Essential Skills Now Mandatory For Graduating High School
The State of Oregon has adopted some progressive measures to ensure kids graduating high school have the necessary essential skills to participate fully in today’s skills-based economy.
The details of what essential skills are needed and measured are found on their site here
“For the first time, the state will require that all students must demonstrate that they are proficient in certain “essential skills” – skills that are deemed critical for future success – before they are awarded the diploma. Beginning in 2012, students must demonstrate proficiency in the Essential Skills of reading to receive a high school diploma. Students will be required to demonstrate the writing essential skill in 2013 and “apply math” in 2014. The Essential Skills are process skills which enable students to learn content and apply their knowledge across disciplines. These are not new or additional skills; they are embedded in existing content standards, already being taught in Oregon schools. “