Ind. Code ch. 20-32-4

Ind. Code ch. 20-32-4
in effect

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-1 Repealed

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-10.1-16-13.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.105-2005, SEC.3; P.L.242-2017, SEC.33. Repealed by P.L.192-2018, SEC.24.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-1.5 Graduation requirements; funding for Cambridge International exams and training

Sec. 1.5. (a) Except as provided in sections 4.1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this chapter, each student shall: (1) demonstrate college or career readiness through a pathway established by the state board, in consultation with the department of workforce development and the commission for higher education; (2) meet the Core 40 course and credit requirements adopted by the state board under IC 20-30-10; and (3) subject to section 1.8 of this chapter, meet any additional requirements established by the governing body; to be eligible to graduate. This subsection expires October 1, 2028. (b) Except as provided in subsection (f) and sections 4.1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this chapter, beginning with the class of students who expect to graduate during the 2028-2029 school year, each student shall: (1) demonstrate college and career readiness through a pathway established by the state board, in consultation with the department of workforce development and the commission for higher education; (2) meet the Indiana diploma requirements established by the state board under IC 20-19-2-21; and (3) subject to section 1.8 of this chapter, meet any additional requirements established by the governing body; to be eligible to graduate. (c) The state board shall establish graduation pathway requirements under subsections (a)(1) (before its expiration) and (b)(1) in consultation with the department of workforce development and the commission for higher education. A graduation pathway requirement may include the following postsecondary readiness competencies approved by the state board: (1) International baccalaureate exams. (2) Nationally recognized college entrance assessments. (3) Advanced placement exams. (4) Assessments necessary to receive college credit for dual credit courses. (5) Industry recognized certificates. (6) The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. (7) Cambridge International exams. (8) Any other competency approved by the state board. (d) If the state board establishes a nationally recognized college entrance exam as a graduation pathway requirement, the nationally recognized college entrance exam must be offered to a student at the school in which the student is enrolled and during the normal school day. (e) When an apprenticeship is established as a graduation pathway requirement, the state board shall establish as an apprenticeship only an apprenticeship program registered under the federal National Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) or another federal apprenticeship program administered by the United States Department of Labor. (f) A school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school may voluntarily elect to use the Indiana diplomas described in subsection (b) in lieu of the Core 40 course and credit requirements specified in subsection (a) prior to October 1, 2028. (g) The state board, in consultation with the department of workforce development and the commission for higher education, shall approve college and career pathways relating to career and technical education, including sequences of courses leading to student concentrators. (h) The department may provide funding for students of accredited schools to take not more than three (3) Cambridge International exams per student. The department is also authorized to use funds to provide professional development training for teachers who teach Cambridge International courses. (i) If the state board establishes an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery as a graduation pathway, the state board shall require a student who elects the pathway to submit documentation, on a form prescribed by the department, that demonstrates the student's intent to enlist in the military as a condition of meeting the pathway requirements. As added by P.L.242-2017, SEC.34. Amended by P.L.192-2018, SEC.25; P.L.174-2018, SEC.4; P.L.269-2019, SEC.8; P.L.10-2019, SEC.84; P.L.92-2020, SEC.73; P.L.216-2021, SEC.30; P.L.160-2023, SEC.10; P.L.150-2024, SEC.38.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-1.7 Application of algebra credit acquired before grade 9

Sec. 1.7. Any credit for an algebra course that: (1) is earned prior to entering grade 9; and (2) meets a specific high school mathematics course requirement; must count toward the credit requirements for an Indiana diploma with a Core 40 with academic honors designation under IC 20-19-2-21. As added by P.L.188-2023, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-1.8 Graduation pathways and eligibility to graduate

Sec. 1.8. A school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school may not require a student enrolled in the school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school to participate in any particular graduation pathway to be eligible to graduate. As added by P.L.160-2023, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-2 Expired

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-10.1-16-13.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.242-2017, SEC.35; P.L.192-2018, SEC.26; P.L.32-2021, SEC.60. Expired 7-1-2022 by P.L.192-2018, SEC.26.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-3 Repealed

