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Director's Message
December 17, 2004
To: DHS Employees
From: Gary Weeks, Director
Helping all children succeed
"No child left behind" is a familiar phrase today -- especially to those of you who are parents or involved with education.
But "walking the talk" is increasingly difficult in the world we live in.
This past week, I attended a Portland-area Leaders Roundtable forum on what's facing high school students today. Among the information shared was some distressing data that revealed how helping all young people be successful is becoming a greater challenge. Consider the following:
- Wages of high school graduates are sharply declining. In the past 20 years, wages for those who have only a high school diploma have declined 70 percent.
- Many students aren't prepared for today's workplace. Many aren't learning how to problem-solve, be part of a team, or "how to learn" when it comes to developing new skills.
- The majority of students graduating from U.S. high schools aren't "college ready." Only 1 in 3 white and Asian graduates are considered "college ready." For African American students, the ratio dips to 1 in 5 and for Hispanics 1 in 6.
- Adults are not always modeling the best civic behavior for our young people. As society becomes more fast-paced and complex, it's becoming increasingly difficult for students to find role models who can help them learn to become active, respectful citizens. For example, the U.S. has seen a 50% decline in voting and community involvement in recent years. And a recent study shows that only 41% of students believe that most of their teachers respect them.
- Students' lives today are radically different from when we were kids. The majority of high school students report they spend less than 5 percent of their time with adults. Many say they spend as much time alone as with friends. And the "shopping mall culture" of instant gratification has left fewer believing that hard work equals success equals happiness.
(Source: Change Leadership Group, Harvard University, Graduate School of Education, 2004.)
Why is this important to us at DHS? DHS has an important, supportive role relating to young people and their future success. Those who are failing, unemployed, or underemployed are at risk of entering any number of our programs. Support and preventive services we can provide up front to help kids succeed will save the state resources in the long run.
DHS has resources that support families and children. Throughout the department, we are already engaged with the schools and with kids through school-based clinics, SUN schools, out-stationed staff, prevention and treatment programs in mental health and substance abuse, and other programs.
The job of educating our young people through the schools is in the hands of competent, experienced teachers. But we should not forget that our role is key. By supporting families and students, we are helping them get the most out of the educational opportunities they have today and better assuring that they won't be left behind.
The holidays aren't always merry
While many of us are engaged in holiday preparations as we ready for our own particular faith-based or seasonal celebrations this time of year, we need to keep in mind that this isn't a jolly season for all.
Depression and suicide rates tend to rise during holiday periods, and stresses can mount for certain people. For our young people in 2003, suicide was the second leading cause of death among Oregon youth aged 10 - 24, according to public health research. Rates for elder suicide also often peak this time of year. Risk factors include: prior suicide attempts, history of depression, substance abuse, family history, firearm access, and homelessness.
If you or someone you know is facing a crisis of this type, you can offer them the following resources:
- Call 1-800-SUICIDE
- Use the county crisis line or national crisis lines
- Call your local crisis line number or local mental health center number located on the inside cover of your phone book.
Food for thought
"My wish is not to mean everything to everyone, but to mean something to someone."
- Anonymous
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This message is intended for all Department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.
If you have a disability and need a document on this Web site to be provided to you in another format, please send an email to dhs.forms@state.or.us or call (503) 945-7021, fax (503) 373-7690 or TTY (503) 947-5080. If you know of others who need this accommodation, please let them know it is available.
Oregon Department of Human Services
Director's Office
500 Summer St. NE E15, Salem, OR 97301-1097
Phone: (503) 945-5944
Fax: (503) 378-2897
TTY: (503) 947-6214
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