Contact: Kelly Wittman, (317) 450-5711

McCormick for Governor

press@mccormickforgov.com

 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—Indiana’s proposed redesign of high school diploma requirements will negatively impact student success and educational equity, and fails to provide sufficient resources, funding, or clear paths for student success.

 

”Indiana’s students deserve a robust, rigorous, and well-funded education system that prepares them for the future they choose,” said Indiana Democratic nominee for Governor Jennifer McCormick. “This proposed redesign falls short by failing to provide adequate resources and undermining academic rigor. Indiana’s education system must ensure every student has the support and opportunities they need to succeed.”

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The proposed changes have drawn concern from educators, university officials, and community leaders alike. Access to Indiana’s colleges and universities could be limited by the proposed changes. Equity concerns have also been raised, highlighting how the redesign might disadvantage some student populations, particularly students from smaller schools. Additionally, the proposed design does not allocate the necessary resources and funding to support its implementation effectively. This redesign undermines academic rigor, leaving students less prepared for future success and potentially ineligible for admission to colleges and universities. 

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The primary issue facing high schools has been inadequate funding and a depleted educator pipeline -not the structure of the diploma requirements. The current proposal is a solution in search of a problem, echoing a broader trend in Indiana’s single party government over the past two decades. 

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The partisan supermajority has frequently introduced educational changes, created programs that defund public education, misled parents with ever-changing success metrics, dismissed professional educators, and focused excessively on workforce needs rather than student aspirations and evolving career development. This approach has led to instability and confusion in the education system. 

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“As a career educator, public school Superintendent, and former state legislator, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of politicians underfunding and constantly changing educational policies on our students and teachers,” said Lieutenant Governor nominee Terry Goodin. “This proposed redesign is another distraction that doesn't address the real issues. We need stability and support, not more confusion and underfunding.” 

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With two career educators at the helm, the McCormick/Goodin administration will ensure that an Indiana High School Diploma equips students to enroll in colleges and universities, secure good-paying, skilled jobs, or join the military. 

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“It’s time to stop experimenting with education, let teachers teach, and allow students to succeed,” said Jennifer McCormick. “Our goal should be to set students up for success, whether that means going to college, entering the skilled workforce, or joining the military. Indiana’s diploma requirements should open doors, not close them.”

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About Jennifer McCormick: Jennifer McCormick is a lifelong educator and fifth-generation Hoosier from New Castle, Indiana. She has spent decades serving Indiana as a teacher, principal, and most recently, state superintendent of public instruction. While superintendent in rural Indiana, Jennifer fought to protect local control of school districts to ensure parents, teachers, and administrators could make the best decisions for their children. As state superintendent, she was a powerful advocate for teachers and students, ensuring they had the resources they needed to succeed while protecting taxpayer dollars by demanding transparency and fiscal accountability. Jennifer believes it's time we elect a public servant leader who empowers Hoosier voices so that together, we can make Indiana an attractive state in which to live, work, and thrive.

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About Terry Goodin: Terry Goodin most recently served as the State Director for Rural Development with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a role that exemplified his commitment to improving the lives of rural Hoosiers. Prior to his work with the USDA, Terry served as a public school educator. His administrative endeavors began as an assistant principal and teacher at Austin High School, followed by serving as assistant principal with Bloomington High School South. Terry spent 24 years as a Public School Superintendent at Crothersville Community Schools. Elected in 2000, he served 20 years in the Indiana House of Representatives and was chosen by his colleagues as the House Minority Leader in 2017. As a member of the Indiana General Assembly, Terry committed his time to creating better opportunities for Indiana through educational, agricultural, and rural development initiatives and was a staunch advocate for the expansion of Broadband connectivity. 

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