This year the state of Indiana has issued a new diploma starting with the high school graduating class of 2029.
It is part of a statewide effort to rethink what students need after high school whether that’s college, the military, or a career. The new diploma allows schools to be more flexible with their diplomas and help more students graduate.
“Until we live it I won’t know for sure, but on paper, I like that students have more options to graduate, fewer mandatory classes, and more choices,” Principal Jagga Rent said. “I appreciate the emphasis on work-based learning and outside opportunities.”
While administrators see the flexibility and opportunity, many students are uncertain about what it could mean for them.
One of the main problems with the change in the new diploma is that many students have not been informed about it.
“I actually haven’t heard about anything new about our diploma,” freshman Bobby Bernlohr said.
Many other students had similar answers and were surprised to hear about the new changes.
Some major changes that may have the biggest impact on student futures are the removal of Algebra 2 and physical education from the diploma.
This takes down the amount of mandatory classes students have to take and allows more choice in what classes they take.
All of this is to help more students to graduate and enter the workforce sooner.
“The new diploma is designed to better prepare for workforce skills, but earlier classes aren’t disadvantaged, just different,” Rent said.
Still, many students remain unsure whether it will open new doors or shut them.
Some students also worry that colleges might look down on students for not having certain classes on their transcript.
“I think that the school’s thinking more about themselves than the actual kids, and it’s going to negatively affect our futures,” freshman Liam Fisher said.
Other students have also said similar things.
“I think they should have kept it the same way it used to be because It valued our future more,” freshman Molly Auer said.
While the intentions behind the new diploma may be rooted in flexibility and workforce readiness, it’s clear that more communication is needed between North Central and their students.
As the class of 2029 moves through the system, the real effects of the new diploma will become clear. Until then, students need to move forward with an open mind into this new school year and new structure.
