[lg policy] Oregon: New state language policy for graduates approved

[Harold Schiffman]

New state language policy for graduates approved |
Strong skills in a native tongue will help students qualify

The Associated Press

Appeared in print: Saturday, Dec 5, 2009


PORTLAND — Some Oregon high school students who possess only
intermediate English skills but read and write well in their native
language will be able to qualify for a diploma using those native
language skills. The policy is aimed at students who have strong
academic skills in their first language and who immigrate to the
United States in their midteens or later. They would be required as
well to demonstrate a level of English proficiency that officials said
would match the entrance requirements of a community college.
The Oregon Board of Education voted Thursday for the policy, which
state officials estimate could apply to 300 to 400 high school seniors
out of about 36,000 who graduate each year.

Beginning in 2012, Oregon high school students will have to pass the
state high school reading test or show equivalent reading skills to
earn a diploma. In 2013, they will have to pass an essay test, too. A
panel that advises the Oregon Department of Education on testing
issues said it takes at least five years for most nonnative English
speakers to gain full proficiency in English, so students who arrive
in eighth grade or later would not have time to master English before
high school graduation. They should not be held back from college or
careers until they master English, the panel said.

“If you can demonstrate mastery in another language and you’re on
course in learning English, it makes sense,” said Board of Education
Chairman Duncan Wyse of Portland.
Board member Jerry Berger, a retired Salem community college
president, initially rejected the second-­language option. He said it
would be unfair to students to award them a diploma if they were not
ready for college, community college or a decent job, all of which
require English. He voted for the final plan because it requires that
the student score at least a three, out of a possible five, on the
state’s English Language Proficiency Assessment.

http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/sevendays/24171104-35/story.csp

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