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Consider this curmudgeon confused on latest diploma move • Indiana Capital Chronicle

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Consider this curmudgeon confused on latest diploma move • Indiana Capital Chronicle


It finally happened — I have become my father. Specifically, I find myself talking about how things were when I was growing up. For instance, when I went to high school, everyone got the same diploma and it gave you a rounded knowledge base to prepare you for your future, whatever that may have looked like.

But diplomas have been specialized and complicated in recent decades. In some ways, the Indiana Department of Education’s move to streamline Indiana’s diploma system will alleviate some of that.

The state would move from four or five types of diplomas to two: Indiana GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus.

State officials and stakeholders also want more kids taking more college classes and getting workplace credentials. It seems Indiana students are having trouble completing high school coursework proficiently and yet we are pushing them to do even more.

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But the formula to earn a diploma would still be complex, involving words like pathways, work-based learning and apprenticeships. And slowly, education seems more about training workers than teaching students.

Pinning down students too early

My primary issue with the whole debate is that the system wants to pin down students so early in their K-12 careers. You pretty much must know what avenue you want to go down by 8th grade.

How many people knew exactly what they wanted to be at 14 years old? It happens, but it’s rare. It is much more logical that you use middle school and even the beginning of high school to learn a variety of things and see what piques your interest. We called those elective courses in my days (the early 1990s, if you must know).

You could take journalism or drama or industrial arts, for instance. I always knew I loved the written word, but my high school journalism class solidified how I wanted to move forward. Other students found that they loved working with their hands.

Nowadays, some of those elective courses might be more technical, such as computer programming and business classes. But the idea is the same — trying a variety of things to find your passion.

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Is there even any room for electives anymore? State education officials say the proposed changes would actually allow electives to count toward other credits and make them more of a focus, not less. If so, I applaud that.

I also don’t know why, suddenly, young adults can’t seem to handle basic tasks. Or at least that’s what employers are saying. Going to school itself taught me about showing up on time, completing my work, communicating with others on projects and the consequences of a bad grade when I slacked off. All those things translate into the workforce.

But if they didn’t, that’s why we had part-time jobs. For me, it was dipping ice cream and ringing up gas sales at a convenience store or selling CDs and, gasp, vinyl records at a music store in the mall.

Why, suddenly, does that need to be part of my diploma?

Willing to learn

I have read so much on this topic because so many people I respect and admire are telling me this new path is necessary. So, I am trying to be open to the proposals. I know that some students learn better by actually doing an activity or task rather than sitting in a classroom hearing about it.

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And I know Indiana is doing nothing different than other states. The Education Commission of the States reports that nearly all states have moved past simple minimum credit requirements to a focus on skills and college and career readiness.

For instance, at least 21 states have identified multiple diploma options or pathways to graduation in state policy:

  • At least 46 states and the District of Columbia identify minimum credit requirements to earn a standard diploma.
  • At least 44 states and the District of Columbia permit students to substitute specific courses, assessments or other experiences for existing credit requirements.
  • At least 34 states require students to complete specific assessments as a graduation requirement.

I am a bit of an old dog, but am willing to learn new tricks. I will keep reading, learning and trying to understand how this will make Indiana students better and more prepared.

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Will Karl-Anthony Towns play tonight against the Indiana Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals Game 4? Latest update on the New York Knicks star's injury report (May 27, 2025) | NBA News – Times of India

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Will Karl-Anthony Towns play tonight against the Indiana Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals Game 4? Latest update on the New York Knicks star's injury report (May 27, 2025) | NBA News – Times of India


Is Karl-Anthony Towns playing tonight? (Image via @karltowns)

Karl-Anthony Towns will be available for the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Despite dealing with a left hand injury earlier in the playoffs, medical tests confirmed no fracture, and he has not missed any games. His name does not appear on the Knicks’ latest injury report, meaning he will play without restrictions. The injury initially caused concern during the second-round series against the Boston Celtics, but Towns has played through minor discomfort. His availability is a major boost for the New York Knicks as they look to tie the series.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ recent performance and impact on the series

Karl-Anthony Towns delivered one of his best playoff performances in Game 3, leading the Knicks to a crucial 106-100 win. His fourth-quarter explosion included 20 points, helping New York overcome a 20-point deficit.Key stats from Towns’ Game 3 performance: – 24 total points – 15 rebounds – 20 points in the fourth quarter (second Knicks player ever to do so in a playoff game) His ability to dominate in clutch moments has been vital for the Knicks, especially with their limited bench depth. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has relied on Towns for heavy minutes, and his defensive versatility allows for strategic adjustments when needed.

New York Knicks injury report vs Indiana Pacers Game 4 (May 27, 2025)

The Knicks enter Game 4 with no injury concerns. The full roster is available, including Towns, who has fully recovered from his hand issue. Meanwhile, the Pacers have key injury concerns: – Aaron Nesmith (questionable, ankle sprain) – Isaiah Jackson (out, Achilles injury) This gives the Knicks a slight advantage, especially with Towns healthy and in rhythm.

What to expect in Knicks vs Pacers Game 4 (May 27, 2025)

Towns’ presence ensures the Knicks maintain their interior scoring and rebounding edge. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions will be crucial against the Pacers’ fast-paced offense. With the series still within reach, the New York Knicks will look to Towns for another big performance. His resilience and playoff experience make him a central figure in New York’s push for the NBA Finals.Also read: Is Jalen Brunson playing tonight against the Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Finals Game 4? Latest update on the New York Knicks star’s injury report (May 27, 2025)Fans can expect Towns to play significant minutes and continue his aggressive approach on both ends of the floor. If he maintains his Game 3 form, the New York Knicks have a strong chance to even the series.

