State Rep. Garcia Wilburn to hold public listening sessions on high school diploma redesign proposal

The Indiana Department of Education recently announced plans to significantly redesign Indiana’s high school diplomas solely as the “GPS Diploma” and “GPS Diploma Plus” starting with the Class of 2029 (this upcoming academic year’s eighth graders).

The proposed changes would reduce requirements for math, science, history, foreign language, and health coursework and would require job shadowing or internships and apprenticeships, thus entirely restructuring high school education. There is no academic honors diploma under this plan.

Garcia Wilburn

However, neither diploma’s baseline requirements meet admissions requirements for Indiana University and Purdue University, as well as other in-state universities.

Given the ongoing public comment period through July 30, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) is holding two public listening sessions for district constituents to learn more about the details of this proposal from education leadership, ask questions and provide feedback. House District 32 parents are welcome to attend whichever session works best for their schedule, although the July 22 date will focus on Carmel Clay Schools and Washington Township Schools (Marion County) and the July 29 date will focus on Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation.

The high school diploma redesign public listening sessions will take place at these times and locations:

• Carmel and Nora: Monday, July 22, 5 to 6 p.m. at the John W. Hensel Government Center, 10701 N. College Ave., Carmel
• Fishers: Monday, July 29, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hamilton East Public Library, 5 Municipal Drive, Fishers

“I have received an outpouring of concern from House District 32 parents and educators about the proposed diploma redesign,” Garcia Wilburn said. “People move to House District 32 for our great public schools that set students up for success in life, success in higher education and success in their careers. The focus of this plan on career training at the expense of rigorous academic coursework is threatening to derail our district public high schools’ track record of success. I hope to see you at a public listening session so you can get your questions answered and share your thoughts on the proposal with stakeholders.”

In addition to voicing concerns at this listening session, community members should fill out the Stakeholder Feedback Form at this link by Tuesday, July 30.