INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Mike Pencesigned legislation Monday advanced by a Southwestern Indiana lawmaker to require the state to study career and technical education offerings and Indiana’s high school diploma system.
The legislation by Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Mount Vernon, launches a study of how Indiana can effectively fund career and technical education.
Under the legislation, the Indiana Career Council will complete a study by August on the impact of Indiana’s career and technical education programs in preparing students for postsecondary education and careers. The study, part of Pence’s legislative priorities, also will explore current partnerships between high school career and technical education programs and postsecondary colleges and university facilities.
McNamara also had written legislation to create a high school diploma focusing on career and technical education. However, the legislation was changed in the Senate to require a study of the state’s current high school diplomas before a decision is made on whether a career and technical education diploma is needed.
“I think we want to think very carefully about how we go forward, and I know (McNamara) is committed to doing that,” Pence said. “She has a vast background in both education and career and technical education. I’m very much looking forward to working with her as we craft that and ensure I know as she desires and every legislator desires that we have two Plan A’s in education in Indiana. What I want to make sure is that even while we create a more effective career pathway in our high schools that we are doing that in a way that doesn’t in any way erode that solid academic foundation that every child needs and deserves.”
Pence said results from the study on career and technical education will play into next year’s General Assembly session, when lawmakers will write the state’s next two-year budget plan. Pence said he hopes to explore ways Indiana can provide resources for career and technical education from public and private sources.
As the General Assembly wrapped up earlier this month, McNamara said the state’s Core 40 diploma is “one size fits all” and that the legislation will allow an extensive review. Currently, Indiana high school students have the option among four diploma types: general, Core 40 (a minimum standard for admittance to Indiana’s four-year public universities). Core 40 with academic honors and Core 40 with technical honors.
“Ultimately, it will be better for our students and better for our state to have a comprehensive review of what we are offering kids among all diploma paths,” McNamara said.
McNamara’s bills were among four signed by Pence on Monday at a meeting of the Indiana Career Council. Pence has until Thursday to either sign or veto legislation currently on his desk.
Among the bills Pence is weighing is legislation to allow licensed gun owners to keep firearms locked and out of sight in school parking lots and a stall in a statewide energy-efficiency program.
Pence is set to sign Tuesday one of his key legislative priorities, to give local communities the option to reduce the tax businesses pay on machinery and equipment. The legislation also will reduce the state’s corporate income tax and financial institutions tax to 4.9 percent over a six-year period.