With Graduation Pathways, students are able to individualize their graduation requirements to align to their postsecondary goal of Enrollment, Employment, or Enlistment leading to service. No longer must all students fit into the same academic mold, but rather, they can choose the high school options that best meet their postsecondary goals and aspirations.
Beginning with the graduating class of 2023, Indiana high school students must satisfy all three of the following Graduation Requirements:
- Earn credits necessary for a High School Diploma;
- Learn and Demonstrate Employability Skills; AND
- Demonstrate Postsecondary-Ready Competencies.
High School Diploma
At the Tippecanoe Online Academy, our focus will be on providing a strong foundation for academic success, aligning our course offerings with the Indiana Core 40 diploma track.
- English/Language Arts - 8 credits
- Including a balance of literature, composition, and speech.
- Mathematics - 6 credits
- Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
- Science - 6 credits
- Biology I, Chemistry I or Integrated Physics & Chemistry, and various Core 40 science electives
- Social Studies - 6 credits
- World History, US History, US Government, Economics
- Directed Electives - 5 credits
- World Languages
- Fine Arts
- CTE
- Physical Education - 2 credits
- Health - 1 credit
- Electives - 6 credits
Additional course information can be found on our Course Offerings page.
Learn and Demonstrate Employability Skills
Tippecanoe Online Academy students will need to demonstrate employability skills through service-based or work-based learning experiences.
Service-Based Learning Experience
Service-based learning integrates meaningful service to enrich and apply academic knowledge, teach civic and personal responsibility (and other employability skills), and strengthen communities. SBL can be classified by three core indicators:
- Integrating academic study with service experience;
- Reflecting larger social, economic, and societal issues; and
- Collaborative efforts between students, schools, and community partners.
Work-Based Learning Experience
Work-based learning (WBL) is a strategy to reinforce academic, technical, and social skills learned in the classroom through collaborative activities with employer partners. Work-based learning experiences allow students to apply classroom theories to practical problems, to explore career options, and pursue personal and professional goals.
WBL includes activities that occur in workplaces and involve an employer assigning a student meaningful job tasks to develop his or her skills, knowledge, and readiness for work. It supports entry or advancement in any particular career field and can serve as the culminating course or event in a student’s chosen career pathway. Through WBL, students have the opportunity to apply the concepts, skills, and dispositions learned in previous coursework in real world business or industry settings.
Postsecondary Ready Competencies
Students must meet one of the following:
- Career and Technical Education Concentrator
- C average or higher in required Next Level Program of Study Concentrator Courses in a state-approved CTE Pathway (Principles, Concentrator A, and Concentrator B)
- The CTE Pathways for TOA Students are listed below. All TOA students are required to choose one of the CTE Pathways.
- Business Management and Administration
- Digital Design
- Hospitality Management
- Human Services
- SAT: Reading/Writing = 480 & Math = 530
- ACT: English = 18, Reading = 22, Math = 22, Science = 23 (Two out of four needed with at least 1 in English/Reading & 1 in Math/Science)
- ASVAB: Minimum score of 31 and a Military Enlistment Form
- IDOE Military Enlistment Form - Indiana students electing to use the ASVAB as a means for meeting graduation pathway requirements must sign this form, beginning with the 2025 graduation cohort. As armed forces qualification test scores are valid for enlistment purposes up to two years following the dates of testing, an official ASVAB exam must be completed in grades 11 or 12. By signing this form, you acknowledge your intent to pursue enlistment and intent to share AFQT scores for enlistment purposes. This document does not release AFQT scores and should not be used for official military purposes.
Business Management & Administration
The CTE graduation pathway in Business Management and Administration is a comprehensive program that equips students with essential knowledge and skills for a successful career in the world of commerce. This pathway is comprised of three key courses:
"Principles of Business Management" offers a deep dive into business ownership, organizational principles, management, administrative control, financial management, and business development practices. Emphasizing the use of technology for effective communication and decision-making, students develop skills in using spreadsheets, word processing, data management, and presentation software. The course also hones business communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
"Marketing Fundamentals" provides an introductory exploration of marketing's significance in the global economy. Topics include the seven core functions of marketing, such as promotion, channel management, pricing, and market planning. Students engage in oral and written communications, mathematical applications, and critical thinking as they develop integrated marketing plans and other projects.
