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April 2025 Education Update

Oregon Achieves... Together!

A Message from Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams

ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams 

We are Champions for All Students

Dear Education Community,

I want to acknowledge that while we continue to navigate information at the federal level, this is a moment to renew hope in education with both the clarity and support our schools and students deserve. We are at an inflection point where I fully believe we can - and we must - get really clear about how we’ll make a steady and sustained difference for Oregon’s scholars and leaders.

Standing Up for Our Students

Today we issued a response to the U.S. Department of Education's “Request for Certification" under Title VI, reaffirming that Oregon has implemented and continues to implement education programs in accordance with state and federal law. As always, we remain guided by what’s best for our students, educators, and communities. Oregon will continue to promote diversity in our schools because we recognize it enhances learning outcomes for all students.

Last Month’s Visit to Washington D.C.

I had the opportunity to visit our nation’s capital last month to sit down with state and national political leaders (on both sides of the aisle) and other education advocates to better understand and problem-solve on behalf of Oregonians in the current political climate.

Part of my visit included meeting with our congressional delegates and sharing more about Oregon’s education priorities - including accountability, summer learning and early literacy - as well as developing an approach for how to help them get closer to the education initiatives that we anticipate will really move the dial for Oregon’s scholars.

We also discussed Oregon’s relatively short school year (based on the 50-state comparison on state instructional time policies reported by the Education Commission of the States). What stands out most is that a student’s comprehensive kindergarten through 12th grade experience in Oregon schools can add up to being a full school year shorter than other states. This data alone further highlights the need for summer learning opportunities and other wrap-around supports to ensure we are providing opportunities for students to grow, learn and thrive.

Recognizing the Importance of Inclusivity and Support for All (Title IX)

Title IX is a Civil Rights law that bans sex discrimination against students, employees and others at public schools, colleges and universities that receive federal funding. Warning letters from the current federal administration have created a sense of uncertainty, particularly regarding transgender athletes in sports. I want to be clear: ODE is committed to serving every scholar and will continue to work with education partners to better understand and advocate for the rights of all.

Federal Funding (ESSER)

Last week our team shared the latest information about the impact of federal cuts on student learning projects, detailing what we currently know about Oregon’s COVID-19 relief funds. The department will continue to provide updates as we gain more information about the specific impacts of changes at the federal level.

A United Vision & Shared Accountability for Student Outcomes

Governor Kotek has put forth a bold vision for K-12 education that prioritizes early literacy, summer learning and shared accountability. Last week I joined state legislators in Oregon’s House and Senate Education Committees to discuss how we’ll advance and strengthen our state’s K-12 accountability system at all levels of governance (local, state, federal) as well as input from families and communities. This work is about driving change through a focused vision from the Capitol to the classroom.

I’m committed to delivering the kind of services from ODE that are efficient, effective and responsive to our school districts’ needs. In the months ahead, ODE will take deliberate action to:

  • Improve internal operations, efficiencies and processes by making significant changes to grant processes and reporting requirements to reduce administrative burden.
  • Expand on the work of the Student Success Act to strengthen how the agency works in service to schools through a continuum of supports. This includes getting clear about technical assistance, professional learning, opt-in coaching, directed coaching and the Intensive Coaching Program in an effort to work alongside school district leaders in partnership aimed at improving student outcomes.

As a state agency, ODE has a responsibility to ensure state investments are working toward improved outcomes for students, and to examine and improve its own internal processes and systems. The need to ensure we are living up to these responsibilities is more urgent now than ever. Our students need champions - we must step up.

Oregon Summer EBT food benefits are back for 2025!

Giving families more access to groceries during the summer means students will show up for the first day of class ready to learn. Last year, more than 362,000 children participated in the Oregon Summer EBT grocery benefits program. Summer EBT is back in 2025 for its second year.

Families will get one payment of $120 on an Oregon EBT card for each eligible child to buy groceries. Children between the ages of six and 18 can participate.

Most families will get Summer EBT automatically if they are getting other benefits. This includes families who received Summer EBT in 2024 and continue to meet eligibility requirements. They do not need to apply. They will receive benefits on their existing Oregon EBT card starting on May 23, 2025. Families who need a new card should call 855-328-6715.

Some families need to apply. This includes families who meet household income requirements and have children attending a school with the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program. Online application opens on May 30, 2025. The last day to apply is Sept. 3, 2025.

Learn whether you need to apply on the Summer EBT website at sebt.oregon.gov.

Join the Educator Advancement Council!

