Oregon Public Broadcasting

For the first time, Oregon high school seniors will have to demonstrate that they can read, write, speak well, and use math, in order to graduate.

In the past, students have earned diplomas only by earning credits.

The new graduation requirements begin with the Class of 2012.

State education board members made the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, or the OAKS test, the standard assessment for reading, writing, and math.

But it won’t be the only test, according to board chair, Jerry Berger.

Jerry Berger: “We will have some state test, probably even national tests, that if students hit that threshold, they have met that requirement of the diploma. That’s actually pretty simple.” 

Students can also substitute work samples.  Those would be monitored locally, but scored against a state guide.

On the fourth essential skill of “public speaking,” students will probably need to provide work samples, because education officials don’t have a standard assessment to use.

The national standard will likely be a “college board” exam, such as the ACT, or SAT.