In The Legislature
Our goal for Oregon is a statewide system of vibrant, high-performing schools that are great places to teach and learn, with stable funding and strong leadership.
During the five-month legislative session that started in February, our state made unprecedented progress towards that goal. State leaders supported more than a dozen education proposals aimed at strengthening state education governance, improving access to college, preparing more kids for success and limiting time students spend on standardized testing.
Over 2,000 pro-school Oregonians – and not all our members -- attended a rally we sponsored at the state capitol pushing for increased school funding and education reform.
Our members generated 700 letters to lawmakers, encouraging state leaders to support proposals that move Oregon’s public schools forward.
Our 2011 legislative agenda included eight priority bills in four focus areas:
- Work towards stable and adequate funding
- Ensure Oregon’s school system is efficient and has strong leadership
- Improve support for teachers and principals
- Create a path to success for all students
Throughout the session, Chalkboard Project, Oregon Business Association, Stand for Children, Children’s Institute and a small group of district superintendents worked in concerted support of positive changes to our education system, and it is our belief that Oregonians will be well served by this legislation.
Check out our 2011 Legislative Scorecard to find out how your legislator voted on these important issues.
School Board Wins for Stand-Endorsed Candidates
Thousands of Stand supporters delivered on Tuesday, May 18th. Together, we elected 21 Stand-endorsed school board members in Hillsboro, Medford, Eugene, Reynolds, Portland Public, and other districts.
We endorsed them because of their dedication to Oregon students and schools. And we are committed to working together to ensure progress for all our students!
Innovative Educator Conference
More than 50 classroom teachers, principals and administrators gathered in August to share strategies and advice about what’s been working in their schools. They came from districts across the state including Redmond, Tillamook, Bethel and Gresham.
At the start of the day, these educators sat down together to share tips and experiences. Keynote speaker Louise Sundin, a former ninth-grade English teacher and executive vice president of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, reinforced the value of teacher’s experience and knowledge during her lunchtime presentation.
Teachers also received practical ideas from colleagues about how to approach assessments, the achievement gap, college readiness and collaboration.
But that’s not where the learning ended. The final assignment for the day put teachers and state and local lawmakers at tables together where Oregon educators talked about how our civic leaders can be champions for what’s working in education and expand that work across the state.
Improving Oregon Schools: Fall Community Conversations
In Fall 2011, we co-sponsored eight community discussions on two critical education topics:
All Oregon children deserve an equal opportunity to succeed regardless of their background. Sadly, Oregon has a persistent and growing achievement gap for many of our youth. What can we do?
Supporting teachers and principals
Vibrant schools are filled with supported and effective educators and strong leaders. How do we create schools that are great places to teach and learn?
More than 500 Oregonians in Salem, Portland, Eugene, Bethel, Hillsboro and East Multnomah County attended to learn more about these issues, share their ideas and concerns and help develop solutions.
Thanks to our more than 15 local and state partners for helping to make this happen!
