May 2024 Education Update

Reimagining Oregon’s Accountability System

Over the next five months, the Oregon Department of Education will do the work called for in House Bill 2656 and look to develop a framework for the future of Reimagining Oregon’s Accountability System.

New Accountability Web Page

We are sharing this message to introduce this effort and also point you to a new landing page on ODE’s website which will provide updates, insights, key documents, and research informing the work of an advisory committee, launched in accordance with the bill. The landing page will provide ‘’read-outs’’ of advisory committee meetings. It will also provide information about how to participate in a statewide survey (coming soon!) to make your own contribution. We will need everyone’s input!

Background

Ten months into my tenure as the Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and with the full support and alignment of Governor Tina Kotek, I am ringing the bell for us to come together and answer the most essential questions for the future of education in Oregon:

• What does a truly excellent educational experience look like for Oregon students now and over the next decade?
• Are school leaders and policy makers aligned to the right goals?
• How do we know if Oregon’s schools are successful in these endeavors?
• How does ODE best support working towards that success?

These important questions, and others like them, have been raised by Oregon families, educators, students, school leaders, tribes, business leaders, and policy makers. Some of these questions have lingered for decades.

We know the word “accountability” means something different amidst partners, educators, elected officials, and the general public.

As we reimagine a vision for what accountability means in Oregon, it is essential that we center the conversation around this state’s diverse student population and a culturally responsive approach to their educational needs.

Thus, a big part of our work ahead is to determine, coherently, what we want accountability to mean in Oregon, now.

Bring your hopes, your fears, and all of your best ideas about what promises we can and should make to Oregon’s young people, educators, and communities. Help ring the bell for reimagining educational accountability in Oregon.

Let’s get to work,

Dr. Charlene Williams

Director of the Oregon Department of Education

Oregon National Guard Program Offers Students Paid Opportunities to Earn High School Credit and Learn Career Skills

(From an Oregon Military Department press release.)

High school students in Oregon will have a paid opportunity to learn professional technical training while earning high school credit, as part of the newly endorsed program called “The Oregon Plan.”

Created by the Oregon National Guard, the plan received official approval last month from the Oregon Department of Education, which is required as part of its regular renewal process.

“Through this exciting program students get paid to earn high school credit, learn career skills such as basic finance, medic training, construction and engineering and practice working in teams,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of Oregon Department of Education. “As students plan their summer of learning and work, I hope they consider this enriching and life changing option.”

Background On The Oregon Plan

Established in 1995 as the Military Career Education Cluster Concept, "The Oregon Plan" enables school districts across the state to award academic credits to students who complete qualified military training and instruction. Approximately 700 high school students have joined the Oregon Guard since 2020.

"The Oregon Plan has been providing valuable education pathways for Oregon students for nearly 30 years," said Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon. "We're proud to highlight this innovative program that recognizes the skills our young recruits gain through their military service."

Multiple high schools across Oregon participate in the program, including Pendleton, Hermiston, La Grande, Elgin, Wallowa, Baker, Ontario, and Grant Union High School in eastern Oregon. Additionally, high schools in Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Douglas, Union, Umatilla, Wasco, Hood River, Malheur, Baker, and Wallowa counties have approved use of “The Oregon Plan” as well.

"Our recruiters consistently hear from educators about the value of this flexible credit program," said Lt. Col. Jessy Claerhout, Executive Officer, Recruiting Retention Command. "It provides a helpful pathway for students to turn their military experience into academic progress toward graduation, while obtaining life skills and leadership training."

Many of the credits earned may also translate into college credits towards a higher education degree.

By enabling credit proficiencies through military training, the Oregon National Guard and "The Oregon Plan" exemplify the commitment to developing educated, skilled, and work-ready youth for future success.

Sophomores and Juniors in high school can learn more about the program online.

You can also learn more about the Oregon Guard’s 100% College Tuition Assistance program.

Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The President's proclamation reminds the nation of Asian American Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May to celebrate the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society, and culture. This law also recognized the significance of May 7th and May 10th in the history of Asian/Pacific Americans. May 7, 1843 is the date on which the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States while on May 10, 1869 the first transcontinental railroad in the United States was completed with significant contributions from Chinese pioneers.

Resources

Formerly known as the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center, the Japanese American Museum of Oregon at Naito Center is a venue for culture and research as well as an invaluable resource for exploring Nikkei experiences and their role in Oregon’s multicultural community.

Resources from the Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO).

