The state of Indiana is proposing some major changes in high school graduation diplomas and those proposals are sparking quite a bit of controversy all around Indiana.  I sat down and talked with Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Deputy Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley about those proposed actions at the state level.

The state is floating the idea that some students, in their high school first 2 years, will take the required core courses.  In the junior and senior years, students will have the flexibility to leave the walls of the classroom and work on job experience and certifications.

One part of the state plan, not yet implemented, would eliminate the Academic Honors diploma.  Kegley says this move is not necessary.

“I don’t know that there was a need to move away from what has been the academic honors diploma,” said Kegley. “I’m concerned about the mixed message it might send to our families that the courses laid out in what is currently the academic honors diploma aren’t necessary, even if they plan to go to a 4-year university.”

Kegley sees this state proposal as sending a “mixed message” to local families.  It is all about having students headed to a 4-year university that are prepared for that challenge.

Could HSE offer its own Academic Honors diploma if the state enacts these changes as proposed?  Kegley says a future diploma would not be academic honors the way the state currently recognizes it…but HSE could say we are going to have an HSE academic honors diploma.  HSE would designate & tell students to pursue that if your goal is this, here are the courses you need.

The question being raised from educators around the state about these new diploma proposals centers on what damage might be done to students aiming to attend a 4-year college.  “I’m concerned…a level of concern about that,” says Kegley  “Are we, as a state, sending a message that going to 4-year college isn’t important?”

Kegley’s bottom line message is this – let’s allow the flexibility, but don’t damage college paths we have now.