Committee renews high-school-equivalency pilot and requires career readiness step for minor testers

Representative Ireland presented HB 1195 to extend and refine the high-school-equivalency (HSE) pilot program, which serves students under 18 with severe credit deficiencies who are unlikely to complete a traditional high-school diploma. The bill seeks two additional years for the pilot and requires eligible minor testers to complete the Indiana Career Explorer and a readiness assessment prior to taking the HSE exam.

Todd DeLay, an administrator from Washington Township Schools, described students who enter the program with fewer than 20 credits and subsequently earn an HSE diploma and job-training credentials such as welding or CNA certificates. "This program represents a practical, student-centered solution," DeLay said, adding that districts provide counseling and pathways to career and technical education (CTE) after students earn their equivalency.

Laura Pastore and Sarah Potter from the Department of Workforce Development testified that Section 4 aligns minor-tester requirements with existing resources and imposes no additional cost to the department or programs. Natalie Reuter, director of adult education for MSD Warren Township, gave a student example who completed the program, passed the HSE exam and earned a welding credential.

Committee members asked whether the career-explorer results lead to remediation or follow-up counseling; witnesses said counselors and adult-education supports are available and that the program is designed for a small population of seniors with severe credit shortfalls. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill.