INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana education officials this week announced a proposal that could bring major changes to the Hoosier State's high school graduation requirements in the coming years.
Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner said the proposal includes creating two new high school diplomas. The first option is the “Indiana GPS Diploma,” which education officials describe as a more flexible version of the traditional high school diploma (also known as the “Indiana GPS Diploma”). Core 40 Diploma. The second option is the “Indiana GPS Diploma Plus,” which focuses on work-based learning requirements.
The idea behind the proposal is to encourage young Hoosier students to decide to further their education by enrolling in college, pursuing skills training, or entering the workforce immediately after high school, the Indiana State Department of Education said. He explained that the goal is to ensure that students can live a life after graduation, regardless of whether they decide to do so or not.
The redesigned diploma will work in conjunction with Indiana Graduate Prepared to Succeed (Indiana GPS), as well as Indiana's current version of the graduation pathway, IDEO said.
“Let's show them that career possibility and see if they like it in high school,” Jenner said while discussing the proposal. “Let's connect them with business leaders who maybe are in the field but will ignite the fire of purpose faster than what we're doing right now.”
Students who choose the proposed Indiana GPS Diploma must earn at least 20 additional points, which can be earned through a variety of courses and experiences. IDEO said this will complement the individual graduation plans that students are already required to complete while in middle school.
Indiana would require students pursuing the proposed Indiana GPD Diploma Plus to complete coursework “required to earn a valued credential of your choice and complete a quality work-based learning experience.” We plan to impose new requirements, including:
According to IDOE, the changes also include an overhaul of the learning responsibilities for students in grades 9 and 10, with a “strategic focus on essential knowledge and skills” through a series of foundational courses. It is said to become. This provides even more flexibility for students to continue their own academic journey in her Year 11 and Year 12, regardless of the type of diploma obtained.
Jenner added that the change marks the first time the state has changed its high school diploma structure since the 1980s.
“There are absolutely components that make sense for high school students, but there are also components that need to be modernized. Do all students in our country need to take the same 30 to 40 classes? Do we need to understand what our purpose and path is?”
IDOE said stakeholders, based on extensive public input, have identified five characteristics that are important for graduates. These include academic proficiency, career and post-secondary readiness (qualifications and experience), communication and collaboration, work ethic, and civic, financial and digital literacy.
If approved, the proposal would go into effect in 2029, meaning Indiana's current graduation requirements would expire on October 1, 2028, and schools would be able to participate after completing the board's rulemaking. .
IDOE noted that these proposed changes would not affect the provision of federally mandated alternative diploma programs that provide alternative options for students with cognitive disabilities.
IDOE's full presentation on the proposed changes to the high school diploma can be viewed here.
“The reality is that the structure of high school life in America has not changed for most students in more than 100 years. In Indiana, the current high school diploma has not been significantly updated since the late 1980s,” IDOE's website states. a statement on the site said. “Some parts of current high school life are working, but much else is long outdated. To better prepare students for the future, students need work-based learning. They should be able to customize their journey to experience, gain qualifications and achieve their unique goals.”
Dr. Jenner said there will be two public comment periods over the next four months. The governor and attorney general will give final approval to the proposal. The public can also provide input online using IDOE's Jotform.