From 2012 to 2019, in order to graduate with an Oregon diploma, students had to show proficiency in nine “Essential Skills” including reading, writing, math, critical thinking, technology usage, and civic and community engagement. Students showed that proficiency either by passing state standardized tests or submitting work samples. This summer, the Oregon legislature passed Senate Bill 744, which suspends the Essential Skills requirement for the classes of 2022, 2023 and 2024 to graduate, and orders a review of state graduation requirements. OPB education reporter Elizabeth Miller explains.