"Accounting Fundamentals" introduces the language of business using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and double-entry accounting procedures for proprietorships and partnerships. It focuses on understanding, analyzing, and recording business transactions and prepares students to interpret financial reports for informed decision-making.
In summary, the Business and Marketing CTE graduation pathway equips students with a strong foundation in business management, marketing principles, and accounting practices. This comprehensive education prepares them for a range of careers in the business world, emphasizing technology utilization and effective communication skills.
Digital Design
The CTE graduation pathway in Digital Design is a dynamic program that equips students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the world of design and media. This pathway is divided into three key courses:
"Principles of Digital Design" introduces students to fundamental design theory and color dynamics. They will develop creative problem-solving skills, practice critical peer evaluation, and hone their presentation abilities. Students have the opportunity to apply design theory through an understanding of basic photographic theory and techniques, including image capture, processing, and various output methods.
"Digital Design Graphics" equips students with the skills to create common computer graphics used in visual communications. Using professional software, students work with vector-based and page layout tools widely used in the industry. They also learn about image input technology and manipulation, including photography, digital imaging, and scanning. This course emphasizes the ability to convey concepts and ideas through different imaging devices.
"Interactive Media Design" focuses on interactive design and emerging technologies, such as web and social media. Students learn planning, shooting, editing, and post-production of video and sound. They explore the integration of text, graphics, audio, and video to effectively communicate information. This course prepares students for the ever-evolving field of interactive media.
In summary, the CTE graduation pathway in Digital Design is a gateway to a creative and dynamic career. Students will gain expertise in design theory, graphics, and interactive media, positioning them for success in the world of digital communication and design.
Hospitality Management
The CTE graduation pathway in Hospitality Management is a dynamic program that equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the exciting world of hospitality and culinary arts. This pathway opens doors to diverse career opportunities in the food service and lodging industry, providing essential knowledge and skills.
In the "Principles of Culinary and Hospitality" course, students explore the fundamental aspects of the hospitality industry, including the responsibilities of professionals within this field. They delve into decision-making procedures that impact the management of operations, products, labor, and revenue, preparing them for leadership roles. The course also focuses on nutrition, helping students understand the characteristics, functions, and food sources of major nutrient groups, and how to optimize nutrient retention in food preparation and storage. Students are introduced to the concept of nutrient needs throughout the life cycle and are taught to apply these principles to menu planning and food preparation. Hands-on learning activities include planning nutrient-dense meals and assessing the nutritional needs of student athletes.
The "Hospitality Management" course, a pivotal component of this pathway, prepares students for fulfilling careers in the hospitality industry. It provides a strong foundation for further education and a wide range of hospitality careers. This course is comprehensive in scope, introducing students to all aspects of the hospitality industry, the career opportunities it offers, and the essential management functions within it. Students also gain insight into the latest industry trends and current events, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving hospitality sector. Key goals of this course include enabling students to identify contemporary trends in hotel and restaurant management, differentiate between hospitality and tourism, and recognize the distinctions between front-of-house and back-of-house operations.
In summary, the CTE graduation pathway in Principles of Culinary and Hospitality not only equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for a career in the hospitality industry but also instills them with a deep understanding of management and a strong foundation for higher education in this field. This pathway sets students on a course for success in a dynamic and diverse industry.
Human Services
The CTE graduation pathway in Human Services provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the history and career opportunities within the field of human services. This program delves into the vital role of human service workers, focusing on target populations and the community agencies designed to cater to diverse needs. As a practical component, students engage in a job shadowing project in a Human Services setting.
Understanding Diversity is an integral part of this pathway, encouraging cultural awareness and appreciation by exploring cultural variations in attitudes, values, language, gestures, and customs. Students will gain insights into major racial and ethnic groups in the United States, fostering a more inclusive perspective.
Relationship & Emotions, another key course in this pathway, addresses healthy relationships and the challenges that can undermine them. It presents research findings on both successful and unsuccessful relationships, delving into emotional connections and how one's emotional and relationship history can impact future romantic relationships. The course equips students with practical, scientifically-based skills for improving relationships and offers valuable insights for those who have experienced loss, allowing students to reflect on their own experiences and attitudes toward loss and grief.
Overall, this CTE graduation pathway in Principles of Human Services not only provides a foundation for a career in the human services sector but also promotes cultural awareness, diversity appreciation, and essential relationship and emotional skills.
