Friends,
Of all the troubling statistics about education in Oregon, the most disturbing to me is the possibility that this generation of Oregon children will be the first to be less educated than their parents and their peers around the U.S. The strength of our communities and the future prosperity of our state depend on reversing this slide. We have a shared responsibility – as parents, teachers, school board members, business leaders, taxpayers and policymakers – to make the changes necessary to succeed.
I feel a tremendous sense of urgency to deliver better results for students, more resources for teachers and more accountability in our education system – from Pre-K through K-12 and college and career readiness.
Earlier this year – with the creation of the Oregon Education Investment Board and a package of significant education reform policy – the legislature took the first steps toward a more student-centered education system designed to achieve our state’s education, social and economic objectives. We must build on that progress, and I am proposing legislation for the February 2012 session to better coordinate and integrate Oregon education from Pre-K through college and career readiness. Below you’ll find an update on developments in three key areas:
Pre-Kindergarten Success
As I’ve said from the beginning, it all starts with an emphasis on improving the effectiveness of early childhood services. In February I’ll work to streamline disparate programs and consolidate boards and commissions to ensure more children get the health care, pre-school, nutritional and developmental services they need to be ready for kindergarten. A recent Oregonian editorial noted, “early childhood reforms are aimed at getting everybody ready by the starting line … imagine the difference it would make to the state's school system, its economy and the lives of countless people.”
K-12 Innovation
I’m bringing a new concept – the achievement compact – to the legislature in February. Essentially, it’s an agreement between the state and educational institutions to specify outcomes and measures of progress for all Oregon primary, secondary and post-secondary students. I’m proposing using tailored achievement compacts as an alternative to the punitive, one-size-fits-all approach of the federal No Child Left Behind Law. I’m also seeking authority for a new statewide Chief Education Officer to design and organize a more integrated Pre-K through post-secondary system.
Excellence in Higher Education
You’ve likely read or heard something recently about the termination of University of Oregon President Richard Lariviere. While some have questioned the decision, I believe it was the right one. And more importantly, I think we can all agree on two critical issues moving forward. First, the University of Oregon community – students, faculty, alumnae and supporters – must have meaningful input in the transition and search for a top-notch new president committed to excellence. And second, we cannot allow this episode to distract us from the important work of pursuing excellence across all levels of education and all parts of our state.
In remarks to the Oregon Education Investment Board last week, I outlined a process to consolidate boards and commissions and streamline management of the statewide system to free-up resources to support teaching and learning, including arriving at a single entity to direct and coordinate Oregon’s university system. I also look forward to working with legislators, the Board of Higher Education and universities on legislation in 2013 to allow independent institutional boards for one or more Oregon universities.
We have much to do, and I thank you for your ongoing commitment to Oregon. I urge you to track all of the latest developments at the Oregon Education Investment Board site.
John
This is from an email I received yesterday. Given his idiocy regarding ESDs, I don't trust him as far as I can throw him on education.
He's a physician by occupation, with an Ivy League pedigree. That's enough to disqualify him right there.
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