Campbell's Catch Up: Monthly Update for September
In case you missed it: info from the Education Town Hall
Last Tuesday (Sept. 24), State Rep. Sheila Klinker and I hosted an education town hall at the Jos N. Holman branch of the Tippecanoe County Public Library (TCPL). The town hall featured our moderator Jos Holman and our panelists, Randy Studt and Dr. Katie Reckard. The goal of the town hall was to discuss the second draft of Indiana’s high school diploma redesign. Our guests did an amazing job breaking down the base diploma, the six readiness seals and the remaining concerns from our educators.
I want to provide an overview of our discussion for those who couldn’t attend the event. To summarize the second draft, the base diploma will replace the Core 40 track. Students will need to complete 42 credits for the base diploma. Additionally, students can complete optional “readiness seals,” focused on college enrollment, employment or military enlistment. Each of the three tracks (enrollment, employment and enlistment) has a plus seal with additional requirements. Here’s a list of the six seals:
Enrollment Honors Seal
Enrollment Honors Seal Plus (required 100 hrs work-based learning)
Employment Honors Seal (required 100 hrs work-based learning)
Employment Honors Seal Plus (required 650 hrs work-based learning)
Enlistment and Service Honors Seal (required external verification of communication, collaboration and work ethic)
Enlistment and Service Honors Seal Plus (required 100 hrs work-based learning)
A breakdown of the credits and seals is included in the town hall handout below:
After we discussed the diplomas, we had a great Q&A session. Many of the questions were about work-based learning, how we keep students safe, the types of jobs available and if there’s been input from local businesses. A good point was made by panelist Randy Studt: How do we expect students involved with debate, band, theater or multiple sports to fit in 100+ hours of employment in their busy schedule? Our concerns still have yet to be answered.
The complete second draft has not been released. Once the complete draft is released on the Indiana Register, a 30-day public comment period will begin. In the meantime, I encourage you to send your concerns, questions and comments to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) at SBenitez@doe.in.gov!
Even though diplomas are not on the meeting agenda, I encourage everyone to tune into the State Board of Education meeting on Oct. 2 at 9 a.m. Thank you to everyone who attended the town hall, and to our guests on the panel!
Indiana's adult education programs have a huge economic impact
There are a number of reasons why adult Hoosiers return to school to finish their education. Some wish to obtain a high school equivalency diploma, go to college or dive directly into a new occupation. Many Hoosier adults meet their educational and career goals through Indiana’s Adult Education programs. Hoosiers can also obtain certificates in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics.
According to data from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), participation in adult education programs increased by 25% from July 2023 to July 2024. Last year, more than 2,700 Hoosiers earned industry-recognized credentials through our adult education programs. Investing in adult education programs is proven to boost the economy and well-being of those who participate.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that a secondary credential improves wages by about $8,900 annually. This salary increase has boosted Indiana’s economy by over $35 million. It’s clear that when we invest in education, we reap the benefits of that investment tenfold.
Click here to learn more about adult education programs available to Hoosiers
Register to Vote before Oct. 7!
Since it’s fall, Indiana’s voter registration deadline is quickly approaching. Monday, Oct. 7 is the deadline to register to vote before the 2024 election. To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen over the age of 18 who’s lived in the precinct for 30 days.
Visit IndianaVoters.com to register online or at the local county clerk’s office. If you’re unable to vote in person and need to request an absentee ballot, click this link. Indiana has new requirements for absentee voting by mail. Absentee voters will be asked to provide one of the following numbers on the absentee ballot application:
Indiana Driver’s License Number
Indiana Identification Card Number
Unique Voter Identification Number
Last Four Digits of Social Security Number
OR
Provide a copy of a Government-issued Photo ID (driver’s license, BMV ID card, passport etc.)
Early voting starts on Oct. 8 and General Election Day is Nov. 5. Voting is one of the most important actions you can take to ensure that your voice is heard and you are represented in our democracy. I hope you participate in this year’s election cycle and make your voice heard!
Intern with the Indiana House Democratic Caucus
Applications to intern with the Indiana House Democratic Caucus for the upcoming 2025 legislative session are now open! Our internship program allows the chance to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields while helping legislators pass bills that impact the lives of Hoosiers across the state.
The program runs from Jan. to May of 2025 and is open to college sophomores and recent graduates. Opportunities are available to intern in legislative and constituent services, policy analysis, fiscal analysis, communications and the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
Government touches all aspects of our society. This program helps young professionals develop valuable skills while opening doors to a variety of career paths including business, advocacy work, public service, law and more. All internships are full-time, paid positions. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31, with the priority deadline on Oct. 15.
Click here to apply for the Democratic House Internship.
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In service,
State Rep. Chris Campbell!