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Ride for Freedom to honor fallen Indiana service members

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Ride for Freedom to honor fallen Indiana service members


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — This Memorial Day there is a Ride for Freedom across central Indiana. Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 1 is hosting the annual ride from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne to honor fallen service members and remember the nation’s Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (MIA).

The motorcyclists departed from Indianapolis on Monday morning at 9.m. from Fort Harrison Veterans Center in Indianapolis, headed to the to Harley Davidson of Fort Wayne.

Organizers say the Allen County Sheriff’s Department will then escort riders to the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum in Fort Wayne, where the program will start at 1 p.m. The ceremony will include the presentation of the nation’s colors by the Marine Color Guard, singing of the national anthem, and the pledge of allegiance.

Next will be a bench dedication in honor of U.S. POWs/MIAs from all wars. The United States has more than 81,000 servicemembers still unaccounted for. Indiana has 104 from World War I, 1,497 from World War II, 169 from the Korean War, and 50 from the Vietnam War.

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Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker will assist in placing a wreath to honor those who sacrificed their lives in defense of the country. She will also participate in the unveiling of the bench dedicated to POWs/MIAs.

Organizers say the Ride for Freedom and Memorial Day Ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the ongoing commitment to bring home those still unaccounted for.

The event is open to the public and organizers are inviting community members to pay their respects and support the cause.

This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and fairness.



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Pacers have no answers for Karl-Anthony Towns in 4th quarter of Game 3 loss to Knicks

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Pacers have no answers for Karl-Anthony Towns in 4th quarter of Game 3 loss to Knicks


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  • Pacers play the Knicks in Game 4 in Indianapolis at 8 p.m. Tuesday on TNT
  • Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points in the first 7 minutes of the fourth quarter to lead comeback
  • Towns on his game: ‘Fourth quarter’s different. It’s like a whole ‘nother game’

INDIANAPOLIS — The Pacers have a Karl-Anthony Towns problem.

A problem that hasn’t always been insurmountable through the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the kind of problem that can kill the Pacers if they give Towns an opening.

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Indiana’s offense started to grind its gears midway through the third quarter of Sunday night’s 106-100 loss to New York, but the Knicks offense was still sputtering, hamstrung by the foul trouble of star guard Jalen Brunson.

New York needed somebody to provide the scoring.

Towns took over.

The Knicks big man poured in 20 points in the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter, singlehandedly providing the scoring punch New York needed to turn an 80-70 Pacers lead at the start of the quarter into a 94-90 deficit with 5:10 left in the game.

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“He went on the run,” Pacers forward Pascal Siakam said. “We’ve got to shut that off.”

Towns, the five-time All-Star the Knicks didn’t have when the Pacers ushered New York out of the playoffs last year, has given Indiana fits throughout this season.

He scored 30 points in the second regular-season meeting between the two teams, then thoroughly dominated the Pacers in February, pouring in 40 points to power the Knicks past Indiana in a game where Brunson had just eight points due to foul trouble.

Indiana’s impossible comeback in the fourth quarter of Game 1 overshadowed everything else that’s happened in the series.

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But Towns was borderline unstoppable in that game, scoring 35 points on just 17 shots.

“KAT, as we know, is a very gifted scorer,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “He can score at three different levels. He’s comfortable at the 3-point line, he’s comfortable putting it on the floor, he’s comfortable playing back to the basket, as long as he stays aggressive.”

Towns wasn’t aggressive enough through the first three quarters against the Pacers.

Frustrated by foul trouble and left behind at times by Indiana’s breakneck pace, Towns had just four points at the end of the third quarter.

With Brunson limited by his own foul trouble and relegated to the bench, though, Towns began to turn on the skills that have given the Pacers so much trouble in the past.

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“I just saw an opportunity,” Towns said. “An opportunity to utilize all those hours that I put into the gym. The game wasn’t looking great for me, but for all of us. I just wanted to do whatever it takes to help put us in position to win.”

Towns largely needed only two different levels of scoring to go on the overpowering run that gave the Knicks control of Game 3 down the stretch.

Firing 3-pointers from a stance that looks almost flat-footed, Towns buried a long one 20 seconds into the fourth quarter to get going, and he hit two more by the end of the run, taking advantage every time the Pacers gave him space.

“He’s got a hair trigger,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said. “You think you’re close enough to him, and he just flicks the wrist.”

The rest of his work was done off the dribble.

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Indiana threw almost all of its bigs at Towns.

Myles Turner, the Pacers’ shot-blocking center, got the lion’s share of the workload in the fourth quarter, and he played Towns physical, refusing to give up easy buckets even if it meant fouling the surging Knick. Siakam had his chances; backup Tony Bradley had a few of his own, although Carlisle limited Bradley’s chances once it was clear that Towns had gotten white-hot.

For a little less than seven minutes, it didn’t much matter who was on Towns.

“Fourth quarter’s different,” Towns said. “It’s like a whole ‘nother game.”

When he saw an opening, Towns bullied his way to the basket, either making a difficult, contested layup or drawing a foul and heading to the free-throw line, where he made all five of his attempts to open the fourth quarter.

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Indiana never came up with an answer, echoing a handful of other performances against Towns this season.

If the Pacers are going to keep the Knicks from fighting their way back into the series, they’re going to have to do a better job against the New York big man.

Indiana already has an idea of what went wrong.

“We probably fouled too much down there,” Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said. “He can see over guys, he’s 7-foot, he’s a big dude. We’ve got to get up, and do a better job of showing help in the gaps.”

But Siakam also pointed out that the Pacers can slow down Towns simply by answering his plays with points of their own, points that came too few and far between in a 42-point second half that is far behind Indiana’s typical pace.

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The Pacers must be better on both sides of the ball for the rest of the series.

Because Towns has proven he will take advantage of an opening if the Pacers leave one.



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