Indiana's Graduation Pathway Requirement

Indiana's Graduation Pathway Requirement 3, also known as the Postsecondary Ready Competencies, is an initiative aimed at ensuring that high school graduates in the state are well-prepared for the challenges of college and the workforce. This requirement is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in postsecondary education and in their chosen careers.

The Postsecondary Ready Competencies are divided into three areas: academic skills, employability skills, and civic skills. In order to meet this requirement, students must demonstrate proficiency in all three areas through a combination of coursework, assessments, and other activities.

Academic skills are the foundation of the Postsecondary Ready Competencies. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. 

To demonstrate proficiency in academic skills, students must:

• Complete a rigorous course of study that includes math, science, English, social studies, and other subjects. 
• Pass standardized tests such as the SAT^® or ACT^®
• Complete other assessments, if it is not the SAT^® or ACT^®, that measure their academic skills.

Employability skills are another important component of the Postsecondary Ready Competencies. These skills include teamwork, time management, and the ability to communicate effectively in the workplace. To demonstrate proficiency in employability skills, students must complete coursework and activities that focus on these skills, and also participate in internships or other work-based learning experiences.

Transferrable workforce skills gained by preparing for the SAT^® or ACT^®:

• Time management: The SAT^® and ACT^® are timed tests, which can help students develop their ability to manage their time effectively and work efficiently under pressure.
• Test-taking strategies: Taking the SAT^® or ACT^® can help students learn how to approach and solve different types of questions and problems, which can be useful in a wide range of settings.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving: The SAT^® and ACT^® require students to analyze and interpret information, identify patterns and connections, and make logical conclusions, which can help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Reading comprehension: The reading sections of the SAT^® and ACT^® require students to read and understand complex passages from a variety of subjects and sources, which can improve reading comprehension skills.
• Writing: The writing section of the SAT^® and ACT^® requires students to write a clear and well-organized essay, which can help develop writing skills.
• Math: The math section of the SAT^® and ACT^® require students to apply mathematical concepts and skills to solve problems, which can help develop math skills.
• Language: The SAT^® and ACT^® require students to have a good command of the English language, which can help students develop language skills.
• Goal-setting and motivation: Preparing for the SAT^® or ACT^® can help students set and work towards a specific goal, which can help develop goal-setting and motivation skills.
• Resilience: The SAT^® and ACT^® can be challenging and require a lot of hard work and dedication, which can help students develop resilience and the ability to persevere through difficult tasks.
• Confidence: The SAT^® and ACT^® can be challenging, but by preparing and taking the test, students can gain confidence in their abilities and feel more prepared for future challenges.

Civic skills are the final component of the Postsecondary Ready Competencies. These skills include civic engagement, social responsibility, and the ability to engage in informed and respectful dialogue. To demonstrate proficiency in civic skills, students must complete coursework and activities that focus on these skills, and also participate in community service or other civic engagement activities.

The Graduation Pathway Requirement 3 aims to ensure that Indiana high school graduates are well-prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce. By requiring students to demonstrate proficiency in academic skills, employability skills, and civic skills, this initiative helps to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the future.