The landscape of high school education in Indiana is shifting. The recent passage of HEA 1002 by the 2023 Indiana Legislature introduces several changes aimed at enhancing career pathways for students. As educators and stakeholders grapple with these modifications, understanding their implications becomes paramount.
Key Highlights of HEA 1002:
- Career Fairs: High schools are now mandated to organize at least one career fair annually during regular school hours. These fairs are intended to serve as platforms for students to engage with potential employers and explore future career avenues.
- Focused Career Discussions: The law introduces a requirement for students in their junior and senior years to engage in small group thirty-minute discussions with approved entities. These sessions are designed to provide insights into career opportunities.
- Redefining Diploma Requirements: A collaborative effort between the State Board of Education and the Indiana Department of Education is underway to establish revamped high school diploma criteria. New regulations are anticipated by the end of 2024.
- Career Scholarship Accounts (CSAs): Perhaps the biggest distinction from prior policy is the introduction of CSAs, offering direct financial support to eligible students pursuing specific career-oriented programs.
While these changes herald a promising future for Indiana’s students, they also bring forth challenges in terms of comprehension and implementation. We can help with both.
2023 Indiana Education Legislative Update