Former Greenfield-Central High School principal Jason Cary presents diplomas during graduation ceremonies in June of 2024. (Tom Russo | Daily Reporter)
HANCOCK COUNTY — While changes to the Indiana high school diploma are not yet official, the process is moving forward. Expected changes could be passed by officials from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) before the end of the year.
The changes would require a less rigorous Indiana Graduate Prepared to Succeed diploma which would cut requirements for science, math, social studies, physical education and the arts. Proposed changes would also require a minimum of 20 additional “points” students can earn through a combination of courses, work-based learning, military experience and by taking tests such as the SAT or ACT.
Earlier this year, state officials presented a proposal to streamline the number of high school diplomas, while maximizing flexibility for students to personalize learning pathways and experiences. This is part of the state’s ongoing, collaborative effort to rethink the high school experience, making it more learner-centric and career-relevant. The proposal kicked off four months of public feedback to enhance the proposed plan which is expected to wrap in late July.
Local superintendents say they have mixed feelings about the proposed changes and are taking a wait and see approach while also sharing their views.
Eastern Hancock superintendent George Philhower, who is in favor of the diploma changes, noted students now days want and need to be challenged in high school with classes and opportunities that point towards their future work goals.
“Kids now days are not very tolerant and they’re looking for that educational experience, so that’s the burden we have is to figure out, how to make the things we’re asking kids to do be more relevant, so to me this is an exciting opportunity that we have, and that’s going to require some flexibility in the classroom,” Philhower said.
Philhower noted educators at Eastern Hancock are not planning to offer fewer classes if the changes go through, but will make adjustments in the way school looks if the changes help students get better prepared for their future job.
“At the very least we have an opportunity to create something that aligns to the direction that our workforce and educational system is telling us we need to be heading,” Philhower said. “This aligns with our strategic plan of preparing kids for life after high school.”
Greenfield-Central superintendent Harold Olin said he does not think large-scale changes to the graduation requirements were necessary.
“Though I will concede that the proposed changes would provide a bit more flexibility for our high school students,” Olin said.
The changes, if they go into effect, Olin noted, will definitely change the way they schedule students for classes.
“Many of the courses that have been required for graduation for decades will no longer be required,” Olin said. “We anticipate this having a big impact on the number of sections we will need in areas such as social studies and world language in particular.”
Olin feels the changes educators in Hancock County have been making over the past couple of years are a deliberate adjustment to provide more career and technical education opportunities for students who want to pursue those pathways.
“You have heard us make many references to Amplify Hancock and HC3 over the past two years,” Olin said. “This is being created to help us better meet the needs of our older students and the demands of community employers.”
Olin feels the proposed changes if approved will have an adverse impact on the number of students who pursue a pathway that is in line with the current academic honors diploma.
The county’s newest superintendent, New Palestine Community School’s Gina Pleak, said she appreciates the work the IDOE and stakeholders have undertaken to evolve the Indiana High School diploma.
“Our aim is for the Indiana diploma to hold significance and for everyone to take pride in this achievement,” Pleak said. “Our goal is to prepare students with a well-rounded education so they can succeed in society. As society evolves, it’s natural for diploma requirements to evolve as well.”
Pleak noted if the new changes can enhance the student experience and better prepare students for success after high school, then that can be positive.
“I’m eager to see how these changes evolve to ensure they are easily understandable, provide the necessary rigor for a comprehensive education, and offer students options to explore their interests and career paths,” she said.
Pleak went on to say the proposed changes will require districts to reassess course offerings and staffing assignments.
“Flexibility will be needed in teaching licensure as courses evolve,” she said. “Despite changes, our commitment to providing excellence in education remains steadfast thanks to our dedicated teachers and staff.”
Educators, Pleak noted, are continuously adapting to new initiatives, although concerns about time, funding, resources and added responsibilities are valid.
“The quick turnaround in implementation does give me pause,” Pleak said. “With the changes expected for freshmen in the 2025-2026 school year, collaboration with staff, especially school counselors, will be crucial to effectively communicate with students, families, and staff, adjust course offerings, track student progress, and build schedules. It’s a significant endeavor, but, if this is what we are charged with doing, we are committed to addressing it as a team.”
Superintendent for Mt. Vernon Schools, Jack Parker, said their goal is to meet the needs of all students and prepare them for what they aspire to.
“We support the notion of aligning high school credits to more authentic experiences and not just seat time,” Parker said. “We want to ensure we are supporting college-bound students, providing opportunities that provide the foundation needed for success at the post-secondary level.”
Parker said additional guidance from the IDOE will be forthcoming and they are looking forward to that information.
As noted, the proposed diploma changes eliminate the academic honors diploma and replaces it with the Indiana GPS Diploma. However, Parker noted, Mt. Vernon will continue to prioritize opportunities and rigorous courses that support a high level of growth and achievement.
“We want all students to be well-prepared for their post-secondary goals,” Parker said. “We strive to meet the needs of all students, empowering them to achieve success in whatever direction they pursue after graduation.”
