Indiana – H.L. Harshman Middle School is preparing for a year of strategic change after being selected for Indiana’s prestigious Next Generation School Improvement Grant, a program designed to help struggling schools achieve long-term transformation. The Indiana Department of Education made the announcement on Friday, August 8, 2025, confirming Harshman’s spot in the fifth cohort of the statewide initiative.
The grant, known for its competitive application process, is different from many traditional school funding programs. Instead of spreading small sums across a wide range of schools, the Indiana Department of Education focuses on awarding a few select schools with larger grants to serve as “proofpoints” for meaningful academic acceleration and systems change. This targeted approach, which began in 2021, allows schools to launch more comprehensive and lasting improvements.
Harshman has been awarded $250,000 for the 2025–2026 school year as part of the program’s planning phase. This initial year will focus on developing and testing specific strategies aimed at boosting student performance and creating a more supportive learning environment. Key initiatives will include the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) to improve language learning, a culturally responsive Advisory curriculum, and expanded opportunities for personalized instruction through high-dosage tutoring both during and outside of regular school hours.
School officials believe these efforts will lay the groundwork for a larger, multi-year transformation. If Harshman meets all benchmarks set by the Indiana Department of Education during the planning year, the school is expected to qualify for an implementation grant worth approximately $3 million over three years. The exact amount will be finalized in the coming 8 to 12 months.
The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, one of the planned programs, is designed to help teachers make academic content more accessible to students who are still developing their English language skills. Paired with a culturally responsive Advisory curriculum, the approach aims to ensure students see their own identities reflected in their education while gaining the tools they need to succeed academically.
High-dosage tutoring, another central element of the plan, has gained attention nationwide for its ability to provide targeted support to students who may be falling behind. By offering more frequent and personalized learning opportunities, Harshman hopes to close learning gaps more quickly and give students a stronger foundation in core subjects.
The grant’s focus on transformation goes beyond simply improving test scores. It seeks to change how schools operate, from instructional methods to school culture, ensuring that gains are sustainable over the long term. Harshman’s Education Transformation Team will lead this work throughout the year, regularly reviewing progress and making adjustments to ensure the most effective use of funds.
“Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, our Education Transformation Team will meet frequently to discuss the strategic, effective use of these funds,” a school statement read. “Please stay tuned for updates on opportunities to contribute to our planning and implementation efforts.”
For the school, this is not just an investment in new programs but an opportunity to reimagine what success looks like for its students. Leaders hope the planning year will serve as the launchpad for a transformation that will not only benefit Harshman but also provide a model for other schools across Indiana.
As the planning year begins, community members and families will have the chance to get involved, offering feedback and ideas to help shape the school’s future. With substantial state support, a clear vision, and a commitment to equity and innovation, Harshman Middle School is setting its sights on becoming a shining example of what is possible when resources and strategy align in education.
