Andrade testifies at Indiana State Board of Education public hearing

Yesterday, July 30, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) held a public hearing at the Indiana Government Center to address the IDOE’s new diploma proposal for high school graduates. State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster), accompanied by School Town of Munster Superintendent Bret Heller and School Board President John Doherty, spoke on various issues with the proposal and the uncertainties for future Indiana graduates. Superintendent Heller advocated for delaying the diploma implementation timeline, highlighting the staffing issues that will arise and the lack of preparation for both staff and students from the streamlined implementation process. In addition, he requested the SBOE maintain the Academic Honors Diploma as an option for Indiana high school students, stating, “I know that I speak for many of my colleagues when I say that we believe that retaining this option provides the very flexibility that has been spoken of throughout this high school redesign process. Removing this option does not increase flexibility, it decreases flexibility.” Similarly, School Board President Doherty presented questions about the integrity of the diploma redesign by asking, “Did the SBOE seek input from the Indiana Commission of Higher Education when drafting this redesign? How will costs be allocated for transportation, vetting and supervision of minors at the workplaces? So far, we have not received any answers to these crucial questions.” Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) released the following statement on his remarks at the public hearing: “Today, I had the privilege of representing my district in providing feedback on the proposed diploma redesigns. After speaking with the constituents of House District 12, I believe that the Indiana Department of Education’s new diplomas proposal dramatically reduces academic requirements, fails to meet the basic standards for college admissions and overlooks the needs of students with disabilities. “The changes undermine students’ readiness for higher education and limit their exposure to a well-rounded curriculum, compromising their future career opportunities. The future of this state lies on the backs of future generations of Hoosiers to come and we must continue to provide the necessary support and resources they need to succeed, not take them away. “To ensure all voice are heard, I urge the SBOE to organize town halls across the state to solicit additional feedback from parents, educators and students who couldn’t attend today’s hearing in Indianapolis. Such a drastic change to our high school curriculum requires the thoughts and feedback of Hoosiers around the state, including in Northwest Indiana.”