The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is pleased to announce that the Request for Waiver of Oregon's Newest Diploma Requirements (2026-27) form is now available.
Requirements
Districts or 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. Approved waivers apply to all students who will be awarded an Oregon diploma or Modified diploma on or after January 1, 2027 and before January 1, 2028. Please note that the waiver application is not for individual students, but rather the entire graduating class of students.
How to Apply
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):
- The reason for seeking a waiver;
- The subject(s) for which the waiver is sought;
- The projected dates for implementation of required courses; and
- Assurance of local school board approval of the application and the date of such approval.
Waiver Approval
Waivers may be approved at the Oregon Department of Education's discretion. OAR 581-021-0003 outlines that the only allowable reason to request a waiver is due to lack of adequate staffing. Denied waivers may be appealed to the State Board of Education.
Waivers must be submitted to the Oregon Department of Education no later than July 1, 2026. ODE will review waiver applications in the order they are received. Districts will receive a response from ODE no later than July 17, 2026. No waivers shall be granted for students graduating on or after January 1, 2028.