Rep. Tracy Cramer Encourages Constituents to Contact Board of Education Chair About Proposal to Eliminate Graduation Standards

September 18, 2023 – Rep. Tracy Cramer: Facebook Post

The Board of Education has proposed eliminating graduation standards through the 2027-2028 school year! They have put it on this Thursday’s (Sept. 21) ‘consent agenda’ which means all that is standing in the way is ONE vote.

Email BOE Chair now: Guadalupe.Martinez.Z@ode.state.or.us
and ask her to remove the item from the consent agenda and have get more public input and parental feedback. Turning high school diploma’s into participation trophies isn’t going to help anyone!

Here is some background on the issue:

In 2021, the Legislature suspended the Essential Skills Learning assessments through the end of this school year. These assessments measure students’ ability to read, write, and do math before graduation.

Tucked into SB 744, was the power for the Board of Education to unilaterally suspend these graduations standards whenever they want. They are now proposing to extend the suspension for the NEXT FOUR YEARS.

Update 9-20-2023

GOOD NEWS! The Board of Education has removed this item from its agenda!