Indiana high school students today are experiencing high school in much the same way their peers did a century ago, despite decades of attempts by policymakers to move diploma requirements forward.
The high school experience has languished and become less rigorous despite major changes in our workforce, with a rise in jobs that require higher-level social and analytical skills and greater preparation. These skills can come through education, experience or other forms of training.
It’s little surprise that when asked in a recent Gallup survey, nearly a third of Indiana parents of high school seniors said their child is not prepared for their next step.
Our education policymakers are trying to solve this challenge with a high school redesign that will reshape how young adults experience the last years of their K-12 educational journey and set them up for real success as they transition into college or the workforce.
The Indiana State Board of Education recently heard a proposal that breaks down the high school redesign into three focus areas: diploma requirements that are more relevant to what students need in the real world; access to high-quality work-based learning opportunities; and an increase in the completion of high-value postsecondary credentials in high school.
Our current diploma requirements were designed four decades ago for a workforce from another era. They are rigid and focused on course-based instruction instead of ensuring students are mastering concepts they need to succeed beyond graduation.
Those requirements must be more flexible, but this does not mean our high schools should lower their standards or make coursework less rigorous. We must keep expectations high while providing more opportunities for students to engage in purposeful learning that aligns with jobs that are available today and well into the future.
The two remaining components of the state’s high school redesign are critical to that goal because they focus on bridging the gap between K-12 and what comes after.
What do we do once a student has the foundational math, science, social studies and English they need in middle and early high school?
Traditionally, we’ve offered them more of the same — in the exact same classroom setting.
Under Indiana’s new approach, a student’s last two years of high school will look very different, focusing on high-quality work-based learning opportunities and credentials of value.
What do those terms mean?
Often, work-based learning only is associated with internships completed by high school juniors and seniors, and there is a common misconception that work-based learning opportunities only lead into manufacturing and skilled trades roles.
In reality, all students can benefit from high-quality work-based learning programs, which are implemented along a continuum of progressive experiences across K-12 and postsecondary, allowing students to engage with employers and industries throughout a strategic career exploration and planning process.
Similarly, there’s a difference between credentials and credentials of value. Indiana policymakers are focused on the latter, making sure students will be earning industry-recognized or postsecondary credentials that validate the knowledge and skills required for success in a specific occupation or industry.
Right now, only 53.3% of Hoosiers between the ages of 25 and 65 have a postsecondary credential or high-value industry certification beyond high school.
The best news: Indiana has case studies to build on as we look toward the future of high school.
A partnership between Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and global packaging leader Berry Global brings juniors and seniors on site, culminating in a year-long, paid work-based learning program.
In Gibson County, a partnership between multiple school corporations and Toyota is exposing students to on-the-job training and hands-on learning in advanced manufacturing production during their junior and senior years. Seniors spend two hours a day, four days a week at the Toyota Manufacturing facility and are paid for their training hours.
This is no small task we are undertaking. Indiana is on track to be the first state in the nation to significantly redesign our high school diploma and experience. It will take time and collaboration to ensure Hoosiers — especially parents and students —understand why we need a new path forward.
Aligning our K-12 system with in-demand jobs and postsecondary opportunities is an exciting prospect. This is our moment to lead as a state and show by example that we can work together to ensure success for our students for decades to come.
Al Hubbard serves on the ExcelinEd Board of Directors. He is co-founder and chairman of E&A Companies. Hubbard has devoted most of his civic activities and philanthropy to reforming K-12 education and higher education, including service on the boards of Hoosiers for Quality Education, The Indiana Commission on Higher Education and The Lumina Foundation. This commentary previously appeared on indianacapitalchronicle.com. Send comments to [email protected].
