Errington testifies on second draft of high school diploma proposal

Last week, on Nov. 8., the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) met to discuss the second draft of proposed changes to the Indiana high school diploma. At this meeting, SBOE accepted public testimony to close out the public comment period.

State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) issued the following statement following her testimony to SBOE:

“Despite repeated concerns voiced by parents, educators and community members - including through public meetings I’ve hosted in my district - the issues that matter most to Hoosiers have not been addressed in this new proposal. While the inclusion of gym and health education is a step in the right direction, the proposal still significantly weakens our state’s curriculum by removing essential world language requirements and offering vague, unworkable solutions for students’ work-based learning opportunities.

“The persistent questions remain: How will these programs be made available, particularly in rural areas of Indiana? What will transportation look like for students participating in work-based learning? How will we address the ongoing shortage of counselors? Also, why the rush to implement this without ensuring we have the right resources and structures in place? We can't afford to sacrifice the quality of education for our students.

“At a time when students are facing so many challenges, this proposal does little to provide the support they need to succeed. The lack of transparency in who developed these changes and the continued failure to address the logistical issues, like student safety and transportation, are deeply concerning.

“I’ve listened to my constituents and raised these concerns directly with the SBOE, yet there’s been little action to improve this proposal. We need more than just a diploma that checks boxes - we need a system that prepares our students for success, and this proposal misses that mark. I will continue to fight for the changes our students deserve and need to succeed.”

Errington comments on second draft of proposed high school diplomas

On Oct. 9, the State Board of Education (SBOE) and Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) released the second draft of the Indiana high school diploma proposal. Despite the numerous concerns voiced by legislators, educators, parents and students, the second draft does not address student transportation, counselor shortages, workplace safety or long-term funding.

State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) released the following statement regarding the second draft: 

"It is disheartening that the SBOE and IDOE have neglected to implement any safety measures or address the vast number of logistical concerns noted by Hoosiers during the public comment period. This second draft fails to make any meaningful changes to improve the diplomas. Instead, it doubles down on gutting our state curriculum and thrusting students into a dangerously ill-defined work-learning environment.

"Following the first draft, I hosted a town hall in my district to gauge public opinion and hear the feedback of those in my community. My constituents cited many issues, including the lack of fine arts and language requirements, student safety at work sites and transporting students to and from these sites. I brought the feedback from my town hall directly to the SBOE during a public meeting on July 30, when I testified on the initial diploma proposal. Yet, despite my own testimony and that of many others, none of the major issues raised have been rectified. Hoosiers are rightfully worried about the negative impact this proposal could have on student education and safety.

"We must continue to raise our voices before these new diplomas are finalized. The IDOE is currently accepting comments and concerns on the second draft proposal until Nov. 8. Additionally, on Nov. 8, the IDOE will host another public commentary meeting where Hoosiers can provide direct feedback on the second diploma proposal. I encourage everyone to fill out the online form and provide testimony during public meeting to help ensure our children are given access to all the educational opportunities they deserve.

"If the IDOE passes this proposal through in its current state, they will have failed our students. Until substantive fixes are made to the proposal, I will remain steadfast on this issue."

The State Board of Education is accepting feedback on the proposed diplomas. All parents, students, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to share their concerns and can do so via the online form here. 

Errington responds to threats against Indiana schools this week

This week, middle and high schools across the state have received unrelated security gun threats from students, forcing school closures and delays. These threats have affected schools in cities from all corners of the state, including Crothersville, Mooresville, Valparaiso, Center Grove, Lafayette, Marion, Anderson and Indianapolis. Police have made more than 20 juvenile arrests in response to these threats.

State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) released the following statement in response:

"Indiana is experiencing a crisis. The longer we continue to ignore it, incidents like these will continue to occur.

"When a student threatens a school and their peers, there is clearly more going on behind the scenes. The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that 33.7% of Hoosier students say they experienced poor mental health, while 47% reported feeling sad or helpless. If our kids feel backed into a corner, they are likelier to lash out and make destructive decisions.

"We must also address how students are gaining access to dangerous weapons like guns. In Muncie, you can hop over to a gun store, retail store or even the fairgrounds to purchase a firearm. Almost anyone can buy a gun in Indiana, and in turn, these weapons end up in the hands of children.

"My Democratic colleague State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis) and captain in the Marion County Sheriff's office, has repeatedly authored safe storage legislation that would require gun owners to lock up their firearms. Gore has reintroduced this piece of legislation each year since 2021, and every time the majority has stopped the legislation dead in its tracks. This legislation has the potential to save lives and we need to appeal to lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum to get this done.

"Last session, I offered an amendment to HEA 1235 that would have restored control to local governments, allowing cities and towns to regulate firearms. HEA 1235 it strips local control from cities and towns to be able to hold manufacturers accountable for deaths and injuries resulting from guns. This too, was dismissed by Republicans.

"When students from Burris Laboratory School brought their concerns to the Statehouse this past session, they were met with a holstered gun mockingly waved in their faces by a Republican legislator. If members of the General Assembly are comfortable flashing firearms directly at children, then how can we expect students to treat the issue seriously? Until all legislators treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves, we can expect a continued rise in violent incidents.

"We cannot continue to look away while children are at direct risk on school grounds. The answer isn't just increased security and active shooter drills or arming teachers. It is ensuring all Hoosier students are heard, supported and receive the care they deserve. It is prioritizing sensible legislation to keep weapons away from children.

"I will not stand idly by while our schools are threatened with senseless violence. To the students and school faculty affected by these threats, I stand with you. I will continue to put pressure on the Republican majority to adopt policy on this multifaceted issue."