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To: Superintendents, Public Charter Schools, ESD Superintendents, Principals, K-12 Public Information Officers
From: Aujalee Moore, Standards Guidance Program Analyst
Date: August 21, 2024
Re: Information Regarding Oregon’s Newest Diploma Requirements
Dear Education Leaders and Partners,
In June, the State Board of Education adopted administrative rules (OARs) and content standards related to Oregon’s new diploma requirements established by Senate Bill 3 (2023). Together these new rules and content standards will provide students with opportunities to discover and explore practical ways to navigate financial literacy, higher education processes, and pathways to various careers.
In This Message
- Requirements
- Timeline
- Content Standards
- Upcoming Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements for Districts and Charter Schools
Beginning with the class of 2027, this year’s sophomores, Oregon Diploma requirements will include a 0.5 credit in Personal Financial Education and a 0.5 credit in Higher Education and Career Path Skills, as part of the 24 credit requirements. On or after January 1, 2027, districts and public charter schools must ensure that students who will be awarded high school diplomas are able to satisfy these credit requirements.
Content Standards
From December 2023 through February 2024, ODE convened panels of educators and content experts to develop standards for Higher Education and Career Path Skills and Personal Financial Education. The links to the standards documents are listed below and are posted on the Oregon’s Newest Diploma Requirements page.
In Development: Implementation Resources
ODE is currently developing resources to support the implementation of the new diploma requirements and will publish them to Oregon’s Newest Diploma Requirements page. These resources aim to ensure a smooth transition and effective implementation of the updated requirements.
Upcoming resources include:
- Implementation Guidance
- Standards Guidance
- Communications Toolkit
- Recommended Criteria for the Selection of Instructional Materials
Frequently Asked Questions about Oregon’s Newest Diploma Requirements
Who can teach the courses?
An educator who possess a valid license issued by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission in at least one of the following areas:
- Teaching Licenses as found in Atypical Assignments OAR 584-210-0170
- Restricted CTE Teaching License as found in OAR 584-230-0040
- School Counselor License as found in OAR 584-245-0110
- Administrative License as found in OAR 584-235-0030
How are credits awarded?
- Districts and public charter schools shall award credit for each subject in accordance with OAR 581-022-2025 Credit Options.
- Districts and public charter schools shall offer courses for both Higher Education and Career Path Skills and Personal Financial Education.
- Districts and public charter schools may provide credit in more than one content area for Personal Financial Education or Higher Education and Career Path Skills courses that incorporate standards from another content area (e.g., a personal financial education course that incorporates algebra standards).
- Additionally, districts and public charter schools may offer these courses as part of a college-credit granting opportunity, provided the course meets the content area’s standards.
What is the Waiver Process?
Districts and public charter schools may apply for a one-year waiver of the new diploma requirements due to a lack of educators qualified to provide the courses. Waivers must be submitted to the Oregon Department of Education no later than July 1, 2026. Please note: the waiver application is not for individual students, but rather the entire district or public charter school.
To apply for a waiver, districts or public charter schools must provide the following information in the Request for Waiver of Oregon's Newest Diploma Requirements (2026-27).
Questions & More Information
Information to support the implementation of Senate Bill 3 can be found on Oregon’s Newest Diploma Requirements page, including a recent informational webinar to provide updates and respond to questions. This webpage will continue to be updated.
For questions, please email ODE.StateGraduationRequirements@ode.oregon.gov.
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