Indiana lawmakers are preparing to handle several big education topics during the next legislative session. Some of the hot-button issues talked about at some school board meetings lately have caught state lawmakers' attention – critical race theory included.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week it recommends people wear masks in schools as COVID-19 cases surge. It's prompting some Hoosier schools to revise their policies, while others are waiting to make decisions based on local COVID-19 data, as many near – or have already started – a new academic year.