Finally, a bill to simply help students
02/09/2015
Sen. Ron Grooms (R-Jeffersonville) presented SB 356 in Senate Appropriations last Thursday —a bill allowing school districts to issue “work ethic” certificates to high school students who exhibit traits commonly believed to be necessary for success in higher education or the workforce. These traits may include attendance and punctuality, academics, organization and efficiency, respect for others, initiative, persistence, dependability and teamwork.
Sen. Grooms noted that in his district, the high schools have initiated this program and he feels it is worthy of statewide recognition. He mentioned not every student will excel academically, but each can live up to other ideals that are important in society. His original bill calls for a modest amount of funding based upon the number of work ethic certificates earned while also encouraging school districts to offer this program. In committee, however, while there was unanimous support for the concept, the bill was amended to remove the funding for this biennium to see if school districts could start this program on their own. If it takes off, funding would be considered in the next biennium.
Sen. Earline Rogers (D-Gary) applauded Sen. Grooms for this idea (that is squarely student-centered). She said she believed the Department of Education should be the issuer, as that might carry more weight statewide.
ISTA was the only stakeholder group on hand to testify on SB 356 and did so in support.
ISTA noted that while there will likely be a small fiscal impact to administer this program, it is certainly a common sense way to recognize worthwhile behaviors and actions by students going beyond test scores. It is also something that potential employers should be asked to look for as those representing the business community often complain in testimony without much data that good applicants for job openings are scarce. This is a way to quantify the numbers of students who graduate with a solid work ethic.
ACTION: Please contact Sen. Grooms to thank him for offering a positive bill with the potential to help many students.