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Oregon Achieves... Together!
A Message from the Director of the Oregon Department of Education Colt Gill
It’s appropriate that Teacher Appreciation Week comes in May because – during a normal year – it allows us to look back at the whole school year and give them thanks for all the work they’ve done. But this year, this far-from-normal year, it takes on even more importance.
Along with our students and families, teachers have transitioned from the classroom to distance learning, on the fly and with short notice. They have been tasked with providing care, connection, and continuity of learning while totally transforming the work they do. They have accepted the challenge and they’ve engineered new, creative ways to continue engaging their students.
Most times, a teacher works within a classroom and, unless parents visit during school hours, they may never experience it. But now, as a global pandemic forces schools to close, we can see the work they do out in the open.
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This year marks the first time high school graduates in Oregon will receive a Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma for their proficiency in a language spoken by some of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes. One student accomplished the feat in the Nez Perce language and four in the Umatilla language, both languages spoken by members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Three students from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde earned a Seal of Biliteracy in the Chinuk Wawa language. The Oregon Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking in one or more languages in addition to English.
There are three main requirements to earn a Biliteracy Seal:
- Be on track for graduation
- Pass Essential Skills in reading and writing in English
- Pass a partner language at the intermediate high level, when scored using the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) rubric.
For more information about the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy, please contact Taffy Carlisle.
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Early Learning Division Communications Director Melanie Mesaros wrote an article for the state’s My Oregon News website on tips for parents to support their kids through the COVID-19 pandemic.
It features information from Dr. Shauna Tominey, Oregon State University Assistant Professor of Practice & Parenting Education Specialist and Dr. Grace Bullock, a Mental Health Strategist and Policy Analyst for the Oregon Department of Education. Read the article here.
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 ODE partners with school districts to foster equity and excellence for every learner. In these videos ODE staff share their perspective on their work and let Oregonians see the people behind the partnership. ODE Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Education Specialist Mariana Praschnik-Enriquez talks in her videos about the importance of multilingualism, how she partners with school districts and her role with educators to create systemic change towards educational equity.
Last week, the Early Learning Division (ELD) reached another milestone in the Student Success Act – a total of 377 grant applications were received for the following Early Learning Account funds:
- Preschool Promise
- Preschool Promise Fiscal Agent
- Early Childhood Equity Fund
- Oregon Pre-kindergarten
A breakdown of the number of applications received, along with county data is available in this report online.
More about the process, including a timeline...
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