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Redesigning the Indiana High School Diploma

Infographic detailing three challenges faced by Indiana students. The infographic is divided into three columns, each with an icon and related statistics: The first column shows a university icon and is titled 'Fewer students are enrolling in higher education and even fewer are graduating.' Key statistics include: 76% of Hoosier high school graduates intend to pursue higher learning, but only 53% actually do. Of these, only 24% of those who enroll in a 2-year college or university graduate on time, and 51% of those who enroll in a 4-year college or university graduate on time. The second column features a briefcase icon and is titled 'Students are graduating without the skills needed to secure rewarding career opportunities.' Statistics include: 58% of Indiana jobs require skills training beyond high school, but not a 4-year degree. Only 47% of students have access to necessary skills training. 64% of Indiana students earn college credit in high school, averaging 13.5 credits, but only 5% earn a credential before graduation. Thousands more are close to earning these credits but are unaware. The third column has an icon of a soldier saluting and is titled 'Students who dream of enlisting are finding out they are disqualified when it’s too late.' The infographic states that 2022 was the worst recruiting year in the history of the military’s all-volunteer force. Military enlistments from Indiana declined by 41% between 2018 and 2022, and Indiana National Guard enlistments declined by 38% over the same period. The rate of decline is worse in Indiana compared to other states

By creating meaningful connections between student learning today and their future aspirations, we can drive impactful outcomes for our communities and students.

Image showing a high school student in Indiana working in a manufacturing lab. The student is operating a robotic arm while holding a control device, demonstrating hands-on learning in a technical environment. To the right of the image, there is text that reads: 'Traveling around the state of Indiana, it is clear, we have a lot to be proud of and to celebrate. From high school students who are young entrepreneurs and are running their own businesses, like a coffee shop, a construction trades business, or even a student-led manufacturing business right in the school…

Image showing a teacher and Secretary Jenner assisting a student in a classroom setting. The student, wearing a dark blue hoodie, is seated at a wooden table, focusing on a tablet device. Secretary Jenner, is pointing at the tablet, while the teacher, in a red blouse, observes. To the left of the image, the text reads: '…to students who are earning college credit – often MANY college credits – and setting themselves up to save time and money when they head to college

Image showing a high school student in a medical classroom setting, smiling as she puts on a protective gown. In the background, two other students are also donning protective gear. To the right of the image, text reads: 'And an increasing number of high schools are taking this a step further, helping students graduate with not only their high school diploma, but a tangible credential of value like the Indiana College Core, a technical certificate, or an advanced industry certificate. All of these credentials are something that students will always have, whether they immediately apply it towards college or career or use it years down the road.' At the bottom left of the image, there is a ribbon icon and text that reads: 'Fun fact - Indiana is #1 in the nation for students who earn college credit while in high school!

AS we consider how we might make the four years of high school as valuable as possible for all of our indiana students, increased access to quality student experiences like these will help students...

Infographic highlighting the benefits of increasing access to quality student experiences for Indiana high school students. The top text reads: 'As we consider how we might make the four years of high school as valuable as possible for ALL of our Indiana students, increased access to quality student experiences like these will help students…' Below the text, four circular icons with illustrations represent different outcomes: 1. A student using a tablet next to a robot, labeled 'Discover their passions.' 2. A student sitting at a desk with a laptop, labeled 'Shape their futures.' 3. A student in a lab coat, labeled 'Reach their fullest potential.' 4. Two students collaborating on a science experiment, labeled 'Meaningfully contribute to the economic and civic vitality of their communities.

Redesigning the High School Diploma Allows Students to Shape Their Learning, Shape Their Future

Image showing a group of students in a workshop, working on automotive parts under the guidance of an instructor. The students are gathered around a red workbench, actively engaged in hands-on learning. To the left of the image, on a dark blue background, text reads: 'We know that every student has unique goals and dreams. Some want to go to college, some want to kick start their career right after high school, and some want to serve our country by enlisting in one of our nation’s military branches. We have listened to thousands of Hoosiers from around the state to help inform our shared work ahead. And in doing so, a few key themes have emerged, including: Providing more flexibility in student’s schedules, putting students in the driver’s seat and allowing them to personalize their learning, based on their unique goals and dreams. Increasing opportunities for college and career experiences, like the ability to earn more college credit, leading to a credential of value, and the ability to explore careers and experience work-based learning. Keeping the structure more simple by considering one diploma with a variety of student path opportunities.

Students explain the significance of rethinking high school

Industry leaders discuss what students need to thrive in the modern workforce

Infographic titled 'The New Indiana Diploma.' The image features a graduation cap and diploma icon on the left, with three gold ribbons representing 'Enrollment,' 'Employment,' and 'Enlistment & Service' on the right. The text explains that the revised diploma proposal has been streamlined into one base diploma with minimum and flexible requirements, allowing students to earn readiness seals aligned with their chosen path. These seals provide a blueprint for success in various post-graduation paths, including higher education, employment, and military service. The text emphasizes the collaboration with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, businesses, and military branches to ensure these seals are valuable and transparent. At the bottom, there is a note that the federally-required alternate diploma for students in special education with significant cognitive disability is still available.

Learn more about the draft indiana diploma rule

Secretary Jenner discusses the importance and reason behind High School Redesign

Stakeholder feedback drives significant updates to second draft

Secretary Jenner shares an update on the rulemaking timeline and next steps

Today, in communities all across our state, big, small, rural, urban, and suburban, some schools are already blurring the lines between K-12, higher education, and the workforce. Whether it’s partnering with one of Indiana’s colleges or universities, an Indiana-based Fortune 500 company, or a local hometown business, these schools are removing barriers for their students and opening doors of future opportunity. And as we continue to work together we can absolutely make this a reality for every Hoosier student, regardless of the resources they have or where they live. So let’s continue working together, and lift all Hoosiers to a better life through education.

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