INDIANAPOLIS (NETWORK INDIANA) – The Indiana State Board of Education has approved new high school diploma requirements for Hoosier students, including honors and honors plus seals.

The new requirements, effective for the class of 2029, offer flexibility and pathways aligned with students’ future goals. This was the second draft of the proposal to redesign the requirements for students to get their high school diplomas.

“We absolutely were able to improve the draft from the original from the end of March to the August 14th draft,” said Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner at the board meeting on Wednesday.

Purdue University and Indiana University presidents support the updated diploma, emphasizing the benefits for students’ postsecondary readiness. This new model offers a base diploma with minimum requirements for all students. Students would earn 42 credits instead of the current 40 credits needed, but they also have the opportunity to earn readiness seals with a focus on higher education, the workforce or military enlistment.

“We cannot thank Hoosiers across the state for joining us and getting us to a great place today for the future of Indiana students,” said Jenner.

The Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents also backs the new requirements, praising the balance of academic standards and flexibility.

The proposal now awaits approval from Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita before reaching the governor’s desk.