INDIANA (WPTA) – The high school experience could change for Indiana students.
Back in March, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced a proposal to change the number of high school diploma options from four to two. They say this integration is part of an ongoing effort to reimagine the high school experience to make it more career-relevant and learner-centered.
Under the proposal, Indiana's future diplomas would include the Indiana GPS (Graduates Ready to Succeed) diploma, a more flexible version of the current Core 40 diploma, and the Indiana GPS Diploma Plus, a work-based learning approach. will be included. IDOE says the new diploma will align with the state's current graduation pathway and his five hallmarks of the Indiana GPS model.
Their characteristics are:
- Acquisition of academic skills: English, mathematics, science,
- Career and Post-Higher Education Preparation
- communication and collaboration
- work ethics
- Civic, financial and digital literacy
For all students, regardless of the diploma they have earned, classes in Years 9 and 10 focus on essential knowledge and skills. This structure allows for further flexibility and personalization in Year 11 and her Year 12.
Students pursuing the proposed Indiana GPS diploma must have at least 75 hours of work-study experience and qualifications such as CTE certification, apprenticeship, or college credit.
Under this proposal, the General Diploma, Core 40 Diploma, Core 40 with Academic Honors, or Core 40 with Technical Honors offer will no longer be offered from 1 October 2028. The class of 2029 will be the first class to receive the new diploma. Schools can opt in once the board's rulemaking is complete.
Federally required alternative diplomas will continue to be offered to students with severe learning disabilities.
Here are the new diploma proposals (story continues below):
The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that by 2031, 72% of jobs in the United States will require higher education and/or training. If the proposed degree changes go into effect, business leaders like David Becker say the workforce could change dramatically.
“In Indiana, you can raise the bar for education and certification,” David Becker said. “This is a huge win for our students, their parents, businesses and the state of Indiana. This program, if implemented, will have all the benefits and really put us on the map.”
David Becker is co-chair of Cemets iLab Indiana (iLab). This group of more than 100 Hoosier leaders is working to develop a state-of-the-art, state-of-the-art apprenticeship program to support the state's workforce crisis. Becker says the system would only work if the state “reimagined” the high school experience. He and 100 other Indiana leaders traveled to Switzerland, and the apprenticeship aspect of the new proposed diploma would be based on their model.
“As part of the program, they [go to] traditional high You go to school one day a week, you learn about the industry one day a week, and then you work three days a week,” Becker said. “As part of the job, they not only acquire skills, but also the time and effort to earn a diploma.”
Becker said students are expected to earn an associate's degree if they wish to remain in practice for an additional year after graduating from high school.
Over the next two years, Becker said the iLab hopes to launch what it calls six different “verticals” for students. These include banking and finance, insurance, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, IT, and medical services. Becker said more industries are expected to become available as the program grows. iLab is working on creating rules of participation and establishing an organizational structure to ensure classes are accredited.
Becker says there are still some things under consideration. He says he hopes the group will expand across the state by his 2025 date and establish pilot groups. Participating schools and districts are still being determined.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Becker said. “If you put all the demographics, square miles, population, student numbers, etc. of Switzerland and Indiana side by side, it stacks up. It's exciting in a way to see the opportunities and how well we match up. .”
IDOE is currently seeking feedback from the public. Click here to express your opinion.
Another public comment period is expected to begin this summer. The State Board of Education is scheduled to take a final vote in September.
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