From DeLaney's Desk: Seeking your input on high school diploma changes

Jul 03, 2024

Welcome to "From DeLaney's Desk," a newsletter where I will provide state and community updates as your State Representative. Please reach out to my office at h86@iga.in.gov if you have any questions, concerns or thoughts on what you see or would like to see in this newsletter.

Share your thoughts on Indiana’s proposed high school diplomas

This legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed a bill to allow the Indiana Department of Education to overhaul the diploma requirements for Hoosier high school students. The stated intention behind these new diploma requirements is to put more of an emphasis on workforce development and real world experience for students who may not want to pursue higher education.

I want to hear from you, my constituents, about your views on the new diploma requirements being proposed by the State Board of Education. For more information about the changes, you can visit the link here, or read this article from AXIOS Indianapolis. Please take a look at these and email me at h86@iga.in.gov with your thoughts, questions, concerns and opinions about this issue. I plan to use your input to accurately represent the views of my district during discussions with state officials about the proposed changes.

Comments by others

Earlier this month, parents and Hoosier educators expressed concern that the new diploma requirements limit the preparation of students to become well-rounded critical thinkers for the sake of creating “future employees.” University professors and school officials also asserted that the new standards do not meet the entrance requirements for many universities. Both Purdue and IU require students to take four credits of world languages and six credits of social studies. Click here to view admission requirements for Purdue and click here to view admission requirements for IU.

Both diplomas significantly reduce the current requirements in math and science while eliminating the requirements for arts and humanities altogether. Without these requirements, underfunded schools may cut the classes altogether. At one point, I reacted by saying: “Not only will our students not speak French; they won’t know where France is, or about the suffering the French people endured during World War II.”

It is important to allow students to explore a variety of career paths. While we do need to expand opportunities for students who don’t plan to go to college, I fear this new diploma structure would restrict opportunities for all students by limiting their options for coursework. College-bound students could be forced to choose between a diploma that does not meet minimum college admission requirements or a diploma that heavily emphasizes work experience, leaving less time for academics.

The State Board of Education is accepting feedback on the new proposal for high school diplomas until September. I encourage parents, students, educators and stakeholders to share their thoughts and opinions via the online form here.

You may sense that I have some doubts about the proposal. I need your advice to decide what way to go.

Breaking Ground on the new IFD station on Broad Ripple

Last week, I had the honor of helping break ground on the new Indianapolis Fire Department Station 32 in Broad Ripple. This upgraded station will give IFD the resources to provide my constituents with the most effective and efficient protection possible. I am excited to see this long-anticipated project get under way in my district.