High School Redesign Reflects Real-world Scenario: Not All Students Pursue College Degrees
New Indiana Diploma Offers Customised Pathways for Post-Graduation Success
The state of Indiana has introduced a revamped high school graduation system, the New Indiana Diploma, effective for the class of 2029. This system aims to provide a unified diploma with customisable seals that reflect varied post-secondary goals, offering students clearer, more flexible pathways into college or career opportunities after high school [1][5].
Key features of the New Indiana Diploma include:
- A minimum of 42 credits required for graduation, two more than previously, with revised course requirements. Financial literacy and communication courses are now mandatory, while economics, geometry, and Algebra II are no longer required [1].
- Students can earn various seals based on their post-graduation goals. For example, the Enrollment Seal targets college-bound students who take advanced or college-level courses (AP, IB, dual-credit). The Enrollment Honors Plus Seal requires both college-level coursework and a credential like an associate degree or technical certificate plus 75 hours of work-based learning (apprenticeships, internships) [1].
The diploma system aims for rigour and flexibility to better prepare students based on diverse career and education paths, moving away from a one-size-fits-all model [1][2]. The Indiana College Core program, which some high schools now offer, is a credential articulating college readiness and can qualify students for certain seals. Over 300 Indiana high schools offer this certificate, supporting smooth transitions to higher education [5].
Effects on students’ post-graduation options:
- Students have structured yet flexible pathways to prepare for college, technical training, apprenticeships, or directly entering the workforce, aligned with their strengths and interests [1][2].
- The updated diploma helps students earn college credits in high school at little or no cost, potentially reducing higher education expenses [1].
- The opportunity to earn credentials and engage in meaningful work experiences while in high school enhances career readiness and may help raise graduation rates, especially among diverse student groups [2].
- The diploma seals guarantee students automatic acceptance to over 40 Indiana public college campuses if they meet criteria such as those associated with the Enrollment Honors Plus Seal [5].
Edgar Soto, a senior at Concord High School, is one student who has benefited from the new system. He enrolled in an apprenticeship through his school and works with manufacturing technology company Alpha Systems [4]. Soto earns $17 an hour and gives half his paycheck to his mother for family expenses. He plans to continue his education with the company's support.
The New Indiana Diploma is seen as a model nationally, as more states are reconsidering how to help students prepare for careers and the federal government is also pushing alternatives to four-year college [3]. The state has a goal of 50,000 apprenticeships by 2030 [6].
However, some critics argue that the reduced mathematics rigour in the New Indiana Diploma could harm students, particularly those who are not well-resourced or committed to the military [7]. Katie Jenner, education secretary of Indiana, found that many students did not value high school or see how it would help them in their futures [2].
Gov. Mike Braun announced that students who earn the state's "enrollment honors plus" seal will be automatically accepted into the state's public colleges and universities, including Purdue and Indiana [8]. Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber, believes an alternate path for high school students is critical for economic growth, as many existing jobs in Indiana do not require a four-year degree [9].
In conclusion, the New Indiana Diploma offers students a more tailored approach to high school education, providing them with the skills and qualifications needed for their chosen post-graduation path. This system is designed to help students succeed in their careers and pursue their dreams, whether that be college, technical training, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce directly.
References:
- New Indiana Diploma
- Indiana Drops Algebra II Requirement in New Diploma Plan
- New Indiana Diploma: What You Need to Know
- High school senior enrolled in apprenticeship through school
- Indiana College Core
- Indiana's goal of 50,000 apprenticeships by 2030
- Critics argue that the reduced mathematics rigor in the New Indiana Diploma could harm students
- Gov. Mike Braun announces students who earn the state's "enrollment honors plus" seal will be automatically accepted into the state's public colleges and universities
- Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber
- The New Indiana Diploma emphasizes personal growth and learning by offering customized seals based on post-graduation goals, such as college-level coursework and work-based experiences, promoting innovation in education policy and higher education.
- By earning specific seals in the New Indiana Diploma system, students could be eligible for automatic acceptance to several Indiana public universities, potentially reducing higher education costs and fostering equality of opportunity.
- The restructured diploma system in Indiana aims to address education inequality by offering flexible pathways for learning, whether that be college, technical training, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce, supporting self-development and personal growth.
- As students prepare for diverse career paths, the New Indiana Diploma provides a unified yet adaptable foundation for education, encouraging collaboration between education institutions, businesses, and government in promoting lifelong learning and innovation.
