IBLC shares teachers’ concerns over proposed high school diplomas
On June 5, the State Board of Education proposed new requirements for high school diplomas. Though the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) insists that the changes outlined in the proposal would offer more flexibility for students, teachers and legislators have raised concerns about the proposal. According to the IDOE, students could pursue one of two new degrees: the less-intensive GPS Diploma or the GPS Diploma Plus, which emphasizes a “high-quality work-based learning experience.”
However, neither of these degrees provides students with the skills necessary for a successful transition into higher learning. Instead, these diplomas are made to funnel students directly into the job markets at the cost of important core classes in math, the arts, world languages and more. The IBLC echoes the concerns that have been shared by teachers and recognizes that in its current state, the proposed diplomas do not provide the academic rigor necessary to prepare Hoosier students to become well-rounded, academically curious adults.
“School is the time when children should be encouraged to broaden their perspectives and explore a diverse assortment of subjects, not only to help students discover their individual passions but to help shape them into capable adults,” IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) said.
“While college is not the only route to success, we still must give our students the tools and education necessary to succeed in higher education, if that is the path they choose to pursue. If these new diplomas go into effect, Indiana students may not meet the basic requirements to enroll in our state universities, and they will most certainly fall short of the requirements needed for out-of-state enrollment. The proposed high school diplomas require less of our students and would set up Hoosier children for failure.”
“As someone who has spent my entire career as an educator, the proposed changes to our high school diplomas are deeply troubling,” House Education Committee Ranking Democrat State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) said.
“It is important to ensure that our public schools prepare students for whatever path they choose to pursue after graduation but taking away the requirement for essential classes such as foreign languages, economics, fine arts and world history is not the way to achieve that goal. Our chronically underfunded public schools may be forced to cut these classes altogether if they are not required to offer them. This new system takes opportunities away from all Hoosier students and devalues Indiana's education.
“Our goal should be to foster curiosity and create life-long learners with open minds to the experiences around them. How do we expect a student to realize that they could have a real future as a translator or an economist if they are never exposed to those topics? As I always say, the mind is like a parachute: it doesn't work if it isn't open.”
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.