The Educator Advancement Council (EAC) is seeking passionate and experienced educators to join our team as Council Directors. We are currently filling two important positions: High School Teacher and Elementary School Teacher council seats. As a Council Director, you’ll have the opportunity to help influence state-level change and advocate for educators across Oregon.

Council Directors serve two-year terms and collaborate with educators from diverse backgrounds and regions across Oregon to ensure that all voices are represented in shaping the future of our education system.

The deadline to apply is April 15, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this important work.

To learn more and apply, please visit the EAC Council Director recruitment website. For additional questions, please email eac.info@ode.oregon.gov.

Approved Recovery School Request for Applications Now Open

The School Choice, Options and Recovery Education (SCORE) team is excited to announce the Request For Application (RFA) for Approved Recovery Schools is now open through April 30, 2025 and deadlines are approaching!

You can access the RFA through our website.

Recovery High Schools, under an agreement with ODE, will provide students with a specialized high school education experience tailored to meet the needs of students with substance use and co-occurring behavioral health challenges. House Bill 2767 (2023) requires standards for approval of recovery schools, and the operation of recovery schools to include academic standards, substance use recovery services, graduation program evaluation and recovery school accreditation guidance.

If you have any questions regarding this RFA, please email lena.baisden-cleave@ode.oregon.gov.

ODE In the News

Student Spotlight


Oregon's Call to Action: Help Prevent Youth Suicide This Spring

Please review and distribute widely this Suicide Prevention Joint Call to Action from ODE, Oregon Health Authority, Lines for Life, and University of Oregon Suicide Prevention Lab.

The rates of suicide attempts and related deaths among Oregon's youth often increase each spring. This Call to Action provides resources and action items to equip school administrators and staff, along with caregivers and other trusted adults with skills to support students who may be at risk for suicidal behaviors and refer those students to qualified mental health providers.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Safe and Inclusive Schools team at ODE.SIS@ode.oregon.gov.

Purple Up! For Military Kids

April marks the Month of the Military Child (MOMC), a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the resilience, sacrifices, and contributions of military-connected children. Did you know Oregon’s schools serve approximately 3,100 military-connected students spread across 115 of the 197 school districts? Their impact is felt in nearly all communities in Oregon.

The life of a military child is a unique blend of adventures and challenges. It's important to acknowledge their service to our country as part of a military family. Let's celebrate their bravery, pride, and strength together. Join us in honoring the incredible children who play a vital role in our nation's military families and in Oregon’s school communities, not just during April, but all year long.

To help you and your community recognize MOMC, ODE has compiled some resources:

Resources

  • Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2016 and addresses key transition issues encountered by military families related to education. You can find more information for Oregon’s parents, school officials, and public administrators at the link above!
  • Month of the Military Child Toolkit: Download and utilize resources such as:
    • Purple Up posters celebrating #PurpleUp day & military kids
    • Yard Sign designs for local printing
    • Certificates of Recognition for Military-connected Kids
    • Templates for stickers
    • A coloring page featuring Dandy Lion
    • The 2024 MOMC T-shirt design
  • Purple Up Day: Wear purple on April 19th to celebrate military kids. Purple represents the joint environment of the military, combining the colors of all service branches. When we wear purple in their honor, we let them know we support them in all branches of the military - Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force.
  • Call for the Arts: Encourage military-connected children in your school community to participate in the MCEC Call for the Arts program. This program invites kids from all service branches to share their interpretations of what it means to be a military-connected child through art. Visit the Call for the Arts page for eligibility and guidelines.
  • Hashtags: Engage in discussions throughout April using #MOMC and #MonthoftheMilitaryChild. For Purple Up Day, use #PurpleUp to promote and celebrate in your area. Throughout the year, recognize military-connected kids and share their stories using #MCEC.

Closing

Let's come together to celebrate the unique challenges and triumphs of Oregon’s military-connected children. Your support and recognition mean the world to them and their families.

For more information on how to implement the military compact in your school district please reach out to Tenneal Wetherell at tenneal.wetherell@ode.oregon.gov.

Oregon Digital Equity Program Grant Application Now Available

The Oregon Broadband Office is pleased to announce the release of the Oregon Digital Equity Program (ODEP) Grant Application for Education Service Districts, Public School Districts, public schools, Public Library Service Districts, and public libraries.

The Oregon Digital Equity Program Grant application period will close May 22, 2025, at 4:59 pm PST. Visit the Oregon Digital Equity Program Grant webpage for more information and for registration links to technical assistance webinars and office hours.

Please direct any questions to Leina Gonzalez Baird, Digital Equity Program Coordinator, at Leina.Gonzalez-Baird@biz.oregon.gov.