INDIANAPOLIS -- Jennifer McCormick, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate for the state of Indiana and the state's former superintendent for public instruction, is speaking out against the proposed changes to diplomas for Indiana's high school students.
In March, the Indiana Secretary of Education unveiled a proposal, creating two new high school diplomas. The first option is the "Indiana GPS diploma," a more flexible version of the traditional diploma, and the second option is the "Indiana GPS diploma plus," a diploma that focuses on work-based learning requirements.
The state's education department said at the time that they believed these two diploma options would help students for post-graduation life, regardless if they pursue higher education options, skill training or enter the workforce immediately.
”Let’s expose them to that career potential, let’s see if they like it in high school,” Katie Jenner, the state's secretary of education, said at the time. “Let’s connect them with business leaders who maybe in that sector, but really light that fire of purpose earlier than what we’re doing right now.”
Since that announcement, some of the state's higher education institutions, as well as teachers, have spoken out about the diploma changes. Officials from Indiana State University, Indiana University and Purdue University questioned if the changes would prepare students for higher education.
McCormick's campaign echoed some of the concerns that were previously brought forward, stressing that the proposed redesign "falls short" and "fails to provide adequate resources" for Indiana students.
"Indiana’s education system must ensure every student has the support and opportunities they need to succeed," the campaign said in a news release from her gubernatorial campaign.
McCormick is expected to face U.S. Senator Mike Braun, R-Ind. and Donald Rainwater in November's gubernatorial election. Braun is Indiana's Republican gubernatorial candidate while Rainwater is running as the state's Libertarian candidate.
McCormick said the new changes could limit students' access to Indiana's higher education institutions and could disadvantage some student populations, specifically those from smaller schools.
"This redesign undermines academic rigor, leaving students less prepared for future success and potentially ineligible for admission to colleges and universities," the release said.
McCormick said in the release that if she is elected with Terry Goodin, a former state lawmaker who also has an education background and her lieutenant governor candidate, they will "ensure" that an Indiana high school diploma "equips students to enroll in colleges and universities, secure good-paying, skilled jobs, or join the military."
"It's time to stop experimenting with education, let teachers teach, and allow students to succeed," McCormick said in the release. "Our goal should be to set students up for success, whether that means going to college, entering the skilled workforce, or joining the military. Indiana's diploma requirements should open doors, not close them."
Goodin said that as a former state lawmaker and superintendent, he has seen "firsthand" the impact that underfunding public education and the constant changing of educational policies have had on students and teachers.
This proposed redesign is another distraction that doesn't address the real issues," Goodin said in the release. "We need stability and support, not more confusion and underfunding.”