The Indiana Department of Education has recently unveiled a new proposal for the state’s high school graduation requirements, following months of feedback and criticism from various stakeholders. The initial plan, which included the introduction of two diplomas – the GPS and GPS Plus diplomas, has been scrapped in favor of a new approach. The revised proposal now includes a base diploma, known as the Future New Indiana Diploma, along with three pathways that lead to enrollment, employment, or enlistment seals that students can earn on top of the base.
One of the major changes in the new proposal is the inclusion of an Honors Enrollment Seal, which allows students to meet minimum admission requirements at state universities without the controversial provision of completing at least 75 hours of work experience. This adjustment was made in response to concerns raised by college-bound students, parents, and educators who felt that the work requirements could potentially hinder students from pursuing college courses.
Despite the concession on the work requirements, the new proposal still emphasizes the importance of work-based learning in high schools, aiming to make high school education more relevant to the workforce. The state has not completely eliminated work requirements, even for college-bound students. For example, to earn the higher tier Honors Enrollment Seal Plus, students would need to complete at least 100 hours of work-based learning, in addition to advanced courses.
The timeline for implementing the new diplomas is set for the Class of 2029, with education officials confident that they are on track to meet this deadline. The proposed base diploma aligns closely with the current Core 40 diploma, with some modifications to the required courses and credit amounts in core subjects. For instance, the base diploma would require students to take Algebra 1 and a personal finance class in math, along with a communications-based course in English.
In addition to the base diploma, students have the option to earn up to three honors seals in areas such as employment, enrollment, and enlistment. These seals are designed to provide students with additional pathways to demonstrate their readiness for postsecondary education or the workforce. Students who earn a seal would automatically meet the graduation pathways requirements, which include project- or work-based learning and postsecondary preparation.
The new diploma plan has garnered support from various colleges, universities, and education groups in Indiana. Purdue University President Mung Chiang praised the introduction of the Honors Seal and Honors Plus Seal, stating that they align with Purdue’s admission requirements. Other institutions such as Indiana University, Ivy Tech, Ball State, and Indiana State University also expressed support for the revised proposal, noting its clarity and straightforwardness.
Overall, the new proposal for Indiana’s high school graduation requirements aims to provide students with a more structured and comprehensive approach to preparing for postsecondary education and the workforce. By offering a range of pathways and seals, the state hopes to better equip students for success beyond high school. As the implementation process moves forward, it will be important to continue gathering feedback and making adjustments to ensure that the new diplomas meet the needs of all students in Indiana.