A new nationwide study gives high marks to Indiana for preparing students for life after high school.
The nonprofit XQ Institute, founded by philanthropist Laurene Jobs, released the study called “The Future Is High School: A Strategy for State Leaders to Accelerate Learning, Work, and American Renewal” on Feb. 18.
It identifies 10 policy actions to make high school more rigorous, engaging, and career-connected.
Indiana is among 10 states rated among the top, with six policies out of 10 in place. No state had more than six.
The policies Indiana met included mastery-based credits, core competencies, K-16 alignment, community-led high school redesign and flexibility, postsecondary credits, internships and apprenticeships.
An Indiana Department of Education release said the organization focuses on rethinking high school to make sure it maximizes the impact for students.
“States have more opportunity, responsibility and authority over public education than at any time in recent memory, and Indiana is showing the entire country what’s possible when leaders focus on high school,” said Russlynn Ali, CEO of XQ Institute and managing director of the Education Fund at Emerson Collective.
The XQ study recognizes Indiana’s strides in creating pathways from high school to the future for each graduate.
Students are recognized for earning credits and credentials for work-based learning. Both policies are central to Indiana’s new diploma requirements, which allow students to earn readiness seals whether they plan to go straight into a career, continue their education, or serve in the military.
This spring, XQ will embark on the first leg of its “Future is High School” bus tour at the Indiana statehouse, as part of a national tour.
Read the XQ report at ynrnqmwkrvmhgrurabrg.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/policy-reports/XQ-Policy-Report-Indiana.pdf.
At its March 4 meeting, the Indiana State Board of Education is expected to approve a state-recommended revised A-F accountability system.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
