Indiana
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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Indiana
National recruiting analyst logs crystal ball for Langdon Hatton to Indiana
A notable national recruiting analyst has logged a crystal ball projection for Bellarmine transfer Langdon Hatton to choose Indiana.
Travis Branham of 247Sports logged the projection on Sunday, May 5 for Hatton to commit to Indiana.
A native of Georgetown, Indiana who played at North Harrison, Hatton began his college career at William & Mary before transferring to play for Scott Davenport at Bellarmine for the last two seasons.
The 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward averaged 10.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists last season for the Knights. He shot 48 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from the 3-point line and 67.5 percent from the free-throw line.
Hatton has one season of eligibility remaining. He’s started 43 of the 94 career college games he’s played in.
Over his three seasons, he’s averaged 6.1 points, four rebounds and is a 49.1 percent shooter from the field. At Indiana, he would fill a vital role as a backup to Malik Reneau and Oumar Ballo.
Hatton has yet to visit Bloomington but is expected to be on campus soon.
At North Harrison, Hatton was named an IBCA senior all-state selection in his final prep season and was invited to Hoosier Basketball Magazine’s top 60 workout.
According to reports, Hatton has drawn significant interest in the transfer portal with Louisville, Ohio State, Cincinnati, and Xavier among the lengthy list of schools in contact.
Indiana has two scholarships open for next season’s roster.
(Photo credit: Bellarmine University Athletics)
Filed to: Langdon Hatton, Transfer portal
Indiana
Randy Kron: Tax reform is essential for the future of Indiana agriculture – Seymour Tribune
Indiana
Knicks’ Josh Hart bracing for Pacers fans’ boos after trashing Indiana
Josh Hart publicly is trying to change his tune, but he still expects to hear it from fans in Indianapolis during the second round against the Pacers after taking shots at the city — calling it “bottom of the barrel” — earlier this year.
“I love Indiana. Indiana’s a great city,” the do-it-all Knicks wing said sheepishly after Sunday’s practice. “They have a lot of things going for them, like I always said, [such as] Long’s Bakery. Indiana’s a good city.
“I hope not, man, I love Indiana, but do I think I’ll probably get booed? Probably. It’s funny. But for me it’s always like, I don’t mind it. That’s their job. Their job is to boo, to get loud, cheer for their team. So, like I said, as long as I can get some Long’s Bakery donuts I’ll be solid.”
Hart’s comments were vastly different than those he made on his “Roommates Show” podcast alongside Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson in February after Brunson had been to Indiana for All-Star weekend.
“If I don’t have to play the Indiana Pacers, I’m not stepping foot in that state,” Hart said on the show. “I don’t want to be in Indiana for any All-Star break, for anything. I am not an Indiana guy.”
Hart added in the two-month old clip that “the only solid thing in Indiana” are a couple of food spots, such as Long’s Bakery and White Castle, which obviously is a national fast-food chain.
“I love White Castle … And Long’s Bakery. Fire donuts,” Hart said. “If not for those two things, psshh. Long’s Bakery? Donuts are top-tier. Indiana? Bottom of the barrel.”
Follow The Post’s coverage of the Knicks in the NBA playoffs
Games 3 and 4 will be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday and Sunday, respectively, following the first two games at Madison Square Garden beginning Monday night.
The 29-year-old Hart enjoyed an excellent all-around series in the Knicks’ first-round ouster of the Sixers, averaging 16.8 points and 12.3 rebounds in 46.3 minutes per game over six appearances.
He also buried 43.2 percent of his 3-point attempts, highlighted by the go-ahead trey late in Game 6 in Philadelphia.
Knicks guard and former Villanova teammate Donte DiVincenzo laughed Sunday when asked if Hart loves big moments and garnering the spotlight.
“Yeah, that’s just Josh,” DiVincenzo said. “That’s what I love and hate about him, is that’s exactly who he is. And the thing about Josh is you know when that big moment happens, he’s gonna step up and he’s gonna deliver. Because of what comes after that. He lives for it and we all love to enjoy to see him celebrate himself.”
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