The official name for citizens of the state of Indiana is the Hoosiers. The name Hoosiers derives from the nickname officially adopted by the State of Indiana over 150 years ago when a group of state representatives chose to henceforth be known as the “Hoosier State.” While the exact origin of the now well-known term is not precisely known it is believed that the word has been around since at least 1830.

One of the most commonly recognized explanations for the derivation of the word Hoosiers is that it comes from the Cumberland dialect of old England where a similar sounding word (“hoozer”) was said to mean anything of substantial size, such as a hill. While Indiana topography is not traditionally thought of as being mountainous it can in fact be quite hilly. Based on geographical surroundings those who initially inhabited what is now the hilly Southern region of Indiana were often referred to as hill dwellers and subsequently adopted the Hoozer nickname which was later adapted to Hoosiers.

While the previously described explanation is still unsubstantiated conjecture there are other theories as to how the term Hoosiers was created and tied to the good people of Indiana. One of the more colorful explanations is based on the wide open spaces that dominated the Indiana landscape. In the early days of settling, cabin dwellers would have to yell out at approaching individuals to determine if they were friend or foe. A common message often shouted was one asking, “Who’s there?” When heard from a far enough distance and with a certain ascent the phrase “who’s there” can be jumbled into sounded akin to Hoosier.

Another tale dating back to the early settling days describes the scene as one with prevalent violence and common fighting in the streets. The settlers were said to be so vicious that it was near common place for missing teeth and bitten off ears to be left behind after intense brawls. The result of these fights relates to the Hoosier nickname because as legend has it hearing an onlooker quip “whose ear?” was a common occurrence. It is widely believed that this explanation relating the phonics of “whose ear” with “Hoosier” should be taken with at least a few grains of salt.

Regardless of which explanation you buy into it is clear that the state of Indiana has an interesting history and the memory of that past is preserved in both the state nickname (The Hoosier State) and in the flagship university: the Indiana University Hoosiers.

Welcome to the Indianapolis Schools   by Patricia Hawke
If you’re considering a move to Indiana and are planning to send your children to Indianapolis Schools, this is the article for you. With numerous magnet programs, a clear instructional framework, and 5 district initiatives to improve learning, Indianapolis Schools are highly organized and are the place to learn.

Mission:

The mission of Indianapolis Schools is to increase student achievement for all within a safe environment resulting in graduates who are knowledgeable, responsible, productive, employable citizens.

Vision:

By the year 2010 the Indianapolis Schools will be widely recognized as a model urban school system that is guided by high expectations and standards of excellence. Indianapolis Schools can offer your child a unique experience where their learning is of utmost importance to all faculty and staff.

In the 2006-2007 school year, the student population consisted of 36,957 who attended 80 different Indianapolis Schools. 50 of which are K-6 elementary schools, 9 Middle Schools (7-8), and 5 high schools, serving grades 9-12. There are also 4 alternative schools. Indianapolis Schools have a graduation rate of 50%, and the district-wide attendance rate is 93.5%.

Indianapolis Schools employ 3,003 teachers, 2,435 support staff, and 238 administrators.

Indianapolis Schools are the only schools in central Indiana that offers magnet programs in the areas of: Business and Finance Environmental Studies Foreign Language Immersion Health Professions Humanities Inquiry-Based Learning International Baccalaureate International Studies Life Science and Wellness Math, Science & Engineering Medical Multiple Intelligences Montessori Performing and Visual Arts Science and Technology of Agriculture & its Resources Teacher Preparation Telecommunications

Indianapolis Schools have adopted an “Instructional Framework”. This framework, which incorporates the “Best Teaching Strategies”, has four priorities: 1. Preparing the learning environment 2. Connecting with the learner 3. Engaging the learner 4. Assessing the learning

The leaders of the Indianapolis Schools have instituted 5 “District Initiatives to Improve Learning”:

Small Schools – In contrast to traditional high schools, Small Schools offer a more intimate learning environment than large high schools. This model is better able to address the needs of students, staff and parents. Each small Indianapolis School has an enrollment of no more than 400 students. The purpose of Small Schools is to improve students’ academic, performance, to reduce the dropout rate, and to connect to students in a more personal way.

Literacy Improvement – Indianapolis Schools are involved in a multi-year partnership with the National Urban Alliance to increase reading achievement in all schools by providing on-site professional development training for teachers and principals. This training will help faculty improve the quality of instruction.

Technology – Indianapolis Schools are leaders of large school districts across the nation in access to technology. The district has implemented IPS Online, a web portal that engages students in accessing online resources and homework assignments remotely. Parents also can log in to check grades, attendance, discipline, homework assignments, school newsletters and other pertinent info.