New Indiana graduation requirements approved by SBOE

Contributed By: The 411 News

Indianapolis – After more than a year of stakeholder feedback, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) unanimously approved the final diploma rule, which is designed to maximize the four years of high school for students.

“We started this process by asking Hoosiers across the state, ‘how might we make the four years of high school as valuable as possible for students and better connect them to their unique future goals,’” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education.

“Listening to and incorporating significant stakeholder feedback has absolutely led us to a better place from where we started in March to where we are today,” Jenner said. “This new high school diploma will allow increased flexibility for students to personalize their journey, as well as increase access to both work-based learning and credentials of value.”

Students must earn a base diploma, completing required courses in English, math, science, social studies, physical education and health.

In addition to those core content areas, students will also take personalized electives which can include a variety of courses, such as career and technical education (CTE courses), performing or fine arts, or world languages.

On top of the base diploma, graduation rules require the completion of one of three pathways or readiness seals for post-graduation. The pathways lead either to enrollment in college, employment, or enlistment in the military.

The graduation requirements also now specify that students can pivot between enrollment, employment, and enlistment pathways as needed. Students who wish to graduate early must also complete a seal.

Each pathway has a plus-level representing an increased level of skill development.

Per statute, Indiana’s current graduation requirements will sunset October 1, 2028, making the new diploma requirements effective for all students beginning with the class of 2029, or students currently in eighth grade.

Schools may opt-in beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. Indiana will also continue to offer the federally-required alternate diploma, which is designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

Following approval by SBOE, the rule must be reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General. The graduation requirements become law when signed by the Governor.

Story Posted:12/15/2024