We apologize for the length of this message and the short timeline, but we have a very important matter to bring to your attention.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO ACT, THE DEADLINE IS THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH
AWARENESS: We wanted to be sure you are aware of the high school graduation diploma changes in the state of Indiana and how they affect performing arts as a whole. Recently, the Indiana State Board of Education was asked by our state legislature to overhaul our graduation requirements to reflect a desire to simplify our diplomas and have them reflect more on “work-based competencies”. What has been proposed is attached at the bottom. Here are a couple of highlights:
- 2 diplomas with optional “seals” to add on to the diploma
- These seals have slightly different requirements, but they all include a minimum of 100 hours of work-based learning or public service.
- All performing and fine arts have been removed from any requirement and listed solely as an elective.
THE ISSUE: Fewer Indiana students are enrolling in higher education, and even fewer are graduating. The college-going rate has dramatically declined in Indiana as in many other states since the pandemic. This has led to broad support among the Indiana State Legislature for more focus on work-based learning.
The result has been the introduction of updated high school diploma requirements by the Indiana Department of Education. If passed by the State Board, this will create a single General Baseline Diploma with "readiness seals."
THE IMPACT: The proposal eliminates the two-credit fine arts directed elective requirement. Instead, students would choose between subjects like arts, world languages and career skills to fulfill 12 total hours of "personalized electives." However, non-arts courses may be needed for an "Honors Seal" in the seal categories of Enrollment, Employment, or Enlistment, effectively reducing elective options.
This would make Indiana only the second state (after Nevada) to diminish arts as a graduation requirement since it was federally designated a core subject in 1994. Meanwhile other states already have or are adding stand alone arts graduation requirements, since fine arts develop the very interpersonal skills stymied by the pandemic.
CONTEXT: IT IS NOT the intent of the State Board of Education to harm arts education. However, the unintended consequences will lead to a reduction in arts education opportunities particularly in very urban and rural school districts.
WE NEED YOUR VOICES: Because of all the benefits of Performing Arts with teamwork, determination and grit, communication, etc., and the growing number of jobs in the entertainment industry and arts administration, in addition to Fine Arts being listed nationally as a subject that should be part of the core curriculum of every school, we would like to see this added back to these new diploma tracks. If you feel similarly, we encourage you to reach out to the Indiana Department of Education via THIS FEEDBACK FORM or send directly to the emails listed at the bottom of this message. They welcome feedback from community members, parents, students (former and current), and employers in the state. In your correspondence, you can discuss the benefits to your workplace of those with Performing Arts backgrounds, the jobs open to your students because of the opportunities in the arts at the high school level, or anything else you feel is pertinent. We encourage you to write about your own experiences and story.
Additionally, the state music association has given specific guidance as to what to advocate for:
- Include a requirement for a credit of specific fine or performing arts instruction, in line with national requirements for a comprehensive curriculum.
- Allow fine arts co-curricular requirements to count for work-based competency experiences.
TIMELINE: Again, we apologize for the short timeline!
IF YOU CHOOSE TO ACT, THE DEADLINE IS THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH FOR ALL LETTERS.
Some talking points we (and the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA)) encourage you to include in your letter:
1. Arts Education is for ALL Students: Research over the years has shown the important role music and arts education plays in the development of all students regardless of the career pathway they may choose. It provides students with skills that are transferable to other aspects of their development. The proposed requirements, without alteration, may deny some students access to music and arts education.
2. Creativity is an Important Skill for Students: Music and arts education provides students the opportunity to explore their own creativity and discover their own passion for the arts. Creativity is a skill that can be developed and the arts are one of the primary ways to unlock the creative capacity in our students.
3. Music and the Arts are Career Pathways: The proposed new diploma fails to recognize or value music/arts as a career pathway. There are hundreds of career options in music and arts that are available to students. The creative industries in the United States are a $1 Trillion industry.
4. Music and Arts Education Impact Workforce Development: The number one issue that is coming up across the country and from business leaders in Indiana regarding career readiness is the need for “soft skills” for effective workforce development. These include Communication, Teamwork, Adaptability, Problem-Solving, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Time Management, Critical Thinking, Work Ethic, and Conflict Resolution. Music and arts education have been recognized for their role in developing these skills. That is why so many successful leaders outside of the music/arts fields credit their involvement in music/arts education as critical to their success in life. A great example of this is Jason Kelce (former Philadelphia Eagles player), who talked passionately about how the skills he learned in music prepared him to be successful in football. There are countless examples of this across industries in the United States.
5. Impact on Cognitive Development: Research consistently shows that music education plays a vital role in enhancing cognitive abilities, improving language skills, and fostering creativity in children.
6. Arts Has a Positive Impact on Chronic Absenteeism: Students involved in four years of arts instruction have up to a 50% lower chronic absenteeism rate than students that are not.
7. Rural Programs will Suffer: Students in smaller communities will be denied opportunities in music and the arts as enrollment in programs decline due to the new diploma requirements.
Attached are some examples of letters as well as comparisons of the old vs. new diploma requirements.
Remember: Be respectful and positive in your communication. Do not be confrontational or threatening. Focus on the needs of students. We suggest recognizing what the State Board is trying to do for students, while pointing out the need to be aware of and address the unintended consequences.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO ACT, THE DEADLINE IS THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH FOR ALL LETTERS.
Please send them to the following addresses OR THIS FEEDBACK FORM:
Indiana Department of Education
webmaster@doe.in.gov
kjenner@doe.in.gov
State Board of Education
publicrecords@sboe.in.gov
edilosa@geoacademies.org
wdurham@pphs.purdue.edu
byronernest10@gmail.com
iris@raisingtheregion.org
ggastineau@hse.k12.in.us
pmapes@hse.k12.in.us
rentschlerke@wccs.k12.in.us
bj.watts@evsck12.com
scottbessindy@gmail.com
Thank you for your time, and all the best to you and your families this year!
WHAT'S NEXT:
While the focus right now is on the graduation requirement this is not the end. This is just the beginning. Once the diploma is finalized we will turn our attention to the following:
- Work-based Learning: Work to ensure that students' participation in a co-curricular or extra-curricular activity (marching band, etc.) will fulfill the requirement of 100 hours of work-based learning.
- Fine Arts Seal: Implement a Fine Arts Seal similar to what has been adopted in Florida and Arizona.
We will keep you updated as things progress!
