Indiana students must complete required courses and assessments to meet the Indiana graduation requirements and graduate high school. This article covers the different diploma options, credit requirements, and additional graduation criteria. The Indiana State Board of Education is mandated by state law to finalize and implement these graduation requirements.
Key Takeaways
Indiana offers multiple diploma pathways, including Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors, and General diploma options, to align with students' Graduation Pathways and goals.
Students must complete specific credit requirements in core subjects, including English, math, science, and social studies, alongside optional elective courses.
The Indiana Department of Education sets graduation requirements that include passing standardized assessments, completing a personal finance course, and fulfilling physical education obligations to ensure postsecondary readiness.
Students must take at least one credit in computer science as part of the Science, Technology, and Engineering curriculum to ensure they are adequately prepared for future academic and career opportunities.
Understanding Indiana's High School Diploma Requirements
Indiana offers several pathways to earn a high school diploma, each designed to cater to different student goals and aspirations. From the foundational Core 40 diploma to the distinguished Academic Honors and Technical Honors diplomas, understanding these options helps you choose the path that best aligns with your future plans.
The final draft of the new diploma requirements includes updates and flexibility options for students.
Core 40 Diploma
This new diploma is designed to prepare students for both higher education and the workforce, serving as a key component of the New Indiana Diploma system implemented through early implementation programs across Indiana public schools.
To earn this diploma, students must complete a total of four credits out of 40 credits, including core subjects such as:
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
World history is included as part of the social studies credits, although its emphasis may vary.
This new diploma is designed to prepare students for both higher education and new diplomas in the workforce.
Focusing on essential academic disciplines, the Core 40 diploma equips students with knowledge and skills for various post-graduation opportunities. This base diploma serves as the cornerstone of Indiana’s high school education system, providing a solid platform for future success.
Academic Honors Diploma
The Academic Honors Diploma is a prestigious designation for students who demonstrate excellence throughout their high school education. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of ‘B’ and complete advanced coursework beyond the standard curriculum. This diploma not only signifies academic prowess but also opens doors to collegiate-level acceptance and scholarship opportunities.
Taking on more challenging courses and achieving higher academic standards positions students for success in higher education and beyond. Additionally, students can earn an honors seal, which acknowledges additional achievements and may exempt them from certain graduation pathways.
Technical Honors Diploma
The Technical Honors Diploma is tailored for students pursuing a rigorous curriculum that includes career and technical education. To earn this diploma, students must achieve a grade of ‘C’ or better in relevant courses and complete a blend of academic and vocational subjects.
This diploma emphasizes practical skill development and prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce or further career training. Blending traditional academics with hands-on technical education, the Technical Honors Diploma equips students with the competencies needed for their chosen career paths. Additionally, students must demonstrate employability skills as part of their graduation pathway.
Credit Requirements for Graduation
To graduate, Indiana students must meet specific credit requirements across various subjects. The Core 40 diploma, for example, requires a total of 40 state credits, including key areas such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Understanding these one credit requirements ensures you stay on track to graduate. Students can also satisfy social studies credit requirements by taking flexible options, including advanced world language courses.
Core Subjects
Core subjects form the backbone of Indiana’s high school diploma requirements. Students must earn credits in essential areas:
8 credits in English/language arts
6 credits in math
6 credits in science
6 credits in social studies
These subjects ensure that students develop a well-rounded academic foundation.
Additionally, students aiming for an Academic Honors Diploma must earn extra credits in math and world languages. Meeting these core subject requirements prepares Indiana students for a variety of postsecondary opportunities.
Elective Credits
Elective credits provide students with the opportunity to explore subjects outside the core curriculum, allowing for a personalized educational experience. These credits can be earned through a variety of courses, including physical education, fine arts, and world languages.
Choosing electives that align with their interests and career goals enhances students’ skills and knowledge in specific areas. This flexibility enables individual student to tailor their education to meet their personalized electives and prepare for future success. Additionally, students can earn school credit by participating in extracurricular activities for two seasons or by having a job.
