OR standardized testing change aims to help students meet educational requirements
UMATILLA -- Oregon high school students worried about passing the state's high school graduation exam can breathe a little easier.
The state is giving students another year to prepare for it.
They'll now take the test as juniors instead of sophomores.
"It is a pretty hard test and I think just with that a whole extra year, kids will feel safer and more confident in themselves" said Jessica Siler, sophomore at Umatilla High School.
The change was made after educators spoke out about only having two years to prepare students to complete an end of high school exam.
Last year, nearly 50% of sophomores who took the math, writing and science tests failed them because they say they hadn't learned the materials they were being tested on.
"I know from personal experience that this test isn't always the easiest thing to do. I mean I failed the math one twice" said Josiah Zitterkob, sophomore.
Educators say the test change isn't lowering educational requirements.
Instead, it aims to put the students on a level playing field with the material they need to know.
"This is certainly not a lowering of standards. This is simply more time to prepare for the standards that have always been in place" said Heidi Sipe, Umatilla School District Superintendent.
Freshman and sophomores may still take the exam.
If they don't pass, they're told exactly what subjects they need the most work on.
"When you have extra chances. It's 'OK, so I didn't do good this time, but I know what areas I need to study in because the test does that.' It shows where you're kind of lacking, so you can study and the next time you take it, you can be more prepared" said Zitterkob.
The change may also prove to be good for Oregon schools because higher test scores would improve the state's education ratings.