FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ellen Rogers
Community Relations Coordinator, MSDWT
Email: errogers@msdwt.k12.in.us
North Central High School Diploma Statement
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (December 13, 2024) – Our district leadership team has been actively reviewing and discussing the proposed changes to Indiana’s high school diploma requirements. These discussions have involved our teaching and learning leaders, middle school administrators, and North Central High School’s leadership team.
The Indiana Department of Education has recognized the need to redesign the high school diploma based on concerning data about student readiness. According to the IDOE, Indiana graduates often lack the essential career skills that Indiana companies seek. Additionally, while Indiana ranks #1 nationwide for students completing at least one college course in high school (with 64% of students earning an average of 13.5 college credits), only 5% of these students earn a credential before graduation, indicating a significant missed opportunity to better prepare students for their future careers. Building on Indiana’s diploma redesign, North Central is committed to implementing these new requirements thoughtfully to serve all students. Our implementation will maintain our strong college preparation focus while creating flexible pathways that empower every student to graduate ready for their chosen future – whether that’s higher education, immediate career entry, or military service. We will balance the flexibility of the new diploma while ensuring we are not exacerbating any disproportionalities in access or outcomes. We’re excited about this opportunity to better align our diploma program with the diverse goals and needs of our student body.
In January, we will communicate these changes and their impact on current 8th grade students through multiple channels:
- Wednesday, January 15 at 6:00 PM we invite all Washington Township families to join this informative webinar. Please register in advance HERE.
- District ParentSquare newsletter
- Secondary school newsletters
- North Central Curriculum Night
We are committed to the academic excellence of all students. We are #WTPROUD.
Dr. Nataki Pettigrew, Chief Academic & DEI Officer
Dr. Rachel Sever, Director of Teaching & Learning, Grades 9-12
Mr. Jagga Rent, North Central High School Principal
Mrs. Melissa Patchett, Director of High School Counseling
