Indianapolis, January 30, 2026
The Indiana Senate has passed Senate Bill 88, aiming to implement a ‘success sequence’ curriculum in public schools and introduce the Classic Learning Test for college admissions. This legislation seeks to foster economic stability and better prepare students for the workforce. While proponents argue it will promote responsible life choices among youth, critics express concerns over the potential stigmatization of diverse family structures and the adequacy of addressing systemic poverty issues. The bill will now head to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Indiana Senate Approves Senate Bill 88 to Reform Education
New legislation aims to teach “success sequence” in public schools while addressing admissions standards.
Indianapolis, Indiana – On January 29, 2026, the Indiana Senate passed Senate Bill 88 with a 39-9 vote, emphasizing a proactive approach to education and its potential to foster economic stability for future generations. This legislation not only introduces a “success sequence” to public schools but also encourages greater flexibility in college admissions, showcasing Indiana’s commitment to innovation and opportunity in education.
The bill, which will now move to the House of Representatives for further examination, reflects a growing recognition of the need for practical, results-oriented education in Indiana. Proponents argue that teaching the “success sequence” can help guide young people toward productive and stable lives, while also preparing them to compete effectively in the workforce. As local schools continue to adapt to changing economic landscapes, initiatives like these can bolster public education and enhance community growth.
Key Provisions of Senate Bill 88
Senate Bill 88 encompasses two primary provisions that aim to enhance educational output in Indiana:
- Success Sequence Instruction: The bill mandates that schools instruct students on the significance of obtaining at least a high school diploma, securing full-time employment, and delaying parenthood until marriage. Supporters emphasize that following this sequence can significantly reduce the risk of poverty.
- Acceptance of Classic Learning Test (CLT): Indiana public colleges and universities will now be required to accept the Classic Learning Test for admissions, positioning it alongside the SAT and ACT. This test focuses on critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning drawn from foundational texts, aiming to enrich the educational experience.
Legislative Background
Senate Bill 88 was authored by State Senator Gary Byrne, a Republican from Byrneville. The measure aims to reinforce values viewed as vital to student success and economic stability. Its passage reflects the ongoing debate around educational reform in Indiana, with the “success sequence” concept having gained traction among various policymakers as a framework for helping youth attain middle-class status.
Opposition and Concerns
Despite the bill’s strong support, Democratic senators raised substantial concerns about its implications. Critics question whether this specific curriculum addition is necessary since many schools already emphasize core values such as responsibility and respect. Furthermore, they express worries about the potential stigmatization of students from diverse family structures, as well as whether the legislation adequately addresses underlying systemic issues related to poverty.
Next Steps
Following its approval in the Senate, Senate Bill 88 is set to be debated in the House of Representatives, where amendments may be proposed. Should it secure passage and receive the governor’s signature, the bill will take effect in the upcoming academic year, influencing the curriculum across public schools throughout Indiana.
Related Legislative Actions
This initiative comes alongside other recent legislative trends that emphasize parental rights and educational reforms:
- House Bill 1608: Passed in 2023, this bill prohibits teaching human sexuality to students in pre-kindergarten through third grade, requiring parental notification for changes to identifying terms.
- Senate Bill 143: Enacted in 2025, it affirms the rights of parents to raise and educate their children while emphasizing parental involvement in educational matters.
Conclusion
Senate Bill 88 signifies a noteworthy shift in Indiana’s approach to education, promoting specific values that proponents argue are foundational to achieving economic stability and addressing poverty issues. While the initiative is seen as a necessary step forward, it is crucial for ongoing discussions to consider the diverse circumstances of all students. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, Indiana’s educators, families, and communities will play essential roles in shaping the future of student achievement and economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Senate Bill 88?
Senate Bill 88 is a proposal that mandates public schools in Indiana to include instruction on the “success sequence”—obtaining a high school diploma, securing full-time employment, and waiting until marriage to begin having children—as part of their “good citizenship” curriculum. The bill also requires public colleges and universities to accept the Classic Learning Test for admissions, equating it to the SAT and ACT.
What is the “success sequence”?
The “success sequence” refers to a series of steps believed to help individuals avoid poverty and achieve middle-class status: obtaining at least a high school diploma, securing full-time employment, and waiting until marriage to begin having children.
What is the Classic Learning Test (CLT)?
The Classic Learning Test is a standardized exam that emphasizes reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning, with content drawn from foundational texts by authors such as Plato, Frederick Douglass, and Isaac Newton. It is considered an alternative to the SAT and ACT for college admissions.
What are the main concerns raised by opponents of the bill?
Opponents of Senate Bill 88 express concerns that the bill may oversimplify complex social issues, potentially stigmatize students from single-parent or non-traditional family structures, and may not adequately address systemic factors contributing to poverty.
What are the next steps for Senate Bill 88?
After passing the Senate with a 39-9 vote, Senate Bill 88 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. If passed by the House and signed into law by the governor, the bill will become effective in the upcoming academic year, impacting the curriculum of public schools across Indiana.
Key Features of Senate Bill 88
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Success Sequence Instruction | Mandates public schools to teach the importance of obtaining a high school diploma, securing full-time employment, and waiting until marriage to begin having children as part of the “good citizenship” curriculum. |
| Acceptance of Classic Learning Test (CLT) | Requires Indiana’s public colleges and universities to accept the Classic Learning Test for admissions, equating it to the SAT and ACT. |
| Legislative Process | Passed the Indiana Senate with a 39-9 vote, all nine dissenting votes from Democratic senators; now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. |
| Implementation Timeline | If passed by the House and signed into law by the governor, the bill will become effective in the upcoming academic year, impacting the curriculum of public schools across Indiana. |
| Related Legislation | References to House Bill 1608 (prohibiting teaching human sexuality to students in pre-kindergarten through third grade) and Senate Bill 143 (affirming parents’ rights in educational decisions) provide context to the legislative environment. |
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