Photo provided Ron Sandlin, chief innovation officer at the Indiana Department of Education, presented details and answered questions about Indiana’s new high school diploma at IU Columbus.
IU Columbus hosted a presentation Nov. 4 by Ron Sandlin, chief innovation officer at the Indiana Department of Education, about Indiana’s new high school diploma. He spoke with about 100 middle and high school counselors and AirPark campus faculty and staff members.
The new diploma, which replaces the current Core 40, Technical Honors and Academic Honors diplomas, begins with the class of 2029 (current high school freshmen). Students can add an Honors or Honors Plus seal, emphasizing college preparation, workforce readiness or enlistment in the armed forces.
“We’re taking the pathways you already offer and making them more comprehensive,” Sandlin explained. For example, many schools offer three pathway courses in areas such as agriculture, welding, IT or biomedical sciences. He mentioned eventually expanding these pathways so the students’ entire high school experience in and outside the classroom focuses on supporting their post-graduation goals.
“The goal is a purposeful pathway for each student,” Sandlin said. For example, instead of requiring every student to take Geometry and Algebra II, a student going directly into the skilled trades could potentially take Advanced Manufacturing Math and Quantitative Reasoning, while getting credit for work experience. Students preparing for college in the “enrollment” pathway would take world language classes and more social studies and math classes.
Sandlin emphasized flexibility, noting that fewer required courses will allow students to engage more with industry partners and gain experiences aligned with their chosen pathway. “We’ve never given this flexibility to schools,” he said. “It’s time to think bigger.”
While taking questions throughout the session, he addressed concerns about the attendance requirement: The “enlistment” and “employment” seals require no more than three unexcused absences for at least one year of high school. He also addressed a question about students attempting to graduate early due to fewer requirements, explaining that to graduate early under the new diploma, students will be required to complete an Honors or Honors Plus seal.
Sandlin also emphasized how technology platforms could help schools track the new graduation requirements, and he pointed out additional funding available to school districts for each student who completes an Honors Plus seal.
Prior to the new diploma discussion, IU Columbus hosted a networking breakfast for counselors from the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., Batesville, Brown County, Decatur County, Hauser, Indian Creek, Jennings County, Shelby County and Seymour schools. IU Columbus staff members shared brief sessions on college admissions – including the Seamless Pathway Program for a faster, easier admissions and a new Seamless Pathway scholarship. Counselors also learned about Groups Scholars for first-generation students and the nursing program offered at IU Columbus, including a direct-admit option.
