Jennings County administrators outline new Indiana diploma, require freshman baseline

District administrators presented the state's revised Indiana high‑school diploma framework and detailed local implementation plans. Mr. Uhler and Mrs. Ebbing told the board the base diploma includes roughly 42 credits and that the state now centers diploma tracks on "readiness seals" for enrollment, employment or enlistment. The district will ask each student to pursue at least one readiness seal and has identified course and credit changes to support that goal.

Notable statewide changes and local implications described by presenters include a required semester of personal finance, 8 English credits total (including specified communications credit), 7 math credits with Algebra I required, designated science and STEM credits, and adjustments to social‑studies requirements (economics no longer universally required). For work‑based learning and honor seals, administrators said seals may require 75, 150, or up to 650 hours of documented work‑based learning or equivalent credentialing depending on the seal level.

To ensure freshmen start with a stable foundation, the district created the "Panther Freshman Corps," a required 10‑credit package for incoming freshmen that includes English 9 credits, two math credits (Algebra I or Geometry), two science credits, one STEM credit (computing fundamentals), one PE credit, one health credit and one course preparing students for college and careers. Presenters said the freshman package is designed to make scheduling easier, secure core skills and create pathways into CTE and work‑based learning.

Administrators emphasized the diploma gives increased flexibility to personalize learning but requires close departmental coordination on what counts as STEM, science and qualifying credentials. They also described honors tracks (Enrollment, Enrollment Plus, Employment, Employment Plus, Enlistment) with specific requirements such as language credits, GPA thresholds, college credit or standardized test scores, and credential requirements.

Officials said the diploma guidance arrived late in the implementation cycle and the district has been adjusting course offerings and advising to align with state rules; they plan to continue internal reviews and present follow‑up details as implementation proceeds.