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To: District Superintendents and Public Information Officers
From: Jennifer Patterson, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Date: August 3, 2023
Re: Action Required: 2022-23 Division 22 Standards Assurances
Dear Superintendent,
Thank you for your leadership and steadfast commitment to serving the students, staff, and families in your community. We recognize that August is a busy month, with much to do in preparation for welcoming staff, students, and families to the 2023-24 school year. In an effort to help you track what is upcoming, I am reaching out to you now regarding the required Division 22 Standards Assurances process so you can plan accordingly to meet the November deadlines.
In this Message
To support districts in preparing for the upcoming Assurances process, this communication provides information on the following topics:
- Division 22 Standards Assurances: What & Why
- Key Dates: Fall 2023 Assurances Timeline
- Division 22 Rule Waivers
- Resources and Support
Division 22 Standards Assurances: What & Why
The Division 22 Standards are the requirements set by the Oregon Legislature and the State Board of Education that school districts must meet in order to be a standard school district. Each year, districts report on their compliance with Division 22 Standards to their community by presenting a report to the local School Board. This annual practice provides an opportunity for school districts to demonstrate compliance with rigorous standards, reflect on areas in need of attention and alignment, and plan for how to improve. As part of a shared responsibility to provide quality service for our students and communities, districts also submit a report to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). While this system promotes reciprocal accountability between school districts and ODE, it also facilitates the provision of technical assistance and support as districts implement corrective action.
Key Dates: Fall 2023 Assurances Timeline
The annual Division 22 Standards Assurances timeline and process is outlined below. By completing the Assurances process, school districts are certifying that they have completed the following actions:
- By November 1, 2023: Report to School Board
- To meet this deadline, districts should make their report to the local school board in either September or October.
- School district superintendents present the district’s annual Report on Compliance with Public School Standards to the local School Board in an oral presentation at an open public meeting. The report outlines the district’s compliance with all Division 22 Standards in effect for the 2022-23 school year.
- ODE also recommends that superintendents inform School Boards if there have been any recent changes in policy or practice that may result in the district being out of compliance with any of the Division 22 Standards during the current school year (2023-24).
- By November 1, 2023: Post Report on District Website
- School districts post the Community Report on Compliance with Public School Standards to their website, using the required template.
- By November 15, 2023: Report to ODE
- School districts complete and submit the annual, online ODE Division 22 Standards Assurance Form (to be provided by ODE no later than September 1, 2023).
- The Assurance Form will ask school districts to review each standard and indicate whether the district was in compliance, out of compliance, or implementing corrective action during the 2022-23 school year. If the school district did not meet a given standard, the school district must provide an explanation for why the district is out of compliance and describe the proposed plan to come into compliance with the rule(s) by the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.
What happens after the report is submitted to ODE?
ODE will review each school district’s submission, and if the school district did not meet one or more standards, ODE will consider the proposed plan to come into compliance and provide guidance and technical assistance in support of the plan, as needed. In this process, school districts and ODE work together to ensure compliance with all of the Division 22 Standards to maintain full eligibility for state school funding.
Division 22 Rule Waivers
Two waivers to the Division 22 Standards were in place for the 2022-23 school year. One of those waivers remains in place for the 2023-24 SY.
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Assessment of Essential Skills graduation requirements (OAR 581-022-2115(3)) were waived for students graduating in the 2022-2023, and 2023-2024 school years. Note: the local performance assessment requirement in Section (2) of the rule is still required.
- The PE Data collections were suspended in 2022-23 (OAR 581-022-2265 - Report on PE Data). Districts will be required to submit data for the upcoming 2023-24 SY.
All other rules set forth in Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 581, Division 22 were in effect for the 2022-23 school year.
Resources and Support
ODE has developed a wide range of resources to support school districts in completing a robust Assurances process that supports public accountability and transparency, builds trust with the school community, and strengthens the relationship between district leadership and the school board. The August Division 22 Newsletter provides information about new and revised rules, professional learning to deepen understanding of the requirements, and rule-specific tools and resources. Any resources not currently linked below will be posted on the Division 22 webpage no later than September 1, 2023.
Tracking & Reporting Compliance
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Internal Tracking Tool (Google version) that districts can use to gather and record information on compliance with each rule. (Accessible Microsoft Word version)
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Community Report Template (Report on Compliance with Public School Standards) that meets WCAG 2.0 accessibility criteria (Please note: Districts are required to use this template provided by ODE.) Translated versions of the template will also be provided; districts are strongly encouraged to post translated versions of the report as appropriate for the communities they serve.
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Online Submission Form that school districts must use to submit their assurances to ODE.
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Report and Submission Form Instructions that explain how to complete the required Community Report Template and how to submit assurances to ODE through the online submission form.
Engaging the School Board & Community
Professional Learning & Support
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August 2023 Division 22 Standards Newsletter featuring:
- updates on new/revised rules for the 2023-24 school year;
- clarification on the PE Requirements and Suicide Prevention Plan rules;
- resources to support Comprehensive School Counseling Programs, and more!
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Drop-in Office Hours to support district staff in completing the assurances process.
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Assurances video tutorial that can be accessed on demand.
Thank you for your continued efforts to honor and uphold the Division 22 Standards. If you have any questions or are in need of additional support, we are happy to assist you.
For More Information
Please direct questions regarding the Division 22 Standards Assurances process to Division22@ode.oregon.gov or call Susan Payne, Education Standards & Systems Specialist, at (503) 580-6814. You can also visit ODE’s Division 22 Webpage.
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