State gives update on potential diploma changes

Indiana officials are still seeking feedback on plans to better prepare high school students for college or entering the workforce. One proposed solution, which was shared at Indiana State Board of Education’s June 5 meeting, allows Indiana students to earn readiness seals on their high school diploma and transcript.

Students could earn an individual readiness seal or combination of readiness seals on their transcript to support their unique postgraduation goals of enrollment, employment or enlistment leading to service.

Per the proposal, Indiana leaders would work with external stakeholders to develop the following diploma readiness seals:

• Enrollment-Ready Seal — Would be jointly developed with and approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in conjunction with higher education institutions (must meet the minimum entrance requirements for the majority of Indiana’s colleges and universities)
• Employment-Ready Seal — Would be developed in consultation with business representatives across multiple industries
• Enlistment-Ready Seal — Would be developed in consultation with the Indiana National Guard

As part of the proposed diploma requirements first shared in March, all students would complete most foundational courses and competencies in ninth and 10th grades, which are strategically focused on essential knowledge and skills.

This structure allows for additional flexibility and personalization in 11th and 12th grades.

Each readiness seal would have a more detailed framework that will guide the students’ coursework and experiences. Earning a readiness seal would immediately signal to any college or university, employer, or military representative that a student is strongly prepared to enter enrollment, employment or enlistment leading to service.

Readiness seals could be added to either diploma (Indiana GPS or Indiana GPS Plus).

Indiana leaders encourage the public to continue providing feedback on the state’s overall proposed plan at form.jotform.com/240674433441049.

The new requirements would be effective for all students beginning with the class of 2029. Schools may opt-in beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.