STATEHOUSE (Feb. 1, 2018) – A bill authored by State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) to require the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) to establish one Indiana diploma for individuals who successfully complete high school graduation requirements recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development by a vote of 10 to 0.
Under Senate Bill 177, the state would offer one diploma to students rather than four.
“We need to establish a single Indiana diploma because of the new federal requirements taking effect,” Kruse said. “If we don’t act, Indiana could see a 12-percent drop in our federal graduation rate, which could affect our funding. At the end of the day, this should not hurt anyone academically, but rather ensure our federal graduation rate is an accurate reflection of our students’ performance here in Indiana.”
The bill also tasks the SBOE with creating more flexible math requirements for high school students, as the current requirement to pass Algebra II is an impediment to many students earning a Core 40 diploma.
SB 177 will now move to the full Senate for further consideration.
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A high-resolution photo of State Sen. Dennis Kruse is available by clicking here.
