MARCH DRAFT FOR PARENT/SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS
[Timing: Using this article in your March newsletter is only a suggestion. Feel free to use it at a
time that works best for you.]
[Suggestion: to make this a “series”, use this Oregon Diploma logo, or develop your own; either
way, use it each time.]
Speaking and Listening: Essential Skills for class of 2012 and Beyond
Students need to learn to communicate so that they can work effectively in teams in the “real
world” of work, not to mention succeed in personal relationships throughout their lives.
Speaking and listening are essential skills under Oregon’s new graduation requirements. Strong
verbal skills rank among the “very important” qualities employers seek in new employees.
Students who listen and follow directions are better prepared to demonstrate their academic
skills.
To meet the Essential Skill requirements in speaking and listening, students must speak clearly
and effectively. They’ll be asked to demonstrate these skills:
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Give and follow spoken instructions to perform a task, ask and answer questions, and solve
problems.
Listen actively to understand verbal and non-verbal communication.
Present or discuss ideas clearly, effectively, and coherently, using both verbal and non-verbal
techniques.
Use language appropriate to particular audiences and contexts.
Our school and teachers will help you
Students must take four credits of English/language arts in high school, and will have the
opportunity to improve listening and speaking skills in other high school courses. These skills
can be demonstrated in any high school course. Students needing more help can ask about
afterschool help, tutoring, summer programs, or online learning opportunities.
We will record when and how students earned credits, and when and how they scored on the
local assessment options.
Speaking will be assessed only by our school and teachers, using a state scoring guide. This
requirement includes three work samples – expository, persuasive and unrehearsed. A score that
meets state standard on the local assessment will meet the requirement to show proficiency.
Next Month: Oregon’s Modified Diploma