Momentum builds for career and technical diploma

A bill to create a new career and technical diploma won unanimous support in the Indiana House today, despite concerns from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce that the state does not need a fifth diploma type.

House Bill 1213, authored by Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Mount Vernon, would direct the Indiana Career Council to name a committee to design the new diploma, including what courses are required. It passed the House 92-0.

McNamara, who is director of Evansville’s Early College High School, argued that the state’s primary diploma, known as the Core 40, has discouraged students from participating in career and technical programs and caused schools to offer fewer of those options.

“We all know that when kids do what they love they are going to shine,” she said. “Having a diploma in classes in which kids can learn English and math skills in the context of doing what they love only means good things for the state of Indiana.”

Indiana has four diploma types — general, Core 40, honors and career and technical honors — and has encouraged students to aim for at least the Core 40. Because that diploma requires more courses, and more challenging courses, some advocates for career and technical education believes students may shy away from career and technical courses to concentrate on meeting their Core 40 requirements.

But Derek Redelman, vice president of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, said his organization opposes the bill.

“We strongly support the general goals that have been laid out in this bill,” he said last week when the House Education Committee heard testimony. “But rather than creating another diploma that might confuse the situation, we’d rather figure out a way to address the diplomas we have.”

The state does offer a career and technical honors diploma, but to earn that credential students must first complete the Core 40 diploma and then add extra classes or academic achievements like a high SAT score.

McNamara argues that some of the advanced courses in the Core 40 might not be needed by students who are aiming for good jobs in careers that do not require college degrees. Her hope, she said, was that a separate career technical diploma would still be demanding but that the coursework could be tailored to skills those students need.

The bill drew praise from Democrats, including Rep. Kreg Battles, D-Vincennes. Battles, a teacher, said it was one of the best bills the legislature had seen in years. Battles framed the idea as a step back from a Republican-led push for ever higher standards in recent years, saying the push often fails to consider the needs of all students.

“We get so caught up with rigor,” he said. “That has become a buzzword. We have forgotten about relevance. Rigor is only good if it is relevant.”

Battles said the bill was needed to revive career and technical education.

“Our technical and career programs are being destroyed and it isn’t because we don’t have kids who are interested,” he said. “They don’t have room in their schedules.”

Indiana has moved in recent years to require students to complete the Core 40 diploma. In order to opt for a general diploma, students must demonstrate that they are following an alternative graduation plan that meets all the state’s requirements in basic subjects.

A 2012 study by IUPUI, however found even a Core 40 may not be enough to guarantee a student succeeds in college. Marion County graduates in the study significantly increased their chances of going to, and graduating, from college if they completed the honors diploma. There was little difference in college attainment and completion for students who earned a Core 40 vs. a general diploma.

The bill now moves to the Senate, which will begin considering House bills next week.

General Diploma English/language arts: 8 credits (Includes literature, composition and speech) Mathematics: 4 credits (Includes Algebra 1 or integrated mathematics) Science: 4 credits  (Includes Biology 1 and at least one credit in physical science or earth and space science) Social studies: 4 credits (Includes U.S. History and U.S. Government) Physical education: 2 credits Health and wellness: 1 credit College and career pathway courses*: 6 credits Flex credits**: 5 credits Electives: 6 credits Total credits: 40*Must select electives with a deliberate purpose to prepare for college or work. **Courses in college or career readiness, co-op or internships, college dual credits or additional courses in core subjects. Core 40 Diploma English/language arts: 8 credits (Includes literature, composition and speech) Mathematics: 6 credits (Includes Algebra 1, geometry and Algebra 2) Science: 6 credits (Includes Biology 1 and Chemistry 1, Physics 1 or an integrated chemistry and physics course) Social studies: 6 credits (Includes U.S. History, U.S. Government, Economics and World History or Geography) Physical education: 2 credits Health and wellness: 1 credit Directed electives: 5 credits (Includes world languages, fine arts and career or technical education) Electives: 6 credits Total credits: 40 Technical Honors Diploma Must complete all the Core 40 requirements plus: – At least at least 6 additional credits in college or career preparation courses – A grade of C or better in all courses that count toward the diploma – A GPA that averages at least a B – At least two Advanced Placement/dual credit college courses, or a score of 530 on each part of the SAT, or an ACT score of 26 or higher or 4 credits of International Baccalaureate courses. Total credits: 47 Academic Honors Diploma Must complete all the Core 40 requirements plus: – At least 2 additional math credits – At least 6 to 8 credits in world languages – At least 2 credits in fine arts – A grade of C or better in all courses that count toward the diploma – A GPA that averages at least a B – At least two Advanced Placement/dual credit college courses, or a score of 530 on each part of the SAT or an ACT score of 26 or higher, or 4 credits of International Baccalaureate courses, or a earn a minimum score on special state math, reading and writing skill tests. Total Credits: 47