INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Board of Education unanimously approved changes for high school diplomas Wednesday morning.
The board voted 11-0 in favor of the changes at a meeting Dec. 11.
This was the second draft of the proposal to redesign the requirements for students to get their high school diplomas.
The new proposed model offers a base diploma with minimum requirements for all students. Students would earn 42 credits instead of the current 40 credits needed. Students have the opportunity to earn readiness seals with a focus on higher education, the workforce or military enlistment.
The changes go into effect beginning with the 2028-2029 school year.
Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner offered the following reasons for the needed changes:
- Fewer kids are enrolling in higher education, and even fewer are graduating.
- Businesses say students are graduating without skills for careers.
- Students who want to enlist in the military realized they're not qualified when it's too late.
- Chronic absenteeism and increased student apathy.
The Indiana Department of Education received letters of support regarding the final proposal from Ascend Indiana, IonThree, the Indiana Non-Public Education Association, the Indiana State Teachers Association, EmployIndy, Parkview Health and Tenon.