Additional Resources

• We Are Not a Stereotype: Breaking Down Asian Pacific American Bias This series explores and challenges the complexity surrounding the term Asian Pacific American, breaking it down into topics that span multiple timelines, geographies, and identities.
• Let Curiosity Guide You: Grades 4-6 A facilitated exploration of key artifacts, images, and documents from the exhibition Common Ground: The Heart of Community.
  
• The “Stuff” of History: Grades 7-12 This facilitated exploration of key artifacts, images, and documents provides students the opportunity to learn about and react to Japanese American history while honing critical thinking skills and engaging (verbally and non-verbally) in facilitated virtual discussion.
• Virtual Visit Add-On: Grades 4-12 Using a virtual video/audio conferencing platform, speak to a survivor of America’s concentration camps and gain insight into the first-hand experience of living through history.
• Smithsonian Videos and Primary Documents
• Children’s and Young Adult Books
• 6 Charts on Asian Americans
  

Wildfire Awareness Month

Every year, wildfires impact Oregon communities. May is designated as Wildfire Awareness Month to make sure everyone has preparedness in mind for the upcoming fire season. Check out these resources for ways you can prevent and prepare for wildfires:

• Keep Oregon Green
• Office of the State Fire Marshal Wildfire Page
• Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Information Page
• Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery
  
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management Preparedness Publications
  

May is Military Appreciation Month

Military Appreciation Month takes place every year throughout the entire month of May. 

• Read the original designation by Congress passed in 1999.
• The USO website has information about why it’s held in May.
• Oregon is home to many military families. Read about the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and how it helps students in military families who move to Oregon from other states.

ODE In the News

• The Oregon School Boards Association’s Sounding Boards Podcast interviewed ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams about her statewide travels and work reimagining accountability in Oregon.
• My Central Oregon wrote a story on Mental Health Awareness Month that included the Mental Health Toolkit developed in collaboration between ODE and the Oregon Health Authority.
• The Klamath Herald & News highlighted how a farm-to-school program funded in part by ODE is helping students get hands-on learning about locally grown foods.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams helped celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with a personal message to teachers. Please take a moment to thank the educators in your life and share this message on social media!

Invitation from OTIS to Help Reduce Child Abuse

As part of collaboration and community engagement, the Office of Training, Investigations, and Safety (OTIS) is reaching out to partners and stakeholders to share who we are, provide opportunity for conversation, and invite you to be part of providing input that informs how we do business.

Who We Are

OTIS is a department under the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority, referred to as a shared service. OTIS conducts abuse investigations involving children in non-familial settings such as schools, daycare settings, group homes, and treatment facilities. OTIS also oversees and conducts abuse investigations throughout the state for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, severe mental health issues and those in substance use disorder facilities.

In addition to investigations our team at OTIS is responsible for providing licensing oversight for treatment programs designated as child-caring agencies in Oregon. Throughout our licensing and investigative work, we also strive to provide education, training, consultation and data to promote safety and the prevention of abuse among the most vulnerable in our communities.

Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) directs the work of OTIS. Here are reference links:

• ORS 419B.005 – 419B.055 Reporting and Investigation of Child Abuse
• ORS 430.731 – 430.768 Abuse Reporting for Adults with Mental Illness or Developmental Disabilities
• OAR Chapter 407-044 OTIS – Procedural (Child Abuse Contested Case Hearings)
• OAR Chapter 407-046 OTIS Child-In-Care Abuse
• OAR Chapter 407-047 OTIS – Child Abuse
• OAR Chapter 419-100 – Adult Abuse Investigations in Developmental Disability Services
• OAR Chapter 419-400 – Child-Caring Agency Licensing

How Can We Engage

OTIS is working on creating opportunities for districts and schools to engage in conversation with OTIS. We are partnering with ODE and engaging in a variety of events and meetings to present information and hear what you have to say. OTIS has participated in presenting information at the COSA Special Education Conference and will be participating in Office Hour events that allow us to share information. More importantly OTIS wants to hear from districts and schools. We will be initiating and offering Talking Forum opportunities where we come to you to hear your questions and feedback. OTIS is also available to consult with districts and/or schools on the coordination of training that could include topics such as child abuse, mandatory abuse reporting, and investigation procedures.

OTIS also wants to encourage educators to be engaged in our Oregon Administrative rulemaking process as a community advisor. You can sign up to receive rulemaking notices. As part of these notices there is opportunity for you to share input and comments.

To connect with OTIS, reach out to us via email.

Jewish American Heritage Month

Since 2006, the United States has observed Jewish American Heritage Month each May. The President’s proclamation and recognition is a reminder of the rich contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States and an opportunity to honor and celebrate the lives of those who have greatly impacted and contributed to our communities. With the arrival of the first Jewish immigrants in 1654, the Jewish community struggled for tolerance and religious freedom.

