Tougher School Curriculum Proposed

Indiana students would be required to take a more rigorous high school curriculum to get into the state’s public four-year universities under a Senate bill that advanced out of a House committee.

But the House Education Committee on Wednesday removed a stipulation that the more difficult Core 40 diploma would be needed for students to be eligible for state scholarships.

“There was intense discussion, and at this point in time we feel the issues dealing with financial aid should be removed from the bill,” said Stan Jones, Indiana’s Commissioner for Higher Education.

The bill does make Core 40 or Academic Honors the automatic diploma path for students and would be required for four-year colleges. Students could still attend a two-year college and transfer to a four-year school after accumulating 12 credits.

The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.

“We’re leaving too many graduates simply unprepared for either work or college,” said Sen. Teresa Lubbers, R-Indianapolis. “We are establishing an expectation that students will take the most rigorous classes they can accomplish.”

She said that of the 60 percent of Indiana students moving immediately to college, more than 40 percent must take remedial classes.

While supporters said the measure is needed to better prepare students for college and work, some education groups said the step should not be taken without giving schools more funds to hire teachers and help students who struggle.

“There are costs to making sweeping changes,” said Chuck Little, executive director of the Indiana Urban Schools Association. “We cannot get there on the cheap.”

One committee member said there are not enough math and science teachers for the harder courses.

“I believe in high expectations. I believe kids will rise to expectations,” said Rep. Vernon Smith D-Gary. “The part that bothers me is we have not looked at the human resources needed. You can’t just move teachers from place to place.”

This year’s sixth-graders, the class of 2011, would be the first to have to pass the 10-year-old Core 40 curriculum that has been a growing option for high school students. Right now, 65 percent of Indiana’s students receive a Core 40 diploma.