The Oregonian newspaper published a piece recently (March 28, 2010) about the tougher diploma requirements required by the state, especially in mathematics. In the article, Betsy Hammond discusses the challenges graduation requirements will pose to this year's eighth graders. I had previously posted about this topic on January 6, 2010, so feel free to read the blog about it if you haven't had a chance to read Hammond's article in the paper.
Beginning with the class of 2014 (That's this year's eighth grade class.), students in Oregon will have new graduation requirements which include three years of mathematics -- Algebra I and beyond -- and a passing score on the state's mathematics examination. As Hammond pointed out in her article, this may be very difficult given the fact that 48% of Oregon sophomores failed the state test in 2009 and many students come to high school unprepared for Algebra their freshman year.
Tougher standards are needed in Oregon as the graduation requirements for this state have been lower than most others in the U.S. The class of 2010 must now pass three years of math, the class of 2012 needs to meet several new requirements (including a state reading test, three years of science including lab/field work), and graduates in 2013 must meet those requirements plus write an essay that meets state standards.
Schools will make the changes needed to offer required courses, but students may have a hard time succeeding in those classes. So what can parents do to best help their children? Research the new graduation standards and be an active participant in the discussion and implementation of these new standards by working with your child's school/teachers/administration/PTA/PTO. Be an advocate for your child. Be a tutor for your child, especially in the summertime when kids usually forget important skills (or get rusty in their application) from the school year. Send them to math camp, science camp, and/or writing camp. Send them to summer school. But, most of all, let your child know that you are there for him/her and that their future is a high priority. Include your student in the discussion and planning for his/her success!
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