Over 10 years ago, Oregon led the nation in establishing high standards for what students need to know to succeed in school, and to be prepared for college, work and citizenship. Since then, overall student achievement and graduation rates have improved, but too many students are still poorly prepared for their future. High school graduation is no guarantee of readiness for college or work. Many graduates are discovering the hard way—because they lack the skills and knowledge to meet college course requirements or to land a good job—that their high school diploma has limited purchase power.

The model of the comprehensive high school, in Oregon and across the nation, was designed to prepare a small percentage of students for college and the rest for work. Our high schools have become obsolete because they continue to do the job that they were designed to do, but the job they need to do has changed. All high schools need to prepare all students for the high expectations that colleges and the business community hold for graduates. All of today’s young people, no matter their chosen careers, need the capability to master complex skills and commit to a lifetime of learning and change.

To ensure success for our young people, what should schools, communities, and state and local leaders focus on?

Student achievement. Although Oregon's college-bound students lead the nation in SAT and ACT scores, less than half of all high school students meet state benchmarks in reading and math.

Graduation rates. Only a third of Oregon students earn a diploma in four years, ranking the state as one of the poorest performing in the nation measured in this category.

College readiness. According to the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, only 1 in 4 Oregon high school students is ready for college.

Equity. The achievement gap between African American and Latino students and their white peers results in significantly higher dropout rates and lower college attendance for students of color.

Economic future. Jobs requiring postsecondary education—either an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree or higher—are the fastest area of economic growth, tying the economic health of the state to a well-educated workforce.