INDIANAPOLIS – The State Board of Education (SBOE) recently passed the new requirements for Indiana high school diplomas. This will replace the Indiana Core 40 diploma that was implemented in 2007. The new Indiana diploma will first start with the class of 2029, the current 8th-grade class.
The biggest change to the diploma structure is making the credits more flexible. For example, instead of needing eight standard English credits, students will now take two freshman-year English credits, one communications-focused course credit, and an additional five English credits. This will offer students and families more flexibility to take the courses they find interesting.
Some other notable changes in requirements include a one-credit personal finance course, a one-credit computer science course, and a switch from directed and personalized electives to solely personalized electives. The graduation credit requirement will also change from 40 to 42 credits.
The new diplomas include blueprint plans, named readiness “enrollment seals.” The “enrollment seal” is built for those looking to further their education following high school, with requirements like earning AP and college credits, and scoring 1250 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT. The “enrollment seal” is personalized for those looking to join the workforce after graduation, requiring 150 hours of work-based learning, and taking three courses in the Career and Technology Education pathway.
More details on the new SBOE diploma requirements can be found here.
