Inside La Porte Schools

Inside La Porte Schools
Podcast Description
“Inside La Porte Schools” is designed to provide an in-depth look at programs, initiatives, and stories across the school district through authentic conversations with administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on educational topics relevant to the La Porte school district, including early childhood education, innovative campus models, and community engagement. Episodes delve into specific initiatives, like the evolution of the Little Learners Preschool program, plans for a new Early Childhood Center, and the unique programming advantages of the Kesling Campus for grades 5-8.

“Inside La Porte Schools” is designed to provide an in-depth look at programs, initiatives, and stories across the school district through authentic conversations with administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families.

In this episode of Inside La Porte Schools, Superintendent Sandra Wood welcomes Principal Scott Upp from La Porte High School and Director of Career and Technical Education Jen Goss to discuss Indiana’s new high school diploma requirements. The conversation explores how these changes will create more personalized educational paths for students through three new diploma seals: Enrollment (college-bound), Employment (workforce-ready), and Enlistment (military preparation). The discussion covers La Porte High School’s extensive preparations for these changes, including their CTE pathways, 75+ dual credit opportunities, and innovative work-based learning programs that will give La Porte students advantages in whatever path they choose after graduation.
Chapters:
Introduction (0:00)
- Welcome to Inside La Porte Schools
- Introduction of guests: Scott Upp and Jen Goss
Overview of Diploma Changes (2:15)
- Indiana’s shift from Core 40 to new diploma structure
- The concept of “Rethinking High School”
- Focus on personalization and flexibility
Key Curriculum Changes (5:30)
- New requirements (computer course, personal finance)
- Preparing for College and Careers (PCC) course
- Pathway options and exploration opportunities
Implementation Timeline (10:45)
- When changes take effect (Class of 2029)
- Transition plans for current students
- Four-year planning process
Understanding the Three Diploma Seals (14:00)
- Enrollment Seal (college-bound)
- Employment Seal (workforce-ready)
- Enlistment Seal (military preparation)
La Porte’s Dual Credit Opportunities (19:30)
- 75+ dual credit options
- Indiana College Corps program
- Plans for “Slicer University”
Career and Technical Education Pathways (23:45)
- Overview of 20+ pathway options
- Principles, Concentrator A, and Concentrator B courses
- Industry credentials and work-based learning
Work-Based Learning Requirements (29:15)
- 150 hours for Employment Seal
- 650 hours for Employment Honors Plus
- How summer jobs count toward requirements
The Enlistment Seal Details (32:30)
- ASVAB requirements
- Criminal justice pathway
- Leadership and attendance components
La Porte’s Readiness for Changes (35:15)
- Block scheduling advantages
- CTE program expansion
- Resources for parents and students
Conclusion and Resources (39:00)
- Where to find more information
- Ongoing updates as state requirements evolve
- Final thoughts
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