INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The Indiana State Board of Education will delay adoption of strict new diploma standards amid criticism from parents and educators.
Members of the board voted without opposition Wednesday on delaying the diploma overhaul, which would have eliminated the general high school diploma and de-emphasized arts education, amid other changes.
The proposed diploma overhaul has faced opposition from parents and teachers who say the more-stringent requirements would unfairly affect special needs students while diminishing the role of fine arts in high school curricula. School principals also complained that tougher math standards for some diplomas would require them to hire additional teachers at a time when the state faces a teacher shortage.
Board members decided they will study the diploma standards more and hope to consider additional changes by April.
