By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond)
A high school degree is the first step to success for Hoosier students, regardless of where their future may take them. However, in the past, our educational system revolved around the expectation that every student needs to go to college after they graduate if they want a chance at success. As a result, we subjected all students to requirements that gave some the false idea that their high school education has little relevance to their lives.
Indiana's new high school diploma, finalized and approved by the Indiana State Board of Education last week after more than a year of feedback and revisions, is the first step toward changing that idea by helping all students engage with their education and giving them the flexibility to choose the track best suited for them.
This process started during the 2023 legislative session, when I sponsored a law that directed the Indiana State Board of Education to create new high school diploma requirements.
Subsequently, Indiana’s education leaders have traveled the state to gather feedback and learn from schools about how to best address the needs of their students and the workforce while increasing opportunities for all students. A public comment period during the spring and fall led to improvements in the draft, taking into account the feedback of higher education professionals and many other stakeholders.
The majority of the updates in the final rule were improvements to readiness seals based on feedback from educators, higher education leaders, business and industry as well as the military. These seals are designed to provide flexibility for students based on whether they intend to go directly into the workforce following graduation, enroll in college or enlist in the military.
The new diploma requirements are effective for all students beginning with the class of 2029, or students currently in eighth grade, although schools may opt in to the new diploma requirements beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
These new diploma requirements will help take Indiana students to the next level of success and prepare them for whatever comes after graduation.
Constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Raatz website or by phone at 800-382-9467.
-30-
NOTE TO THE PRESS: More information about the final high school diploma rule is available here.
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
