By Emily Reuben, Press Secretary—
MUNCIE, IN—The Indiana Department of Education recently announced plans to significantly redesign Indiana’s high school diplomas solely as the “GPS Diploma” and “GPS Diploma Plus” starting with the Class of 2029 (this upcoming academic year’s eighth graders). This would completely erase the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and the Core 40 with Technical Honors.
The proposed changes would reduce requirements for math, science, history, foreign language and health coursework and would require job shadowing or internships and apprenticeships, thus entirely restructuring high school education as we know it. There is no academic honors diploma under this plan. However, neither diploma’s baseline requirements meet admissions requirements for Ball State University, as well as other in-state universities.
Given the ongoing public comment period through July 30, State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) will be holding a town hall for district constituents to learn more about the details of this proposal from education leadership, ask questions and provide feedback.
The high school diploma redesign town hall will take place at the following date and location:
- Muncie Public Library – John F. Kennedy Branch
Friday, July 26 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
1700 W McGalliard Rd, Muncie, IN 47304
“I have received an outpouring of concern from House District 34 parents and educators about the proposed diploma redesign,” Errington said. “I hope to see you at a public listening session so you can get your questions answered and share your thoughts on the proposal with stakeholders.”
In addition to voicing concerns at this listening session, community members should fill out the Stakeholder Feedback Form here by Tuesday, July 30.
