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Teachers speak out against Indiana high school diploma redesign proposal

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Teachers speak out against Indiana high school diploma redesign proposal


INDIANAPOLIS — Many teachers from across the state spoke out against proposed changes to the state’s high school diploma requirements at the latest State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting on Wednesday.

”I believe these changes are a step in the wrong direction,” Gianna Mirowski with the Hammond Area Career Center said. ”By altering these requirements, we risk diluting the quality of education our students receive.”

Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner said the diploma redesign (which includes two new diplomas) will help students personalize their career path whether they want to enroll, enlist, or enter the workforce.

”The key is that students see the relevance in their high school experience and can be better set up for pathways ahead that make the best sense for their unique goals,” Jenner said.

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But several educators said the proposal could force 7th and 8th grade students to decide what they want their high school career to look like.

”Middle schoolers are not mature enough to choose a specific educational path,” Shaina Liv Terano, a middle school orchestra teacher, said.

”[Students] can basically change once, and if they don’t discover that until they’re a junior or senior, they may not be able to change pathways and still graduate,” Jennifer Smith-Margraf, the Vice President of the Indiana State Teachers Association, said.

One of the proposed new diplomas (called the “GPS Diploma Plus”) requires students to complete a work-based learning requirement. However, several teachers said that work-based learning focus overshadows the importance of providing students with a well-rounded, comprehensive education.

”If [students] cannot take those electives that are what their passion is, we worry about what that means for the absenteeism rates that we are already seeing difficult issues with,” Smith-Margraf said.

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One high school special education teacher said the diploma redesign, if approved, could also overwhelm already overworked school counselors.

”When you have two guidance counselors for 600 students, who is going to help them through all these decision-making processes?” Stacy Kurdelak of Renssalaer Central High School asked.

Another public hearing will take place July 30th to discuss more feedback. Jenner said the second draft proposal is expected to be released in August, and that the final draft must be completed by the end of this year. The final changes are expected to go fully into effect starting with the Class of 2029.



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Game times announced for Saturday’s Final Four in Indianapolis

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Game times announced for Saturday’s Final Four in Indianapolis


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament’s Final Four is set.

Four teams have advanced to the Final Four and will compete for the national championship this upcoming weekend in Indianapolis.

The two national semifinal matchups will take place on Saturday. Tip times for the two games have been announced:

  • 6:09 p.m. EDT – No. 3 seed Illinois vs. No. 2 seed UConn
  • 8:49 p.m. EDT – No. 1 seed Michigan vs. No. 1 seed Arizona

The winners of Saturday’s games will then play in the National Championship Game on Monday, April 6.

Each game will take place inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

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Hundreds gather at Indiana State Capitol for ‘No Kings’ protest

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Hundreds gather at Indiana State Capitol for ‘No Kings’ protest


INDIANAPOLIS — Hundreds of Hoosiers gathered at the Indiana Statehouse Saturday morning as part of nationwide ‘No Kings’ events to voice their concerns about the current administration.

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Hundreds gather at Indiana State Capitol for ‘No Kings’ protest

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“I’m out here today because what’s happening in our government is completely trash,” Donna Sipes told WRTV. “It’s wrong. We need to do something about it.”

“I’m tired of every single day when the TV comes on to see what stupid thing he’s done next,” Lindi Marti said.

WRTV

Attendees noted the growing popularity of the demonstrations.

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“This is my fourth one to come to. I didn’t come to all of them when it was really cold, but I’m glad to see that they are getting a lot more people out here every time,” Marti added. “It seems like there’s more and more coming.”

Demonstrators highlighted specific foreign policy concerns, including the administration’s handling of the war in Iran.

“We’re bombing the heck out of them. We’re killing civilians,” Marti’s husband said. “We’re getting ready to send our Marines.”

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WRTV

Others focused on the administration’s handling of immigration.

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“That’s what I’m concerned about,” Reverend Kenny Little told WRTV. “Little kids, they’re taking them away from their family. And I’m just one of those people, I think everyone got rights.”

Indiana medical students also attended the rally to speak out against changes to the healthcare system.

“We’re really worried about the attacks on the health care system in general, but with Medicaid… current estimates range from anywhere from 325,000 to 450,000 Hoosiers will lose coverage by 2032,” Wade Catt said with concern.

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WRTV

With midterm elections approaching later this year, attendees emphasized the importance of now taking action at the ballot box.

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“If we don’t vote, then things are gonna not, they’re gonna stay the same,” a protester said.

Meanwhile, Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith says he’s happy to see Hoosiers exercise their First Amendment right to protest.

However, he takes issue with the idea that President Trump is acting like a king. Beckwith says the fact that people have the freedom to protest is proof that the president is not acting like a tyrant.

He acknowledges that bridging the gap between the sides is probably an uphill battle, but believes communication is key.

“I think when you sit down with people face to face, you’re confronted with humanity. There’s another human sitting across that table from you and talking to you. And so, all I have to say, I think that’s probably the thing I would encourage all Hoosiers to do is say, ‘Hey, if you don’t agree with somebody or if you don’t like somebody, why don’t you try grabbing coffee with them? And give it 30 minutes, and just see what happens.’ I bet most of the time people will walk away with a much softer heart and spirit towards that person before they came in,” Beckwith said.

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Beckwith is currently on a 92-county tour of the state. He says all sides are welcome to attend his events.

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Young male dead after shooting on Indy’s northeast side

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Young male dead after shooting on Indy’s northeast side


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Police say one “young man” is dead after a shooting at the 1200 block of Rue Rabelais at about 7:19 p.m. according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

That is near the intersection of 56th Street and Binford Boulevard.

Police say the victim was taken to Riley Hospital where he later died. Investigators say they are still working to identify the victim.

There was no known information about a suspect. Police did say that they believe this is a targeted incident.

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There was no other information immediately available.

This story has been updated with information from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.



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