By State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper)
As the economy changes, it's important for high schools to adapt so graduating seniors are prepared for the future.
That is why I supported House Enrolled Act 1243 this year, which requires the Indiana Department of Education to look for ways to consider students' skills and extracurricular experiences on their transcripts in addition to their completed coursework.
During the 2023 legislative session, the General Assembly passed House Enrolled Act 1002 directing the State Board of Education to develop new high school diploma requirements.
House Enrolled Act 1243 gives the board more direction and flexibility as it develops these new standards.
These new requirements include allowing the board to come up with any number of new diploma types to replace the four current diplomas.
At least one of the new diploma types must require a graduate to complete a work-based learning experience.
Another diploma type must require graduates to complete a credential, advanced coursework, the Indiana College Core or an associate degree.
The goal of creating these new diplomas is to give high schools and Hoosier students as much flexibility as possible to complete their high school education.
For Indiana to succeed, our students must be ready for the economy of the future and I believe House Enrolled Act 1243 will give our students the best foot forward in years to come.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Messmer website or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48, which
includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
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