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-10.1-16-13.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.16. Repealed by P.L.105-2005, SEC.10.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-4 Expired

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-10.1-16-13.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.105-2005, SEC.4; P.L.185-2006, SEC.11; P.L.268-2013, SEC.6; P.L.242-2017, SEC.36; P.L.192-2018, SEC.27; P.L.216-2021, SEC.31. Expired 6-30-2022 by P.L.192-2018, SEC.27.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-4.1 Waiver from postsecondary readiness competency requirements

Sec. 4.1. (a) Subject to subsection (b), a student may receive a waiver from the postsecondary readiness competency requirements established under section 1.5(c) of this chapter: (1) if: (A) the student was unsuccessful in completing a postsecondary readiness competency requirement established by the state board under section 1.5(c) of this chapter after the completion of eight (8) high school semesters, including a student who was in the process of completing a competency at one (1) school that was not offered by the school to which the student transferred; and (B) the student attempted to achieve at least three (3) separate postsecondary readiness competencies established by the state board under section 1.5(c) of this chapter; or (2) if a student transfers to a school subject to the requirements of this chapter during the student's senior year from a nonaccredited nonpublic school that has less than one (1) employee or a school out of state and the student: (A) attempted to achieve at least one (1) postsecondary readiness competency requirement established by the state board under section 1.5(c) of this chapter; and (B) was unsuccessful in completing the attempted postsecondary readiness competency described in clause (A). (b) For a student to receive a waiver described in subsection (a), the student must: (1) maintain at least a "C" average, or its equivalent, throughout the student's high school career in courses comprising credits required for the student to graduate; (2) maintain a school attendance rate of at least ninety-five percent (95%) with excused absences not counting against the student's attendance; (3) satisfy all other state and local graduation requirements beyond the postsecondary readiness competency requirements established by the state board under section 1.5(c) of this chapter; and (4) demonstrate postsecondary planning, including: (A) college acceptance; (B) acceptance in an occupational training program; (C) workforce entry; or (D) military enlistment; that is approved by the principal of the student's school. As added by P.L.192-2018, SEC.28. Amended by P.L.92-2020, SEC.74; P.L.150-2024, SEC.39.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-5 Failure to meet graduation requirements; student with a disability; eligibility to graduate

Sec. 5. (a) This section applies to a student who is a student with a disability (as defined in IC 20-35-1-8). (b) If the student fails to meet a postsecondary readiness competency requirement established by the state board under section 1.5(c) of this chapter, the student's case conference committee may determine that the student is eligible to graduate if the case conference committee finds the following: (1) The student's teacher of record, in consultation with a teacher of the student in each subject area in which the student has not successfully completed a postsecondary readiness competency established by the state board under section 1.5(c) of this chapter, makes a written recommendation to the case conference committee. The recommendation must: (A) be aligned with the governing body's relevant policy; (B) be concurred in by the principal of the student's school; and (C) be supported by documentation that the student has attained the academic standard in the subject area based on: (i) tests or competencies other than the postsecondary readiness competencies established by the state board under section 1.5(c) of this chapter; or (ii) classroom work. (2) The student meets all the following requirements: (A) Completes remediation opportunities provided to the student by the student's school to the extent required by the student's individualized education program. (B) Maintains a school attendance rate of at least ninety-five percent (95%) to the extent required by the student's individualized education program with excused absences not counting against the student's attendance. (C) Maintains at least a "C" average or the equivalent in the courses comprising the credits specifically required for graduation by rule of the state board. (D) Otherwise satisfies all state and local graduation requirements. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-10.1-16-13.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.268-2013, SEC.7; P.L.233-2015, SEC.239; P.L.242-2017, SEC.37; P.L.192-2018, SEC.29; P.L.150-2024, SEC.40.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-6 Students with disabilities; applicability of requirements

