For the past nearly 100 years, U.S. schools have been following the Carnegie unit to define their curriculum. These are units based on seat time and most states set their graduation requirements based on these units. Over the years, concern has increased that proficiency should be a requisite for graduation. Students must demonstrate knowledge or skills that meet or exceed the defined levels of performance.
Oregon also works hard to bridge gap with parents and families. Parents are usually to busy to make appointment times with their children's schools and non-native speakers might find it difficult to speak to representatives. The Chalkboard Project will help identify policies and practices that fit all parents' needs. More parental involvement is the main goal of the project. The project will award $1000 stipends to 10 public schools, which are willing to encourage the early adoption of new policies and practices that have been established by ODE and that are aimed at fostering better communication between parents and schools.
Many states, including Oregon have been strengthening their graduation requirements. The following is the current requirements for the state of Oregon:
- English/Language Arts 3
- Mathematics 2
- Science 2
- Social Sciences 3
- Health Education 1
- Physical Education 1
- Applied Arts, and Fine Arts or Second Language 1
In addition to these requirements, students who plan on attending one of the state's 4-year universities should complete the following:
- English/Language Arts 4 (all four years must include writing)
- Mathematics 3 (students my complete a course at the Algebra II level or higher)
- Science 2 (three years are strongly recommended)
- Foreign Language 2
