When should Oregon test K-12 students? We can’t say we have done a comprehensive survey, but we hear educators call for less testing. We hear some parents call for more.

The Oregon Board of Education voted Oct. 19 to put another pause on a requirement that students show proficiencies in reading and other skills to earn a high school diploma. It was paused during the pandemic and now the requirement will not be in effect at least through the 2027-28 school year.

It has since received feedback from districts and the Oregon Department of Education that it was burdensome to teachers and students, and that it was being misapplied. Republican legislators say the board is reneging on its duty to ensure students are prepared to graduate.

“If I had to distill this into one simple statement, it’s quite simply that they did not work,” Dan Farley, assistant superintendent of research, assessment and data at the agency, told the board.

It does not mean all requirements are suspended for graduation. There are minimum credit requirements and other requirements. It does mean some requirements are suspended for graduation.

The state board of education did plan in September to make the approval of a pause part of its consent agenda. That would mean there would be little opportunity for public comment. The board wisely delayed the vote until this month to allow more time for comment.

New Direction — a nonprofit founded by former Republican legislator and candidate for governor Christine Drazan — organized a public comment campaign prior to the meeting, spurring 11,000 emails sent to the board, according to a news release.

“It’s disappointing that these unelected bureaucrats decided to ignore public comment and continue down a path that neglects their responsibility to help students meet high standards,” Drazan said in the release.

This is a divisive issue for some Oregonians. There is confusion over why the state is doing this and what it means. Even the Oregon Department of Education website with the headline “Assessment of Essential Skills Waiver” does not have a clear explanation of why the requirement is waived. Shouldn’t it?