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Arts Education in Indiana - Indiana State Board of Education is changing diploma requirements that may potentially hurt the Arts - Please respond no later than September 27 - Fewer Indiana students are enrolling in higher education, and even fewer are graduating. This has led to broad support among the members of the Indiana General Assembly 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 existing high school diploma has a requirement for five credits of directed electives where fine arts is one of three options given a priority for students to choose (along with foreign language and career and technical education). The new proposed baseline diploma has no credit requirement carve out where fine arts is given priority. Additionally, none of the three "readiness seals" include a fine arts requirement. AIA Indiana believes that the State Board is missing an opportunity.
Art is important in the creation of career-ready and college-ready students. Art builds communication skills, develops problem-solving abilities, and instills self-confidence and resilience. These characteristics are highly valuable to employers and necessary in developing engaged citizens.
The proposal eliminates the priority placement of fine arts credits as a separate credit requirement. AIA Indiana opposes this proposal. 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.
Keep in mind 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 urban and rural school districts.
Please write a letter/email to the members of the State Board of Education no later than Friday, September 27 and request a two-credit hour arts requirement as part of the new General Baseline Diploma to ensure all students have the benefits of arts education as part of a well-rounded education for all Indiana Students.
Key talking points include the following.
Architecture as Art: Architecture, one of many career paths in the arts, is rooted in artistic principles. Designing and constructing buildings involves the creation of harmonious, beautiful environments, reflecting the deep connection between architecture and the arts.
Enhanced Learning Through Creativity: Arts education fosters creativity and makes learning engaging and fun. Creative learning can increase student retention, build confidence, and reduce behavioral issues. The arts help students discover their passions and unlock creative potential—skills that are invaluable for future architects and other professionals. Other states already have or are adding stand-alone arts graduation requirements, since fine arts develop the very interpersonal skills stymied by the pandemic.
Career Pathways and Workforce Development: Arts education plays a vital role in career readiness. There are hundreds of career options in the arts, including architecture. Furthermore, arts education has been recognized for developing the "soft skills" necessary for success in any profession. Many leaders in fields outside of the arts credit their arts education for enhancing their leadership and communication abilities.
Send letters/emails to:
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
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