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Oregon Blog

Solving Oregon's Chronic Absenteeism

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Posted by kcardwell@stand.org on February 24, 2015

Last Friday, the House Education Committee first looked at one of Stand's priority bills, which aims to solve Oregon's rampant absenteeism. 

Reporter Betsy Hammond interviewed veteran principal and State Representative Betty Komp, who carries the bill. Here's an excerpt from that article:

"Oregon lawmaker Betty Komp, who witnessed the toll of chronic absenteeism during her 14 years as school administrator, wants to give schools a strong incentive to make sure students come to school.

Stand for Children Oregon Welcomes Gov. Kate Brown

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Posted by kcardwell@stand.org on February 18, 2015

Earlier today, Stand for Children Oregon watched the swearing in of Gov. Kate Brown, thankful to see the focus and urgency of the new Governor and legislative leadership. With confidence, we believe Oregon will not waver in its commitment to its people.

“It’s refreshing to see a consistent message from Gov. Kate Brown and throughout the legislature on education,” says Toya Fick, executive director of Stand for Children Oregon. “When we were in the Capitol on Monday, every single lawmaker was focused on improving outcomes for all children across our state.”

What are Oregon's new instructional hour rules?

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Posted by kcardwell@stand.org on February 3, 2015

Only a month into 2015, and we're already celebrating the first big win for Oregon kids! At the end of January, the Oregon Board of Education approved changes to instructional hour requirements. Leading up to this decision, we heard much debate, and we saw the board float several different proposals. So what exactly are the final new rules on instructional hour requirements? Here's a simple overview of the changes. 

2014 graduation numbers are out, but there's still a lot to learn

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Posted by kcardwell@stand.org on January 29, 2015

In the past twelve days, education advocates have had a pile of graduation data to dig through. The U.S. Department of Education reported Oregon as having the worst graduation rate in the country. ECONorthwest President John Tapogna busted myths that make Oregon’s graduation data appear worse than it is.

Video: Why is full-day kindergarten a good idea?

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Posted by Toya Fick on January 15, 2015

Both Governor Kitzhaber and the Ways & Means Co-Chairs included $220 million in their budgets so districts can offer full-day kindergarten in the 2015-2016 school year. This morning, I went on KATU News to explain why this is a great investment for our state. Here are some of my top reasons:

The Governor's budget shows focus, urgency & commitment to student success

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Posted by Iris Maria Chavez on December 5, 2014

December started off with a bang.  As happens every two years, the governor released his recommended budget on Monday, giving advocates much to talk about for the next few weeks.  

The Oregon Department of Education Contemplates Changes to Instructional Hour Requirements

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Posted by kcardwell@stand.org on November 18, 2014

The fact that Oregon has an unacceptably short school year is now common rhetoric among advocates in our state. However, we’re in the process of discovering that some students receive even less time in front of their teachers than we once thought.

Governor Kitzhaber receives high marks on education agenda. Next step, spend smart.

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Posted by kcardwell@stand.org on October 30, 2014

As a politician, it’s tough to get high marks on your education record. Parents, teachers and our communities are emotionally invested in the performance of our schools. We have high expectations for our children, our future.

Furthermore, Oregon continues to have one of the lowest graduation rates and shortest school years in the country. Our students often enter college underprepared, with several years less schooling than their peers from other states.

Oregon is revising the definition of a high school graduate

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Posted by Kelsey Cardwell on October 14, 2014

Oregon is revising the definition of a high school graduate. This will likely cause much discussion during the 2015 legislative session, so it's wise to get smart on what that means for schools. 

Beginning with the class of 2014, Oregon will change the definition to include those who complete four years of high school but haven't received a diploma. This will raise Oregon's on-time graduation rate, one of the worst in the country.

"Week of Action on School Pushout" Sparks Reflection, Drives Action Reminiscent of Ferguson

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Posted by Kim Melton on October 7, 2014

As you might recall, while school was out this summer, the Ferguson community and police force took center stage before an international audience. This week is the perfect time to reflect and rededicate ourselves to creating the kind of schools and communities that build up, strengthen and invest in our young people’s success.

Today is Day Four of School Pushout Week. What is this week all about?

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