Klinker presents Sagamore of the Wabash Award to David M. Stevenson

On Sunday (Nov. 2), State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) presented the Sagamore of the Wabash Award to longtime Lafayette resident, David M. Stevenson. Stevenson is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Guam during the Korean War. He and his late wife, Connie, are well-known for starting three broadcasting stations and for their service to the community. Originating in the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash Award is the highest honor a Hoosier can receive from the governor of Indiana. 

Rep. Klinker released the following congratulatory statement: 

“It was my pleasure to present David Stevenson with a Sagamore of the Wabash award. David has been a force of positive reinforcement in the Tippecanoe County area. He and his late wife ministered at local churches, fundraised for veterans and started the Triangle Foundation to support non-profit humanitarian projects abroad. Along with the good he did with his wife, he’s a veteran who served two years in the Air Force during the Korean War. It was an honor to recognize David with a Sagamore for his profound commitment to our community. 

“Anyone in our community who’s had the opportunity to speak with him knows the interesting life he’s led. He traveled the country in an Airstream RV with his wife, photographed rockets for NASA, sang in Russia and traveled to 26 countries. Like David, I believe that living a life full of service is a great use of our time on God’s Earth. I thank Mr. Stevenson and the late Connie Stevenson for their contributions to the public and the impact they've made on Lafayette.”

Klinker echoes concerns of teachers, encourages public comment on second draft diploma proposal

On Wednesday (Oct.9), the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) officially published its second draft proposal in its effort to redesign Indiana’s high school diplomas. The credits in the base diploma, the six optional “readiness seals,” and the work-based learning requirements are unchanged. However, the lengthy document fails to provide insight into the implementation and vague wording of the new requirements.  

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following statement regarding the public comment period: 

“As a member of the Education Committee, teachers from across the state have contacted me about the IDOE’s diploma redesign. Many people attended my recent town hall where we discussed the updated base diploma and the optional seals for enrollment, employment and enlistment. Our educators were encouraged to see an improved balance between academic rigor and work-based learning in the second draft.

“Even though the second draft is an improvement, I am still concerned about the impact these changes will have on our schools. Our teachers are choosing to leave the profession due to burnout, a lack of support and unrealistic expectations. Each year, Hoosier teachers adjust to new curricula, and then we change it again right when they finally get adjusted. Our state is experiencing a teacher and counselor shortage that will make it difficult to implement these diploma changes. 

“Our students should always be our top priority, but we must consider how our actions at the legislature impact our educators and administrators. I encourage our teachers, students, administrators and any concerned citizens to submit their feedback to the IDOE.” 

The Indiana Department of Education is accepting feedback on the second draft diploma proposal until Friday, Nov. 8. All parents, students, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to share their concerns and can do so via the online form.

Klinker optimistic about diploma updates, thanks constituents for their involvement

Yesterday, Aug. 14, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) revealed the second draft proposal for Indiana's new high school diploma. 

Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following statement regarding the new draft proposals: 

“Many of our folks from Tippecanoe County shared their concerns about the shortcomings of the new, proposed high school diplomas. I would like to thank my community for submitting feedback, and I appreciate my constituents for taking the time to attend meetings and town halls. Many who testified were retirees who wanted our youth to have the best education possible. 

“It wasn’t that long ago when a well-rounded education was considered a life-changing gift, especially for young women. I know many women who would have pursued history, geography or economics but were encouraged to pursue ‘pink-collar jobs.' As a state, It’s paramount we remember the gift of a well-rounded education and foster academic excellence. 

“As one of the four Democratic representatives on the House Education Committee, I’m pleased to see the elimination of the GPS diploma proposals. This is a step towards providing everyone with robust educational opportunities including vocational training and apprenticeships. 

“I’m thankful the Department of Education has responded to our concerns. I appreciate the public comment period and their willingness to revise their proposals. I look forward to the continued development of the diplomas to ensure our students are well-equipped for the future and are able to apply and be accepted by our state universities. I’m pleased to see the progress, and I hope that once the final details of the second draft are released it will address all the public's concerns.” 

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.