Sec. 6. A decision with regard to whether a student who is a student with a disability (as defined in IC 20-35-1-8) is subject to the requirements for an Indiana diploma with a Core 40 designation set forth in section 1.5 of this chapter shall be made in accordance with the student's individualized education program and federal law. As added by P.L.105-2005, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.233-2015, SEC.240; P.L.10-2019, SEC.85.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-7 Exemption from Indiana diploma with core 40 designation

Sec. 7. Upon the request of a student's parent, the student may be exempted from the Core 40 curriculum requirement for an Indiana diploma with a Core 40 designation set forth in section 1.5 of this chapter and be required to complete the general curriculum for an Indiana diploma with a general designation to be eligible to graduate. Except as provided in section 10 of this chapter, the student's parent and the student's counselor (or another staff member who assists students in course selection) shall meet to discuss the student's progress. Following the meeting, the student's parent shall determine whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by: (1) continuing the general curriculum; or (2) completing the Core 40 curriculum. As added by P.L.105-2005, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.192-2018, SEC.30.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-8 Student not passing at least three Core 40 courses

Sec. 8. This section applies to a student who does not pass at least three (3) courses required under the Core 40 curriculum for an Indiana diploma with a Core 40 designation. Except as provided in section 10 of this chapter, the student's parent and the student's counselor (or another staff member who assists students in course selection) shall meet to discuss the student's progress. Following the meeting, the student's parent shall determine whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by: (1) continuing in the Core 40 curriculum; or (2) completing the general curriculum. As added by P.L.105-2005, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.192-2018, SEC.31.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-9 Students scoring in twenty-fifth percentile on exam satisfying postsecondary readiness competency; meeting with parents

Sec. 9. This section applies to a student who receives a score on an exam used to satisfy a postsecondary readiness competency established by the state board under section 1.5(c) of this chapter that is in the twenty-fifth percentile or lower when the student takes the exam used to satisfy a postsecondary readiness competency established by the state board under section 1.5(c) of this chapter for the first time. Except as provided in section 10 of this chapter, the student's parent and the student's counselor (or another staff member who assists students in course selection) shall meet to discuss the student's progress. Following the meeting, the student's parent shall determine whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by: (1) continuing in the Core 40 curriculum; or (2) completing the general curriculum. As added by P.L.105-2005, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.242-2017, SEC.38; P.L.192-2018, SEC.32; P.L.150-2024, SEC.41.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-10 Student whose parent does not attend meeting with student and counselor

Sec. 10. This section applies if the parent of a student to whom section 8 or 9 of this chapter applies does not attend a meeting with the student and the student's counselor after receiving two (2) written requests to attend a meeting. If the student's parent does not attend a meeting described in section 8 or 9 of this chapter, the student and the student's counselor shall meet and: (1) the student's counselor shall make a recommendation to the student as to whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by: (A) continuing in the Core 40 curriculum; or (B) completing the general curriculum; and (2) the student shall determine which curriculum the student will complete. As added by P.L.105-2005, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-11 Student with a disability; progress toward diploma

Sec. 11. (a) This section applies to a student who is a student with a disability (as defined in IC 20-35-1-8). (b) During the annual case review held when the student is in grade 8, the case conference committee (as defined in IC 20-35-9-3) shall, as a part of the annual case review, discuss with the student's parent and the student, if appropriate: (1) the types of designations available for students to receive with an Indiana diploma; (2) the course requirements for each type of designation; and (3) employment and career options for the student and the type of academic, technical, and vocational preparation necessary to achieve the employment or career. The student's individualized education program must include the type of designation the student will seek and courses that allow the student to progress toward an Indiana diploma with the selected designation in a timely manner. (c) Beginning in grade 9 and in addition to the annual case review, the student's teacher of record shall communicate at least one (1) time each grading period with the student's parent concerning the student's progress toward an Indiana diploma with the selected designation. If the parent requests a meeting with the teacher of record to discuss the student's progress, the teacher must meet with the parent in a timely manner. A meeting under this subsection does not constitute a case conference committee meeting, and a request for a meeting under this subsection does not abrogate a parent's right to call for a meeting of the case conference committee at any time. As added by P.L.99-2015, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.118-2016, SEC.14; P.L.192-2018, SEC.33.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-12 Functional workplace Spanish transcript designation

