Preparing for the future: the new Indiana diploma

In its Aug. 19, 2024, edition, The Reporter published an article on Westfield teachers expressing concerns over the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) proposed diploma requirements.

The IDOE wrote, “Indiana leaders proposed a vision for the future of high school that increases flexibility, personalization, and relevance, while maintaining rigorous standards for all.”

The IDOE is looking to be the first in the states to redesign diplomas. On its website, IDOE claims to change the current high school diploma in order “to better prepare our students for the future.” The first draft proposal received backlash during the listening sessions held around the state. Currently, the IDOE has a second draft proposal and is again holding listening sessions. To their credit, the IDOE reworked their draft proposal to cut out a second diploma and replace it with what they are referring to as “Honors Seals” and “Honors Plus Seals.”

One of the priorities for the new diploma is that the course requirements “prepare every student for success regardless of their post-high school plans.” I believe that as the draft proposal stands currently, the students will be prepared to pursue a post-secondary education or a trade after graduation. But, will this second draft proposal really prepare our students for the 21st-century future?

Here are three trends that should be taken into consideration when finalizing the proposed diploma:

1. Historically, 18- to 24-year-olds tend to change jobs and careers most frequently with an average of 5.7 jobs during these six years.
2. Despite the United States having one of the highest expenditures per student, the U.S. ranked 38th in math scores and 24th in science according to a Business Insider report in 2018.
3. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) conducts a two-hour test every three years to test the critical thinking of 15-year-olds in math, science, and reading in over 65 countries. Test questions don’t gauge memorization of facts but demand that students draw on real-world problem-solving skills and knowledge. The last test was conducted in 2022 with around 6,300 students participating. The United States ranked 18th in overall score, unchanged from the previous test.

The second draft of the diploma reduces the credits in social studies, meaning the students are not mandated to take economics or world history. Although the honors seals require a demonstration of communication, collaboration, and work ethic, it does not mention the essential skill of critical thinking. I agree with Dawn Knight, WHS English teacher, who stated, “I think we are doing our kids a disservice if we aren’t giving them the global education they need.”

We all want our graduating students to be well-prepared for their future. I just believe that it should go beyond the first job or career. In addition, our graduating students should be prepared to compete with graduates from other states. If Indiana leaders are proposing a vision for the future, that vision should include changes that will put our students on par with other developed countries.

Current state law requires the State Board of Education to adopt the new high school diploma rule by Dec. 31, 2024. Final requirements become effective for all students beginning with the class of 2029, or students currently in eighth grade.

As with most things, the devil is in the details. The new diploma requirements are the 36,000-foot view. The IDOE will set the standards for each course and then the school districts will develop curricula for each course. Educators and parents need to be vigilant to ensure that the goals of the new diploma are achieved.

You can read more about the proposed changes in diploma requirements by going to in.gov/doe/diplomas.

Melba Kiser is an outspoken advocate for financial responsibility and transparency in government at all levels. Her column appears at least once each month in The Hamilton County Reporter Newspaper.