In this episode of Inside La Porte Schools, Superintendent Sandra Wood welcomes Principal Scott Upp from La Porte High School and Director of Career and Technical Education Jen Goss to discuss Indiana's new high school diploma requirements. The conversation explores how these changes will create more personalized educational paths for students through three new diploma seals: Enrollment (college-bound), Employment (workforce-ready), and Enlistment (military preparation). The discussion covers La Porte High School's extensive preparations for these changes, including their CTE pathways, 75+ dual credit opportunities, and innovative work-based learning programs that will give La Porte students advantages in whatever path they choose after graduation.

Chapters:

Introduction (0:00)

• Welcome to Inside La Porte Schools
• Introduction of guests: Scott Upp and Jen Goss

Overview of Diploma Changes (2:15)

• Indiana's shift from Core 40 to new diploma structure
• The concept of "Rethinking High School"
• Focus on personalization and flexibility

Key Curriculum Changes (5:30)

• New requirements (computer course, personal finance)
• Preparing for College and Careers (PCC) course
• Pathway options and exploration opportunities

Implementation Timeline (10:45)

• When changes take effect (Class of 2029)
• Transition plans for current students
• Four-year planning process

Understanding the Three Diploma Seals (14:00)

• Enrollment Seal (college-bound)
• Employment Seal (workforce-ready)
• Enlistment Seal (military preparation)

La Porte's Dual Credit Opportunities (19:30)

• 75+ dual credit options
• Indiana College Corps program
• Plans for "Slicer University"

Career and Technical Education Pathways (23:45)

• Overview of 20+ pathway options
• Principles, Concentrator A, and Concentrator B courses
• Industry credentials and work-based learning

Work-Based Learning Requirements (29:15)

• 150 hours for Employment Seal
• 650 hours for Employment Honors Plus
• How summer jobs count toward requirements

The Enlistment Seal Details (32:30)

• ASVAB requirements
• Criminal justice pathway
• Leadership and attendance components

La Porte's Readiness for Changes (35:15)

• Block scheduling advantages
• CTE program expansion
• Resources for parents and students

Conclusion and Resources (39:00)

• Where to find more information
• Ongoing updates as state requirements evolve
• Final thoughts