Our Work

Created in 2001, the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis is focused on all children graduating from high school fully prepared for success in postsecondary education and the 21st-century workforce. The Center has generated nearly $40 million in funding to support its work as the leader for innovative education change in Indiana.

CELL provides leadership that is both cutting-edge and action oriented. Via partnerships with international, national and local education leaders and organizations, CELL unites districts, schools, communities, universities, and businesses to build a sense of urgency and form innovative collaborations for statewide educational and economic improvement. Key funding is provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.

Statewide School Networks

• New Tech Schools – using project-based learning and technology as a tool to engage students in real-world education to develop 21st-century skills.
  
  
• Project-Based Learning – transforming classrooms into active, engaging learning environments that promote collaboration, critical thinking and communication among students.

• Early College High School – helping first-generation, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and minority high school students take rigorous college-level classes to earn both a high school diploma and credits toward a two- or four-year postsecondary degree.
  
  
• International Education – connecting students and schools to the world through international studies, world language instruction and technology utilization to develop college-ready, globally competent high school graduates.

Community & School Leadership Capacity Building

• Indiana Education Transformation Conference – sharing innovative information, fostering communication, and promoting progressive thinking and leadership to improve education and develop Indiana’s economy.
  
  
• Research & Evaluation – examining instructional techniques, school models and educational practices to support data-driven decision-making for improved student achievement and learning opportunities.

• Professional Development – establishing a professional development academy for K-12 teachers and leaders to support innovative education practices that prepare students for 21st-century success.
  
  
• iLEAD Principal Preparation Program – partnering with the School of Education to equip new leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to confront the complex realities of today’s schools.

Strategic Educational Alliances

• Partnership for Indiana’s Future – developing regional collaborations between business and education leaders to address the challenges facing Indiana’s schools and workforce. (Indiana Education Roundtable partnership)
  
  
• TAP™: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement – working to improve student performance through teacher evaluation and advancement, professional development, and performance-based compensation. (Indiana Department of Education & National Institute for Excellence in Teaching partnership)

• Core to College – aligning K-12 schools and higher education institutions in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards and assessments to drive higher levels of college-readiness and completion. (Indiana Commission for Higher Education partnership)

Resulting from CELL’s multi-pronged approach to changing the education landscape of Indiana, several community-based teams from across the state are actively investigating and/or implementing cutting-edge, innovative school reform. The University of Indianapolis through CELL and its partners, continually works to be a resource for awareness, exploration and in-depth, innovative school transformation by remaining focused on educational excellence and achievement for all students.