Sec. 12. (a) Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, a student who successfully completes Spanish language courses that include the elements set forth in subsection (b) is eligible to receive a functional workplace Spanish designation on the student's transcript for the course described in subsection (b). (b) The department shall develop a Spanish language course description and corresponding academic standards under this section that include: (1) appropriate salutations, structures, vocabulary, and conversation, with a focus on vocabulary that is necessary for various work environments; (2) culturally appropriate communications for a variety of work related interactions; and (3) skills related to all language domains, including: (A) speaking; (B) listening; (C) reading; and (D) writing. (c) A school corporation may implement a curriculum based upon the course standards developed by the department to allow a student to receive a functional workplace Spanish designation on the student's transcript upon the successful completion of the course of study. As added by P.L.160-2016, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.162-2017, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-13 Diploma issued for deceased student

Sec. 13. (a) The governing body of a school corporation shall issue an Indiana diploma for a deceased student at the request of a parent (as defined in IC 20-18-2-13) of the student if the student: (1) died while enrolled in grade 12 of a school in the school corporation; and (2) was academically eligible or on track to meet the requirements for the Indiana diploma at the time of death. (b) A student described in subsection (a) may not be considered a graduate for purposes of IC 20-26-13. As added by P.L.251-2017, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.192-2018, SEC.34.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-14 Alternate diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities

Sec. 14. (a) The state board shall create an alternate diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The diploma must be: (1) standards-based; and (2) aligned with Indiana's requirements for an Indiana diploma. (b) The alternate diploma must comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (20 U.S.C. 6311). (c) For purposes of determining a school's or school corporation's graduation rate under IC 20-26-13 or 511 IAC 6.2-10, not more than the greater of: (1) one percent (1%) of a school's or school corporation's graduation cohort that receives an alternate diploma; or (2) one (1) student; may be counted as having graduated. (d) Not later than December 1, 2021, the state board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that are necessary to carry out this section. As added by P.L.192-2018, SEC.35. Amended by P.L.113-2021, SEC.1; P.L.160-2023, SEC.13; P.L.150-2024, SEC.42.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-15 Creation and approval of utility career cluster; creation of course sequences for employment in utility occupational field

Sec. 15. (a) The following definitions apply throughout this section: (1) "Utility career cluster" means a list: (A) compiled for purposes of college and career pathways relating to career and technical education under section 1.5(g) of this chapter; and (B) setting forth industries or occupational fields that: (i) are related to the provision of utility services; and (ii) share similar knowledge and skill training requirements. (2) "Utility services" includes: (A) production, transmission, or distribution of electricity; (B) acquisition, transportation, distribution, or storage of natural gas; (C) provision of communications service (as defined in IC 8-1-32.5-3); (D) treatment, storage, or distribution of water; and (E) collection or treatment of wastewater. (b) Not later than December 31, 2022: (1) the state board shall, for purposes of approving under section 1.5(g) of this chapter sequences of courses leading to student concentrators in industries or occupational fields related to the provision of utility services, approve a utility career cluster; and (2) the governor's workforce cabinet (before its repeal) shall, in consultation with the state board, the department, and the department of workforce development, create one (1) or more course sequences: (A) each of which consists of courses approved by the state board for purposes of college and career pathways relating to career and technical education under section 1.5(g) of this chapter; and (B) each of which provides students with knowledge and skills necessary for employment in an industry or occupational field in the utility career cluster. (c) Subject to subsection (d), in creating one (1) or more course sequences under subsection (b)(2) or as described in subsection (d), the governor's workforce cabinet (before its repeal), in consultation with the state board, the department, and the department of workforce development, shall: (1) consider the impact of course sequences on the long term outcomes of students; and (2) prioritize course sequences that lead to high wage, high demand jobs. (d) After June 30, 2025, following the repeal of the governor's workforce cabinet, if new course sequences are created under this chapter, the commission for higher education shall work in consultation with the state board, the department, and the department of workforce development in place of the governor's workforce cabinet in the manner set forth under subsection (b)(2) in creating the new course sequences. As added by P.L.18-2022, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.213-2025, SEC.177.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-16 Collection of data on career clusters and course sequences; annual report

