Oregon policymakers have laid a strong foundation for high school transformation by advancing proficiency-based learning and high-quality work-based learning (WBL) opportunities. State policy allows students to earn graduation credit by demonstrating mastery of academic or industry-recognized standards, regardless of seat time. This approach, known as Credit for Proficiency, was approved by the State Board of Education in 2002 and piloted in seven districts starting in 2004. It empowers districts to tailor learning to individual student needs, encourages innovation, and upholds rigorous standards of learning.
The Oregon Department of Education supports local implementation of work-based learning experiences in high school through tools like its Work-Based Learning rubric, which evaluates programs using six indicators aligned with student outcomes. Students may demonstrate proficiency through classroom work, independent study, career-related experiences, or project-based learning. This flexibility enables personalization while maintaining rigor and relevance. Oregon’s model highlights the value of local decision-making and the importance of aligning educational practice with durable skills that support student success.
As Oregon continues to advance this work, state leaders could work with communities to develop a Portrait of a Graduate that reflects the broad set of competencies all high school graduates should have by the time they leave high school, and explore opportunities to launch a statewide initiative with dedicated resources to incentivize community-led high school redesign.