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District outlines new Indiana diploma, adds required personal finance and 10-credit freshman core
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Summary
Jennings County School Corporation presented the state’s new Indiana diploma structure, including a required semester of personal finance, updated credit totals in English, math and science, multiple readiness seals, and a 10-credit 'Panther Freshman Corps' to ensure freshmen meet baseline requirements.
District leaders presented an overview of the state’s new Indiana diploma and how Jennings County High School will implement the requirements for current freshmen and future classes.
Mr. Uhler and Mrs. Ebbing described the diploma as a flexible base with several readiness 'seals' that indicate whether a student is prepared for enrollment, employment or enlistment after graduation. Key changes the presenters highlighted include a required full semester of personal finance, a computer science credit option in science requirements, continued emphasis on Algebra I, and a reduction in required PE from two credits to one. Mrs. Ebbing told the board that English will require eight total credits (including two credits in English 9 and one credit in communications), math seven credits, and a personalized elective block of 12 credits to support pathways and CTE options.
To support freshmen meeting the new baseline, the district created the 'Panther Freshman Corps' — a 10-credit core of English 9, two math credits (Algebra I or Geometry), two science credits (including biology options), one STEM credit (computing fundamentals), PE, health, and a credit preparing students for college and careers. The presenters also detailed the Honors Enrollment, Honors Enrollment Plus, Employment and Employment Plus seals, which raise credit and achievement thresholds and may require college credits, AP/Cambridge coursework, industry credentials, or substantial work-based learning hours (examples given: 75, 150 and up to 650 hours of work-based learning depending on the seal).
Board members asked clarifying questions about what courses count as STEM or science and the timeline for state guidance; presenters acknowledged some state lists were released late, and staff have been meeting with department chairs to align offerings. Administration said they will continue to refine course catalogs, seek approval for specific course additions, and provide guidance to families about diploma pathways.