As with all heritage and history months, the inclusion of Jewish Americans should not be limited to one month or center only on a single moment of oppression such as instruction about the Holocaust. Rather, it can be a time to educate and combat modern antisemitism in Oregon and across the United States. The resources below encourage teachers and students to explore the diverse history, culture, and achievements of Jewish Americans, as well as ways to address acts of discrimination targeted at Jewish Americans.

Resources

Professional Learning

The Institute for Curriculum Services is offering professional learning experiences including a one-hour Live Virtual Workshop and two events in partnership with the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History: a virtual webinar with author Dara Horn (People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present) and a session titled “Stories that Shaped a Nation: Jewish Lives in America”. Register online.

Curriculum

Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education

• A Year in the Life: A 1904 Jewish Immigrant Experience to Oregon (Grades K-5) provides students with a conceptual understanding of Oregon history, Jewish religion and culture, and life as a new immigrant. Request the resources here.
• Oregon Jewish Stories Digital Experience: (Grades 4-12) An interactive digital resource that helps students learn about the rich, unique, and complex history of Oregon Jews. Students will learn about Jewish culture’s fascinating place in the history of Oregon and will consider how Oregon Jewish identities are shaped and have evolved over time.
• Understanding Judaism through Artifacts (Grades 6-12) investigates pictures of Jewish religious artifacts to discover many exciting features of Jewish culture and history. The lesson provides opportunities for comparative work with other world religions as a means of expanding knowledge of Jewish identity beyond topics relating to the Holocaust.
• Jewish American Heritage Month Resource Guide (K-12). A curated guide to books, articles, videos, and lesson plans from other Jewish museums and organizations.

Special Program

• May 26 from 2 - 3 p.m. We Are Not Strangers Book Talk with Josh Tuning and Ellen Eisenberg, hosted by OJMCHE.
  

We Are Not Strangers is a work of historical fiction and graphic novel written and illustrated by Josh Tuininga. Inspired by a true story, the book follows a Jewish immigrant’s efforts to help his Japanese neighbors while they are incarcerated during World War II.

We Are Not Strangers converges two perspectives into a single portrait of a community’s struggle with race, responsibility, and what it truly means to be an American. Join OJMCHE for a discussion between the book’s author and illustrator, Josh Tuininga; executive director of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon and historian of Japanese-American history, Hanako Wakatsuki-Chong; and Ellen Eisenberg, a consulting scholar for the graphic novel and preeminent historian on Jews in the Pacific West.

We Are Not Strangers is available for purchase in the OJMCHE museum shop. RSVP for the event.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Positive mental health supports are crucial for building safe, welcoming school communities where all students, staff and families belong and can thrive. ODE has many exciting initiatives and resources aligned with its Integrated Model of Mental Health that support the mental health needs of Oregon’s school communities.

Launched in June 2022, Oregon Classroom WISE is a suite of free online resources available to anyone pursuing mental health literacy. It includes many print and video materials, guided tutorials and role plays, and interviews with students and school staff. Tailored course curriculums are available for multiple audiences, including students and families, classroom teachers, administrators and school counselors and school staff and community-based organizations.

The Community Care Demonstration Project (CCDP) is a collaboration between four Oregon School Districts statewide, Oregon Health Authority, University of Oregon, and Oregon Department of Human Services. A cornerstone of the project is the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a model and related strategies that embed Community Care Specialists into public schools to provide linguistically and culturally responsive emotional support and mental health and health service navigation to students and families.

In their first two years these Specialists have provided health and mental health supports and service referrals to thousands of students and families, hosted family education events such as health fairs and insurance workshops, formed robust partnerships between their districts and community-based organizations and county agencies, and provided food, clothing, and shelter assistance.

We hope to expand this work in the coming year to include the development of regional coalitions and communities of practice that leverage the impact of local systems of care to further strengthen school community mental health and wellbeing, and bolster student attendance and academic success.

Other mental health resources include:

• Care & Connection Campaign
• Mental Health Toolkit
• Mental Health Guidance and Resources
• Mental Health Support Resources from Oregon Health News Blog
  

Student Spotlight

• Roosevelt High School in North Portland has a peer mediation program to help resolve conflicts. Students leading the effort were interviewed on KOIN and KPTV to talk about their work.
• KOBI-TV in Medford talked with Phoenix High School students participating in the Skills USA Masonry Competition.
• OPB featured the move to create a crisis line specifically for Native youth in Oregon and spoke to a high school student going through the training to provide much-needed help.