High school reform mirroring real life: Not every student pursues higher education
A New Era for High School Education in Indiana: Introducing the "New Indiana Diploma"
Indiana is taking a bold step towards redefining high school education, with the introduction of the "New Indiana Diploma" system. Signed into law in April 2024, this innovative approach to education is set to benefit incoming first-year students this academic year [1].
The new system aims to provide students with greater flexibility and career readiness options, allowing them to tailor their elective courses based on individual goals. Unlike traditional diplomas, which required Algebra II, the new system requires four math credits beyond Algebra I and personal finance, but not specifically Algebra II [1].
One of the key differences from traditional diplomas is the integration and funding support for work-based learning and apprenticeships. This shift towards practical, hands-on learning is a response to the growing number of vacant jobs in Indiana that do not require a four-year degree [2]. The state has set a goal of 50,000 apprenticeships by 2030 [3].
Edgar Soto, a senior at Concord High School in Elkhart, is already reaping the benefits of this new system. He is enrolled in an apprenticeship with manufacturing technology company Alpha Systems, where he earns $17 an hour. Half of his paycheck goes towards family expenses [5].
The "New Indiana Diploma" also offers students the opportunity to earn different "seals" in addition to a basic diploma, depending on whether they plan to attend college, go straight to work, or serve in the military. For instance, Micah, a high school student with a 3.7 GPA and a semi-professional soccer player, plans to attend college [6]. His mother, however, expects him to pursue math or physics, but he has an interest in studying psychology [7].
The new diploma options are also meant to encourage more students to enlist in military service, as the military is currently struggling to recruit [8]. President Donald Trump recently called for the creation of 1 million new apprenticeships [9].
Indiana's education secretary, Katie Jenner, initiated the redesign of high school education to make it more relevant to students' futures and help them understand career paths [10]. Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber, believes an alternate path is critical for driving economic growth in the state [11].
Experts consider the "New Indiana Diploma" a model for other states as they reconsider how to help students prepare for careers [12]. With the state's high school graduation rate dropping to 52% in 2023, a 12-percentage-point decrease in seven years [4], and nearly 30% of Indiana's high school students being chronically absent in 2022 [13], the need for a more effective education system is evident.
References:
- Indiana Department of Education
- Indiana Chamber of Commerce
- Indiana Governor's Workforce Cabinet
- Indiana Department of Education
- Elkhart Truth
- Indiana Public Media
- Indiana Public Media
- Indiana National Guard
- White House Press Release
- Indiana Department of Education
- Indianapolis Business Journal
- Education Week
- Indiana Department of Education
Read also:
- Inherent Skills Know No Bounds, Yet Access to Employment Remains Unequal: Suggestions for a More Equitable Job Market of the Future
- Affordable supermarket purchases from dollar stores are not sabotaging typical American nutritional habits, according to research findings
- AK Party marks 24 years of ruling political scene
- Harnessing Crowdsourced Research for the Preservation of Australia's Enchanting Wildlife Species via SeadragonSearch
