Indiana Career Pathway Panel Discussion

Indiana is working on a new definition of a high school diploma for students in the Class of 2022.  Very soon, Indiana will dismiss the Graduation Qualifying Exam (ISTEP 10+) as the assessment that is required for graduation.  Students may be choosing a diploma type like the do now and will be required to meet a College and Career requirement along with participating in an Applied Learning Experience.  The Graduation Career Pathway Panel has been spending many hours listening to employers, students, and teachers in hopes to providing opportunities that will help students be better prepared for the 21st Century Economy.  You can find a copy of the proposed changes HERE.  

Due to federal regulation (ESSA), the ISTEP 10+ tests cannot go away and they will still be important for schools and students as they currently play a role in our accountability system.  The panel would like to recommend that these tests go back to the End of Course Assessment (ECA) after Algebra I, Biology and English 10 and students will take them as a final examination for each course.  The hopes is that the test will still have some purpose for students to work hard on the exams and be given at a more appropriate time during the high school career.  BUT, students will not have to pass the exams to graduate from high school.

I am personally excited about the idea of the changes.  I have a few concerns about transient students and the flexibility that would be available, but that is my only concern.  Perry Central is very well prepared for these changes with our internships, Governor's Work Ethic Certification, career pathways, certifications and Early College High School options.  Like always, we will rise to any challenge presented to us and we will be able to help students find their own personal success.

I encourage everyone to take a look at the proposed changes.  It is important that we provide feedback to the panel to make sure that we can align students to be successful.  We are so fortunate that Vanessa Johnson has been able to sit on the panel and will help the group make a recommendation to the State Board of Education in December.


If you have any suggestions or questions for the board, I encourage you to speak to Vanessa or I can help you send your response to the board.  Exciting changes are coming to Indiana!

School Notes:

Manufacturing Night – Josh Craney’s class and robotic teams are gearing up for Manufacturing Night on October 25^th at the Ivy Tech in Tell City.  This event is sponsored by the College Success Coalition and is a celebration of modern advanced manufacturing.  Over 17 companies in our region will be participating and students have worked closely to develop relationships and a network of experts to help them prepare for the event.  Many prizes will be given and it is a great opportunity for a free fun night for young and old.  Hope you can make it!!  The program is 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., but you can come and go as you please. 

Assembly Notes: Thank you to everyone who helped with the Hit of Hell program.  I think it is was a great assembly and program.  If some of you are interested in watching (listening) to the documentary, it is worth your time.  It is a topic that our entire community needs to be talking about.
* The video can be found at this website: http://www.hitofhell.com/

 * It is also in the Common Drive in a folder called “Hit of Hell.”  

PSAT - All sophomores and a few juniors/freshmen will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 25th.  Lou Ann will be sending out a detailed schedule soon.  Typically this test runs from 8:00 - 11:30 a.m.

PBIS Lessons - The PBIS Team will be teaching lessons during WIN this week.  Please see Mr. Zeller's email for details.   

Important Dates:

Wednesday, October 25 - PSAT Testing/ Manufacturing Night, Ivy Tech Tell City 

Thursday, October 26 - Perry Central Fall Fest