IDOE Celebrates Rising Graduation Rates

Indiana Department of Education
Image: doe.in.gov

A former associate professor at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Thomas Stoughton has spent more than 30 years as a consultant for public sector entities, political campaigns, and corporations in Indiana. Thomas Stoughton has also advised the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and conducted a tech study on its behalf.

IDOE recently published its 2018 data on state graduation rates, which had risen from the previous year. Though graduation rates in all groups rose steadily between 2017 and 2018, students of Asian and American Indian background saw the biggest surge. Moreover, Indiana’s English language learners saw their graduation rates increase from 60.74 to 69.61 percent. Overall, the state graduation rate rose nearly 1 percent, to 88.11 percent in 2018.

According to Indiana superintendent of public education Jennifer McCormick, the state’s growing graduation rates are thanks, in no small part, to the diligent work of local schools and their dedication to students. Her office will continue to collaborate with school districts across the state to further support students on their journey toward graduation.

How to Support the Heartland International Film Festival

 

Heartland International Film Festival
Image: heartlandfilm.org

A resident of Indiana, Thomas Stoughton has provided consulting services to clients across the country, with a focus on the realms of education, the public sector, and business. Throughout his career in Indiana, Thomas Stoughton has also helped establish numerous community programs, including the Heartland International Film Festival.

Over the course of nearly three decades, the Heartland Film Festival has grown into a destination event for independent filmmakers from across the globe. Spanning 11 days, the festival shows over 100 indie films across 300 screenings. As a nonprofit organization, Heartland Film relies on community support to continue recognizing the best independent films each year.

Since Heartland Film accounts for only 20 percent of its operating expenses with its ticket sales, it depends on donations to meet the remainder of its needs. You can support the festival by making a tax-deductible donation online or through the mail. Otherwise, Heartland Film accepts donations in the form of stocks, planned gifts, and other contributions.

Many of Heartland Film’s most avid supporters also obtain membership with the organization. It offers eight tiers of membership, each of which features its own benefits. With an individual or dual membership, for example, you gain access to member-only screenings and have the opportunity to purchase festival tickets ahead of the general public. The Premiere Silver Screen Society, the highest membership tier, comes with more than a dozen benefits, such as tickets to festival events and VIP access.