https://thepostmillennial.com/oregon-governor-signs-new-law-...
Here’s another article with more: https://katu.com/news/local/oregon-legislature-passes-bill-t...
And here’s the text of the bill (PDF): https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Downloads/Meas...
And here’s the Department of Education’s page on the Essential Skills Graduation Requirement: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/essentialskill...
Key points from my quick read:
This is about suspending mandatory testing prior to graduation. They did that last year due to virtual learning, and are extending the suspension longer while things get back to normal, and while they assess whether the approach to testing they have is suitable (and in line with what other states are doing). It is not (yet) gone forever, just for a couple years. And you still have to pass courses in all of those subject orders in order to graduate.
I understand that the lack of a school diploma is a huge drag in life and that can primarily affect people from disadvantaged backgrounds, but shouldn't they focus on improving the way they teach kids instead?
Lower the standards across all levels -- high school graduation, college admissions, job placements. Eventually we end up with surgeons and lawyers that are illiterate. But at least it is equitable!