36 INDIANAPOLIS REGIONAL CENTER PLAN 2020 PLANNING DOWNTOWN�fS FUTURE TODAY LEARNING DOWNTOWN · Century Grant/After School Programs, · Hispanic Education Center, · Lilly Education Center, · Day Adult, English as a Second Language Tech West or magnet, · Indy Reads, · Small Learning Communities, · New Beginnings School (North of Regional Center) and · School 26 (outside of Regional Center) Day Adult.   IPS also educates a large number of students through distance learning programs. Census data reveals that in 1999 within the Regional Center 35 percent of the population under the age of 18 lived in poverty compared to only 16 percent countywide.  According to the Longitudinal Evaluation of School Change and Performance in Title I Schools, 1996-1999, students who lived in poverty scored 6.1 points below average for the sample in reading.  These students made gains at an average pace but never closed the reading gap. Poverty levels of families and students in the Regional Center, the age and physical condition of some facilities, concerns about performance on standardized student testing and general perceptions about public education are serious concerns which need to be addressed and overcome. However, IPS continues to show improvement.   Partnerships with universities, technical colleges, employers and others have been established as a means of addressing some of these issues.   IPS currently partners with Indiana University, Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), Ivy Tech State College, Purdue University, Ball State University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marian College, University of Indianapolis, Butler University and Vincennes University. Two new public schools are planned with one of these being located within the Regional Center.   These new facilities have the potential to help revitalize nearby neighborhoods and improve general perceptions. ·  Neighborhood Schools Encourage the neighborhood school concept where possible. ·  Literacy  Increase reading competency. ·  Increase Financial Assistance Opportunities Provide a flexible, seamless method for funding need-based learning opportunities. See page 85 for projects and programs related to the topic of K-12 education. 14.  RESEARCH AND HIGHER EDUCATION Biomedical/Life Sciences The Regional Center provides a full range of venues in the biomedical sciences.   BioCrossroads- Central Indiana Life Science Network has taken a regional approach to leveraging these assets, including local hospitals, universities and industry leaders, such as Eli Lilly and Company, Dow AgroSciences, Guidant, Roche Diagnostics and Anthem, Inc. in order to make the city a national life sciences hub. IUPUI Campus Planning Framework IUPUI is an extremely valuable asset of the city.  The IUPUI registration report indicates that in August 2002 there were 27,619 students attending the IUPUI Indianapolis campus.  A planning framework to accommodate the physical development of IUPUI has been prepared.  Programmatically, the relocation of the Herron School of Art, an internationally recognized institution, to the former law school site holds potential for the campus, White River Charter and Other Schools There are many opportunities for students living in the Regional Center to attend charter schools located in and near the Regional Center.  These schools are available to anyone that applies.   Charter schools offer an additional opportunity for parents that work in the Regional Center to be near their child's school.  Because charter schools are flexibly regulated, they have ability to offer unique and exciting learning opportunities. There are five faith-based schools near serving the Regional Center.  The 2000 Census indicates in the Regional Center, 26 percent of children enrolled in K-8 attended private school compared to only 17 percent of students attending private school in Marion County.  It is important to note that these students have the option of attending school anywhere in the County and are not constrained to the choices in the immediate area. GOAL 13 Support a comprehensive, quality K-12 educational system for the Regional Center. OBJECTIVES ·  IPS Initiatives  Support the efforts of IPS to publicize the diversity and quality of programs and facilities serving the Regional Center. ·  IPS Fund Raising And New Facilities Pursue an additional $600 million (approximate) to meet IPS facilities needs and consider possible effects of certain property tax incentive programs. ·  Corporate Linkages Enhance communication among and linkages between Regional Center employers and educational institutions. ·  IUPUI School Of Education  Support IUPUI's efforts of working collaboratively with the Great Cities' Universities Coalition to retain quality teachers. ·  Charter Schools Continue to focus on charter schools and programmatic themes which are complementary to the educational offerings of other institutions. IUPUI Campus