingly are coming together with the goal of making their schools more effective,” CELL Executive Director David Dresslar said. “With this renewed support from Lilly Endowment, we can continue our support of those efforts while seeking new approaches to transforming education.”

The new middle school initiative will work in conjunction with the Schools to Watch recognition program, a project of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. Schools to Watch identifies and supports high-performing schools so that their successful practices can be replicated elsewhere. CELL plans to establish a statewide support network for middle schools that are undertaking bold improvement efforts, with a goal of having 10 Indiana schools each year meet the criteria for Schools to Watch recognition.

“The middle grades are a crucial transition in a child’s life and education, so it’s time to focus more resources in that area, as we have with high schools,” Dresslar said.

The funding also will support new efforts to bring educators and business leaders together in strategic planning and needs assessment for local schools, including regular meetings throughout the state; new networks to support international schools and alternative schools; professional development for teachers and principals; and the expansion of graduate programs in the UIndy School of Education, with a special focus on the skills needed to boost student achievement and turn around low-performing schools.

Lilly Endowment has been crucial to CELL’s success, providing $15 million to launch the center in 2001 and another $1.5 million in supplemental support last year. A portion of the new grant will help CELL sustain its work into the future, with the addition of development staff and the establishment of a $1 million endowment to generate matching funds for further external support.

UIndy also is among the first four universities selected for another Lilly Endowment-supported initiative already under way, the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowships, a graduate program that prepares math and science teachers for work in high-need schools.

About CELLFormed in 2001 at the University of Indianapolis, the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning – which Gov. Mitch Daniels has called “an organization of critical importance to the state and its citizens” – is a leading catalyst and collaborator in transforming education and boosting student achievement throughout Indiana. CELL’s efforts are rooted in the principle that all students, regardless of background, should graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary education, training and success in the 21st-century global economy. With primary funding from Lilly Endowment, CELL unites schools, communities and businesses in promoting economic development and enhancing quality of life. More information is available at cell.uindy.edu.