Dual Credit Courses and AP Courses
Dual credit and AP courses are integral to meeting Indiana’s graduation requirements and enhancing students’ academic profiles. These courses allow students to earn college credits while still in high school, providing a head start on higher education, as outlined in the approved dual credit list.
Completing advanced coursework, such as AP classes or dual credit courses, is also a requirement for the Academic Honors Diploma. Taking these challenging courses demonstrates students’ readiness for collegiate-level work and increases their chances of acceptance into competitive programs. Students must achieve an average complete in performance indicators like AP/Dual Credit courses to meet post-secondary readiness.
Readiness Seals and Pathways
Indiana students have the option to earn new readiness seals alongside their diplomas, guiding them toward their post-high school goals. These seals—Enrollment, Employment, and Enlistment—help students acquire the necessary skills and experiences for their chosen pathways.
While these seals are optional, they offer students valuable opportunities for personalized education. To earn a readiness seal, students must meet one of the following requirements: Enrollment, Employment, or Enlistment.
Enrollment Seal
The Enrollment Seal is designed to prepare students for higher education by encouraging them to take challenging high school courses. To earn this honors enrollment seal, students must meet specific academic benchmarks and complete advanced coursework.
Achieving the Enrollment Seal significantly enhances students’ college readiness, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for higher education. This seal also signals to colleges that the student is well-prepared for the demands of collegiate-level work.
Employment Seal
The Employment Seal focuses on providing students with job experience while they learn valuable skills. This seal emphasizes the development of practical employability skills through career training opportunities and professional network expansion.
Earning the Employment Seal demonstrates students’ workforce readiness, showcasing their job experience, work ethic externally verified, and professional skills to potential employers. This honors employment seal is particularly beneficial for students planning to enter the job market immediately after graduation.
Enlistment Seal
The Enlistment Seal is designed for students planning to join the military, preparing them both mentally and physically for service. To earn this seal, students must demonstrate their commitment and readiness for military enlistment.
These three pathway seals (Enrollment, Employment, and Enlistment) are part of Indiana's comprehensive diploma designations system. Students can also pursue Honors Plus Seals that recognize exceptional achievement in specialized areas, further distinguishing their high school accomplishments.
Demonstrating Employability Skills
Employability skills are critical for Indiana students to meet graduation requirements and succeed in their future careers. These skills can be demonstrated through various options, including project-based learning, service learning, or work-based learning experiences, reflecting a strong work ethic.
The Indiana State Board of Education oversees the implementation of these employability skills requirements.
Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning provides students with real or simulated workplace experiences, helping them develop specific occupational skills aligned with their career pathways. These opportunities often include internships or apprenticeships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in professional settings.
Participating in work-based learning allows students to earn industry-recognized certifications or market driven credential necessary for the Technical Honors Diploma. This practical experience is invaluable in preparing students for the workforce.
Service Learning Projects
Service learning projects engage students in their communities while applying academic skills. These projects require students to act complete a specific number of public service hours, building key employability skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Participating in service learning allows students to contribute to their communities and develop a sense of civic responsibility. These projects not only fulfill graduation requirements but also enhance students’ personal growth and readiness for future challenges.
Career Exploration Programs
Career exploration programs help Indiana students gain insights into different industries and career paths, aiding in informed decision-making about their futures. These state-approved career exploration tool approved programs provide opportunities to engage with various industries and develop career interests.
Participating in a career exploration program helps students better understand potential career paths and prepare for future employment through approved career preparation experience. These programs serve as a valuable career exploration tool for helping students navigate the complexities of the job market and make informed choices about their careers.
Additional Graduation Requirements
Beyond earning credits, Indiana high school students must meet additional new graduation requirements to graduate. These include completing specific courses and passing standardized assessments, ensuring that students are well-prepared for life after high school. Education officials are also providing flexibility regarding who can teach high school and college courses, supporting schools in adapting to new educational requirements.
Personal Finance Course
Starting from the 2023-24 school year, Indiana requires high school students to complete a personal finance course to graduate. This course equips students with essential financial literacy skills, helping them manage their finances effectively in adulthood.
