Harris believes diploma proposals improved, but still needs work
INDIANAPOLIS – Yesterday (Aug. 14), the State Board of Education released a second draft of the new, proposed high school diplomas. The second draft removes the GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus options and instead offers one base diploma. Students can now obtain Honors and Honors Plus readiness seals in the following categories: enlistment and service, employment, and enrollment. These changes follow a public comment period in which educators, parents, students and legislators shared their concerns.
Chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and State Rep. State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) released the following statement regarding the updated draft proposals:
“This summer, the IBLC hosted town halls across the state, and in doing so, we heard various constituent concerns from folks across the state. I want to thank the Hoosiers who spoke at our town halls in Lawrence, Evansville, Elkhart, Michigan City and Fort Wayne, and provided feedback directly to the State Board of Education.
“A high school diploma reflects the values and skills our students have gained throughout their educational journey. The initial proposal would have instead devalued our students' education and achievements, leaving students wishing to pursue college or university unprepared or ineligible to attend most colleges. I am optimistic that the changes made in this second draft will allow our students to pursue various pathways based on their individualized goals.
“In 2022, I authored a bill that automatically enrolls eligible students into the 21st Century Scholars program, removing financial barriers that all too often prevent students from attending college. The initial diploma proposal threatened the very existence of this program by entrenching academic barriers to college admission. I am relieved these students will still have an equal opportunity to pursue their educational goals.
“However, I'm still concerned about the feasibility of implementing these diplomas, specifically regarding the work-based learning requirements for the Honors and Honors Plus Diploma. Students going for the Honors Seal will have to complete 100 hours of work-based learning, and those going for the Honors Plus Seal will need to complete an outrageous total of 650 hours. Despite these requirements, we have yet to receive any updates on how students, especially those in rural areas, can secure these work-based opportunities. Additionally, we still need insight into how students will be transported to their job sites or any measures to ensure student safety.
“While there is still work to be done to refine the new diplomas, I am grateful to the IDOE for listening to the public's feedback. I am hopeful that the full details of the proposal will address the full spectrum of concerns voiced by the public. I am excited to watch the continued development of these diplomas as we work to craft a system that benefits all Hoosiers.”
The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024.