The Indiana Department of Education has recently released a new draft of the state’s high school graduation requirements, following months of criticism and feedback from various stakeholders. The initial proposal, which included two diplomas – the GPS and GPS Plus diplomas, has been scrapped in favor of a new base diploma called the Future New Indiana Diploma. This new draft also introduces three pathways that students can pursue to earn seals in enrollment, employment, or enlistment, each with a second tier that requires more advanced coursework and experience.
One of the major criticisms of the previous proposal was the inclusion of work requirements, which were seen as potentially detrimental to college-bound students. In response to this feedback, the new draft allows students to earn an Honors Enrollment Seal without the controversial work experience provision. However, the state has not completely eliminated work requirements, as students pursuing the higher tier Honors Enrollment Seal Plus will still need to complete at least 100 hours of work-based learning.
The goal of the diploma redesign is to make high school more relevant to the workforce and encourage more students to undertake work-based learning. While the new base diploma has more prescriptive requirements than the previous GPS diploma, it still allows for some flexibility in course selection. The revamped base diploma resembles the current Core 40 diploma in many ways but includes changes to the required courses and credit amounts in core subjects.
Students can also pursue up to three honors seals in enrollment, employment, and enlistment, with each pathway offering different requirements and opportunities for students. These seals are optional, but students who earn them will automatically meet the graduation pathways requirements, which include project- or work-based learning and postsecondary preparation. Schools may receive additional funding for students who complete postsecondary credentials, providing a financial incentive for students to pursue the honors seals.
The new diploma plan has received support from various colleges, universities, and education groups in Indiana. Purdue University President Mung Chiang indicated that the updated proposal with the honors seals would meet minimum admission requirements and praised the introduction of the Honors Seal and Honors Plus Seal. Other institutions, such as Indiana University, Ivy Tech, Ball State, and Indiana State University, also expressed support for the new plan, noting that it is clearer and more straightforward than the previous proposal.
While there is overall support for the new diploma plan, some concerns have been raised about the lack of flexibility in the pathways and the potential for tracking students into specific paths. Educators and stakeholders have emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students have access to a quality education that prepares them for their chosen path, whether it be college, employment, or enlistment. As the state moves forward with finalizing the new diplomas, it will be important to address these concerns and ensure that the system is equitable and beneficial for all students.
