Indiana

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

Published

2 years ago

April 26, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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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Related Topics:courses department of education diploma electives Featured GPS high school indiana pathways work-based learning

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Indiana

Indianapolis police investigate shooting near downtown canal

Published

7 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

Indianapolis police investigate shooting near downtown canal

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — One person was taken to the hospital Monday night after a shooting near the canal in downtown Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded just before 8 p.m. to a shooting in the 300 block of West 9th Street. That’s an address within the 9 on Canal apartments near North St. Clair Street and West Senate Avenue.

Officers entered an apartment building and found a male who had been shot. He was taken to Eskenazi Health in stable condition.

A police report obtained by News 8 identifies the suspect as a male.

Police did not say what led to the shooting. No arrests have been made.

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Indiana

Does this diner serve the biggest pork tenderloin sandwich in Indiana?

Published

19 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Does this diner serve the biggest pork tenderloin sandwich in Indiana?

EDINBURGH, Ind. (Amazing America) — Is a trip to the Hoosier state complete without digging into a massive Indiana-style breaded pork tenderloin sandwich?

The Edinburgh Diner, a classic small-town joint about 40 minutes south of Indianapolis, serves up a delicious version of the staple that just might be the biggest one out there.

Drawing locals and road trippers alike, the menu at this cozy diner focuses on classic comfort food, with burgers, fries & onion rings, hearty breakfast spreads, and hefty portions of homestyle dishes — all for an affordable price.

The Edinburgh Diner’s 16-ounce behemoth of a pork tenderloin sandwich costs just $9.99.

The recipe is pretty simple overall, but there is a whole culture built around the Indiana pork tenderloin sandwich.

A large piece of pork is pounded super thin, then dipped in flour, egg and breadcrumbs. Deep-fried until golden brown and crispy, it’s served on a basic hamburger bun with toppings like pickles, onions, mustard, or mayo.

The thing the otherwise no-frills sandwich iconic is the pork cutlet being way bigger than the bun, hanging over the edge dramatically. Locals say that if the tenderloin fits inside the bun, it’s not done right.

A crispy, salty exterior, tender pork, a soft bun and tangy toppings combine to form a simple yet beloved, satisfying Midwest meal.

Inspired by European schnitzel brought to the Midwest by German immigrants, the sandwich made its Indiana debut at Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington in the early 1900s. Over time it skyrocketed in popularity, becoming what many call Indiana’s unofficial signature dish.

It’s not just a sandwich. It’s a slice of Midwestern food culture. The debate over who makes the best one might never be settled, but until then, we are more than happy to try any and every version of this scrumptious dish — for research, of course.

The Edinburgh Diner is located at 413 S Eisenhower Dr, Edinburgh, Indiana 46124. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on Mondays.

We know there are plenty of other stories of unique landmarks and cultural experiences in all corners of the USA, and we’re making it our mission to find and highlight them. If you know of one, we’d love to hear about it. Send a DM to @amazingamericatv on Instagram!

For more amazing stories, click here to subscribe to Amazing America on YouTube and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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Indiana

New judge lifts order blocking absentee ballots in Indiana Senate primary

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

New judge lifts order blocking absentee ballots in Indiana Senate primary

(INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE) — A special judge on Friday lifted an order blocking officials in three western Indiana counties from mailing absentee ballots in a Republican primary where President Donald Trump has endorsed a challenger to state Sen. Greg Goode.

Putnam County Superior Court Judge Charles Bridges took the step the same day he took over the dispute involving whether one of two women with the last name Wilson who filed to run against Goode in the primary should be removed from the primary ballot because of a 2010 criminal conviction.

The original judge on Wednesday had ordered the county clerks in Vigo, Clay and Sullivan counties to hold off on distributing absentee ballots involving the Republican Senate District 38 race.

Under state law, county election offices must start mailing requested absentee ballots on Saturday ahead of the May 5 primary.

Friday’s order from Bridges said that delaying those ballots would violate federal law and that the county court couldn’t prevent the clerks “from fulfilling their constitutional duties regarding the mailing of absentee ballots.”

Alexandra Wilson’s attorney argued before the Indiana Election Commission last month that she remained eligible since her 2010 guilty plea to a low-level Class D felony charge of resisting law enforcement at the age of 19 was accepted by a judge as a Class A misdemeanor.

The dispute has gained attention because of its possible impact on the campaign prospects of Brenda Wilson, a Vigo County Council member who has Trump’s endorsement against Goode following the senator’s December vote against the Indiana congressional redistricting plan.

The four-member Election Commission split 2-2 during a hearing last month on the challenge to Alexandra Wilson’s candidacy, with the tie vote leaving her name on the ballot.

Bridges set a hearing for Tuesday to review the Election Commission’s actions.

Alexandra Wilson’s attorney, Samantha DeWester, argued in a court filing that blocking mailing of primary ballots would wrongly hurt her client’s “ability to campaign and effectively run for elected office.”

Attorney Jim Bopp, who is a top political ally of Gov. Mike Braun and is supporting Brenda Wilson, is pursuing the legal case against Alexandra Wilson.

Bopp said he would not fight to keep the initial absentee ballots from going out with Alexandra Wilson’s name included.

“The vast majority of ballots that are going to be cast are, of course, in the future, with early voting and in-person voting,” Bopp told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. “That’s the most important thing to get right.”

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