INDIANAPOLIS – Yesterday (August 14), the State Board of Education released a second draft of the new, proposed high school diplomas. The second draft removes the GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus options and instead offers a basic diploma. Students can now earn Honors and Honors Plus readiness seals in the following categories: enlistment and service, employment and enrollment. These changes follow a public comment period in which educators, parents, students and lawmakers voiced their concerns.

Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Chairman and State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) issued the following statement on the updated draft proposals:

“This summer, IBLC hosted town hall meetings across the state, listening to the concerns of voters across the state. I want to thank the residents of Indiana who spoke at our town hall meetings in Lawrence, Evansville, Elkhart, Michigan City and Fort Wayne and provided feedback directly to the State Board of Education.

“A high school diploma reflects the values ​​and skills our students have acquired throughout their education. The original proposal would have instead devalued our students’ education and achievements and left students who want to attend college or university unprepared or ineligible for most colleges. I am optimistic that the changes made in this second draft will allow our students to pursue different paths based on their individual goals.

“In 2022, I authored legislation that would automatically enroll eligible students in the 21st Century Scholars program, removing financial barriers that too often prevent students from attending college. The original diploma proposal threatened the existence of this program by entrenching academic hurdles to college admission. I am relieved that these students will continue to have equal opportunities to pursue their educational goals.

“However, I remain concerned about the viability of these diplomas, particularly with regard to the work-based learning requirements for the Honours and Honours Plus diplomas. Students pursuing the Honours seal must complete 100 hours of work-based learning and those pursuing the Honours Plus seal must complete a staggering 650 hours. Despite these requirements, we have yet to receive any news on how students, particularly in rural areas, will be able to obtain these work-based opportunities. In addition, we still need insight into how students will be transported to their workplaces or measures to ensure student safety.

“While there is still work to be done to improve the new diplomas, I am grateful to IDOE for listening to the public’s feedback. I am confident that the details of the proposal will address the full range of concerns raised by the public. I am excited to watch the continued development of these diplomas as we work to create a system that benefits all Indiana residents.”

The latest diploma proposal is not yet available in the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE are expected to open another public comment period in the fall, with an online portal and public forum. The final rule for the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024.