Completing the personal finance course equips students with valuable knowledge about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. This requirement ensures that graduates are financially literate and prepared to make informed financial decisions.
Physical Education
Indiana high school students must fulfill a physical education requirement, which can be achieved through participation in various sports or physical activities. Engaging in physical education promotes physical health and fitness, contributing to overall well-being.
Students can choose from a variety of physical activities to meet this requirement, ensuring that they stay active and healthy throughout their high school years. This requirement emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical fitness as part of a well-rounded education.
ISTEP+ Assessments
The ISTEP+ assessments are standardized tests that Indiana students must pass to demonstrate proficiency in key subject areas for graduation. These assessments play a crucial role in determining graduation eligibility, ensuring that students meet the necessary academic standards.
Passing the ISTEP+ assessments is mandatory for graduation, making it essential for students to prepare thoroughly for these corresponding exams. Demonstrating proficiency in these assessments proves students’ readiness for postsecondary education and career opportunities.
Preparing for Postsecondary Opportunities
Preparing for life after high school involves careful planning and decision-making. Indiana students have various pathways to explore, including higher education, career training, and military enlistment.
These graduation pathways help students make informed choices about their futures.
Higher Education Preparation
Students aiming for higher education should earn the Enrollment Seal. This seal encourages students to take challenging courses and achieve the academic benchmarks necessary for college success. Additionally, students are encouraged to take standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT to bolster their college applications.
Applying for scholarships is another vital step in preparing for higher education. Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of college and increase access to educational opportunities. Indiana students should explore various scholarship options to support their academic pursuits.
Career Training
Indiana offers robust career training programs that combine classroom learning with practical on-the-job training. These programs allow students to gain valuable skills in fields such as healthcare, technical trades, and other industries, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce. The Indiana Association supports these initiatives to enhance educational opportunities.
Service learning projects also play a crucial role in career training by integrating community service with academic instruction. These projects help students develop civic responsibility while applying their skills in real-world contexts, fulfilling both educational and service objectives.
Military Enlistment
For students interested in military service, earning the Enlistment Seal is an essential step. This seal prepares students physically, mentally, and emotionally for the demands of military life, ensuring they are ready for enlistment.
Taking the ASVAB test is a critical part of this preparation, as it assesses students’ skills and helps determine suitable military roles. ASVAB enrollment and connecting with military recruiters is also important for those considering a career in the armed forces, providing guidance and support throughout the enlistment process.
Summary
Navigating Indiana’s high school graduation requirements can seem daunting, but understanding the various diplomas, credit requirements, readiness seals, and additional criteria ensures that students are well-prepared for their future. Whether aiming for higher education, entering the workforce, or joining the military, meeting these requirements is crucial for success.
By fulfilling these graduation requirements, Indiana students lay a strong foundation for their postsecondary endeavors. Embrace these opportunities, stay focused on your goals, and take advantage of the resources available to you. Your hard work and dedication will pave the way for a bright and promising future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Core 40 diploma?
The Core 40 diploma is Indiana's standard high school diploma, necessitating the completion of 40 credits in essential subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. This diploma serves as a foundational requirement for students in the state.
What are the requirements for the Academic Honors Diploma?
To earn the Academic Honors Diploma, students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 'B' and complete advanced coursework beyond the standard curriculum. Meeting these criteria demonstrates academic excellence and commitment to higher learning.
How can students earn elective credits?
Students can earn elective credits by enrolling in courses outside the core curriculum, including physical education, fine arts, and world languages, enabling them to explore their interests and tailor their educational experience.
What is the purpose of the Enrollment Seal?
The purpose of the Enrollment Seal is to prepare students for higher education by motivating them to enroll in challenging courses and achieve specific academic benchmarks. This initiative aims to enhance students' readiness for future academic endeavors.
What is the ISTEP+ assessment, and why is it important?
The ISTEP+ assessment is a standardized test required for Indiana students to prove their proficiency in essential subjects for graduation. Its importance lies in its role in determining a student's eligibility to graduate from high school.