12,000 Oregon students fail reading test they must pass to graduate | OregonLive.com

12,000 Oregon students fail reading test they must pass to graduate | OregonLive.com

12,000 Oregon students fail reading test they must pass to graduate

Published: Monday, August 30, 2010, 7:13 PM Updated: Monday, August 30, 2010, 8:05 PM

Betsy Hammond, The Oregonian
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View full sizeRoss William Hamilton/The OregonianEducators say the desire to earn a high school diploma was a powerful motivator when sophomores took the state reading test this spring. A record high 71 percent passed.

This year, knowing their diplomas depend on it, Oregon high school sophomores made unprecedented gains in reading, with a record 71 percent of students passing the state reading exam.

Still, 12,000 Oregon students will begin their junior year next week at risk of failing to graduate.

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They must pass the state reading test or its equivalent by senior year to get a diploma.

Students who reach the halfway point of high school unable to read well probably will require extra reading classes and instruction targeted to their skill level if they are to improve enough to earn a diploma, said Julie Anderson, Oregon's reading and writing specialist.

Staff in the office of Oregon schools Superintendent Susan Castilloare phoning every district's superintendent this week to alert them how many of their students have yet to pass and the importance of helping