Silver Creek presentation proposes proficiency-based diplomas with work-based learning emphasis

Doctor Willman presented proposed changes to Silver Creek School Corporation—s high school diploma requirements, recommending a move from seat-time credits to proficiency-based credits, more flexibility in course requirements, and new seals (enrollment, employment, enlistment, honors) that emphasize work-based learning.

"This is more of a proposal of how we're gonna do this, moving forward. And, of course, this is for the class of 2029 and beyond," Doctor Willman said, noting he would like to offer the option earlier to the classes of 2027 and 2028. He described how certain standards (for example, personal finance) could be embedded in other courses so students can earn credit without taking separate classes, and how honors/plus seals will require additional work-based learning hours.

The presentation highlighted a proposed 100-hour minimum for the "enrollment plus" seal and much larger hour expectations for higher seals. Willman said work-based learning would involve formal partnerships and agreements with employers outlining job-related learning (marketing, logistics, placement), not just routine entry-level tasks: "They would have to learn maybe about the grocery business, about marketing, about placement, about distribution, logistics" rather than simply performing normal store work.

Board members focused questions on implementation. One member raised concern that the district will need a dedicated coordinator or liaison to recruit employers, arrange placements and track student hours; Willman agreed that someone should lead the effort and that accountability and tracking will be crucial. Members also asked whether hours at Prosser (the regional career center) would count; Willman said Prosser students—work is already credentialed and would be accepted, but that Silver Creek needs a plan for students not enrolled in Prosser.

Members asked about scale and logistics: Willman noted the class of 2026 has 219 students and the freshman class is about 270, and cautioned that placing large numbers of students in community placements raises risks around transportation, age-appropriate assignments and employer capacity. He cited conversations with larger districts and the career center model as reference points and suggested embedding some work-based experiences into existing courses to reach a baseline of hours for all students.

Willman acknowledged additional options such as virtual experiences exist but said they are often expensive and raise questions about equivalence. He urged the board to allow the district time to pilot systems and build partnerships before expanding the program further.

The presentation concluded with board agreement on the proposal—s potential value and repeated concern about management and tracking; no formal action on the proposal was taken at the meeting.

The next steps noted by staff were further development of employer agreements, a student contract for placements, internal staffing decisions about who will lead the work-based learning program, and follow-up conversations with regional partners.

Ending: Board members thanked staff for the presentation and indicated they want further planning to address staffing, tracking and transportation before a formal adoption vote.