The Indiana Department of Education released the second draft of their proposal for high school diplomas on August 14.
The goal of this proposal is to completely overhaul the current diploma system. It intends to thoroughly prepare students, whether they decide to go into the workforce right after graduation or want to seek higher education.
Replacing the current Core 40 diplomas would be a base/general diploma. Students could earn Honors and Honors plus readiness seals. Students attempting each of the two readiness seals would be able to specialize in Enrollment, Employment, or Enlistment.
The enrollment seal focuses on preparing students for post-secondary education, while the Employment and Enlistment seals cater to students looking to work immediately after high school, and students looking to enlist for military service.
“I think the hope is that we are providing students with an educational experience that is more personalized to them and less about what other people think students need to know,” Assistant Principal Mr. Yates said.
To graduate with the base diploma, students would need:
- Eight English credits, three of which must be obtained from English 9 and a communications focused course.
- Seven Math credits, three must be from Algebra 1 and Personal Finance
- Seven Science credits, with two STEM focused and three from Biology 1 and Computer Science
- Five Social Studies credits from U.S History, U.S government, and World Perspectives
- Two PE credits from Physical Education and Health and Wellness
- One College and Careers credit
- 12 Elective credits
“The jump from six to twelve elective credits feels extreme. I think it won’t be as bad as it sounds, though. It might just take a bit of getting used to,” said freshman Emma Pavlidis.
Students are urged to use the extra elective credits to help them meet the standards for their desired readiness seal.
Additionally, multiple classes would no longer be required, such as world language, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Economics.
Overall, the proposed new diplomas aim to personalize the high school learning experience and provide students with the academic and practical skills needed for their post-high school pathways.
The final decision on the new plan is to be made later this year. If it passes, it aims to be implemented for the 2025-2026 school year.