Sec. 16. (a) This section applies to any: (1) career clusters approved or amended by the state board under this chapter after June 30, 2022; or (2) course sequences created or amended by the governor's workforce cabinet (before its repeal) or the commission for higher education under this chapter after June 30, 2022. (b) The commission for higher education shall do the following: (1) Collect data each year regarding approved career clusters and course sequences to inform decision making around approving, creating, and amending current and future career clusters and course sequence requirements. (2) Prepare and submit, not later than November 1 of each year, a report to the legislative council in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6 regarding the data collected under subdivision (1). As added by P.L.18-2022, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.213-2025, SEC.178.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-17 Required course on personal financial responsibility

Sec. 17. (a) This section applies to an individual who is a student in a cohort that is expected to graduate in 2028 or thereafter from a public school, a charter school, or a state accredited nonpublic school. (b) Beginning in 2028, in addition to completing the graduation requirements set forth in this article, an individual must successfully complete instruction on personal financial responsibility, as described in IC 20-30-5-19, to be eligible to graduate. (c) The school shall certify to the department that the individual has successfully completed instruction on personal financial responsibility, as described in IC 20-30-5-19, before the individual may graduate. As added by P.L.168-2023, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-18 Required course on computer science

Sec. 18. (a) This section applies to an individual who is a student in a cohort that is expected to graduate in 2029 or thereafter from a: (1) public school, including a charter school; or (2) state accredited nonpublic school. (b) Beginning in 2029, in addition to completing the graduation requirements set forth in this article, an individual must successfully complete instruction on computer science as a separate subject to be eligible to graduate from high school. The computer science instruction must: (1) to the extent feasible, be taught in person; and (2) cover the following: (A) Algorithms and programming. (B) Computing systems. (C) Data and analysis. (D) Impacts of computing. (E) Networks and the Internet. (c) Each school described in subsection (a) shall certify to the department that the individual has successfully completed instruction on computer science before the individual may graduate. (d) The state board may allow a computer science course described in this section, including a computer science course taken in grade 8, to satisfy one (1) or more diploma course requirements. As added by P.L.150-2024, SEC.43.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-19 Secondary credit requirements

Sec. 19. (a) Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, if a student successfully completes an eligible course under the Indiana college core (as described in IC 21-42-3), the student is entitled to secondary credit toward graduation requirements for each course the student successfully completes at the: (1) state educational institution; or (2) approved postsecondary educational institution (as defined in IC 21-7-13-6(a)). (b) A student's high school transcript must reflect that the secondary credits described under subsection (a) were earned at: (1) a state educational institution; or (2) an approved postsecondary educational institution (as defined in IC 21-7-13-6(a)). As added by P.L.94-2024, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 20-32-4-20 Nonaccredited nonpublic school; completion of diploma requirements; authority to execute documents

Sec. 20. (a) This section applies to a nonaccredited nonpublic school. (b) As used in this section, "diploma" means a high school diploma. (c) As used in this section, "student" means an individual enrolled in a school described in subsection (a). (d) A diploma or credential issued by a person who administers a school described in subsection (a) is legally sufficient to demonstrate that the recipient of the diploma or credential has met the requirements to complete high school. (e) A state or local agency or institution of higher education in Indiana may not reject or otherwise treat a person differently based solely on a diploma or credential that is issued by a school described in subsection (a). (f) A person who administers a school described in subsection (a) has the authority to execute any document required by law, rule, regulation, or policy to provide evidence regarding: (1) the enrollment of a child in an educational program provided by a school described in subsection (a); (2) the student's full-time or part-time status; (3) the student's grades; (4) the student's transcript; or (5) any other required educational information. As added by P.L.61-2025, SEC.2.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/20Fetched: 10/17/2026

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