Image of a desktop monitor at South Salem High School. Photo taken by Connor Stewart
Information on Senate Bill 744
To many parents, teachers and politicians, the concern over the quality of education that a student receives is monumental. In contrast to those views stands the Oregon State Board of Education, the governing body in the Department of Education that decides academic actions. While it might seem like the Board of Education has students’ best interests in mind, they do not. We form this opinion of the Board of Education due to the recent continuation of Senate Bill 744. This bill, which took action in 2021, continues the allowance of lessened graduation requirements for all Oregon students. The continuation of Senate Bill 744 received an extension in the October meeting held on October 19, 2023. The impacts of Senate Bill 744 will continue until the end of the 2027-2028 academic year.
The impact this suspension has upon the Assessment of Essential Skills graduation policy is that students will not have to meet any of the nine essential skills. The Department of Education defines these skills as cross-disciplinary; the in-depth definitions are on their website. These nine skills are the following: read and comprehend a variety of text, write clearly and accurately, apply mathematics in a variety of settings, listen actively and speak clearly and coherently, think critically and analytically, use technology to learn, live, and work, demonstrate civic and community engagement, demonstrate global literacy and demonstrate personal management and teamwork skills.
Analysis of Senate Bill 744
Senate Bill 744 originates from 2021, serving the purpose of counterbalancing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking back, we could see how this could have been effective for students as school was conducted online and learning core concepts was more difficult. As well as that, we also can recognize that students’ confidence to engage took a toll as there was no time to expand their social skills. Less confidence meant that students would be less inclined to try in school and unlock those essential skills. However, as the national public health emergency declaration ended on May 11, 2023, we feel that extending this suspension is unnecessary.
From what we can see, this suspension no longer serves Oregonian students as it promotes a bar of low expectations and does not allow students to strive for academic excellence. When putting it into context, we believe that if a student can not apply themselves to reach these minimum standards, then they will not perform well later on in life. Now, this is not to say that students’ academic performance determines their whole life, as that is not true. Moreover, if a person possesses a solid work ethic and applies themselves to persevere through situations, that being high school, they will be more likely to succeed in other life situations. Similarly, this can pertain to either any post-secondary education or a career.
However, we do understand that students have learning disabilities and may be at a disadvantage when it comes to obtaining these essential skills. This disadvantage is made up for by diploma modifications, which allow students with learning disabilities to receive additional help or a lessened workload.Â
Impacts on Education and Post-Secondary Life
We view the nine essential skills as vital for the proper education of Oregonian students. Not only do they give students something to strive towards, but they also make sure students possess fundamental skills. Having the skills to read, write and solve mathematical problems is to be a human who can provide for themselves in modern-day society. Not requiring this of students is to deprive them of an education, one that prepares them for the duration of their lives. If students have little to no working standards, we believe it will create a false sense of real-life expectations, leading to a rude awakening post-graduation.
As previously stated, we understand the history of Senate Bill 744 and its purpose. On that note, we do not support or condemn the extension of it as we view it to be a hindrance to the education of Oregonian youth. Education should be challenging yet rewarding, not a fruitless experience.
