New Report Reveals Community Partnerships are Key in Advancing Equity and Inclusion for Children Under Five Experiencing Disabilities
On March 31, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Early Learning Division (ELD) and early learning system leaders and advocates around the state released the Oregon Early Childhood Inclusion Indicators Initiative Annual Report.
The report outlines the vision, mission, and progress towards creating equal opportunity to access high-quality early care and education for children experiencing disabilities. It also highlights the need for continued investments to ensure families, providers, general and special education staff have the support they need to provide stable and continuous care for young children in community and early care and education environments.
See our press release for more information about the report.
CTE Find Yourself Here Videos
The Secondary and Postsecondary Transitions team launched a media campaign in February to highlight Career Technical Education (CTE) Month.
As a way to reframe the way people view CTE, the campaign showcases the value of CTE as a path to career while helping learners embrace CTE as part of their dreams and aspirations. This outreach effort focuses on connecting with students and families from communities of color, as these groups have historically been underrepresented in CTE programs.
Using student voices, these videos center on how CTE courses keep students interested in school, find an area of study they are passionate about and prepare them for a career.
Oregon Draft 2022 K-12 Science Standards
In March 2021, ODE staff began conducting community outreach listening sessions and opened a public feedback form (May 2021 - January 2022) regarding the current K-12 Oregon Science Standards.
Since August 2021, the Oregon Science Standards Advisory Panel has been reviewing public input and engaging in discourse on next steps for K-12 science education standards alongside the Oregon Department of Education staff.
If you would like to provide input on the draft K-12 2022 Oregon Science Standards and the flexibility in middle school science sequencing, please use the 2022 Science Draft Standards Feedback form.
For additional information or questions, please contact Jamie Rumage, ODE Science Education Specialist.
Legislation Increases Oregon Promise Grant Dollars for Low-income Grantees, Expands Eligibility
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) announced this month that thanks to the approval of Senate Bill 1522 by the Oregon Legislature and Governor Brown, low-income recipients of the Oregon Promise Grant pursuing community college will receive more funds to help with rising college costs and eligibility for this financial aid program has been widened. The Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps to cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school and GED® test graduates. With high school graduation on the horizon for many students, now is a great opportunity to remind students to complete their application for the Oregon Promise grant, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or an Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) to take advantage of this grant and other aid for which they may qualify.
Student Spotlight