A Renewed Educational Vision that Bends Towards Justice | January 2025 Education Update

Oregon Department of Education sent this bulletin at 01/22/2025 12:00 PM PST

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Education Update: Oregon Department of Education

January 2025

Oregon Achieves... Together!
A Message from the Director of the Oregon Department of Education, Dr. Charlene Williams

Dr. Charlene Williams

Dear Education Community,

Happy New Year!

I’ve always loved the start of a new year—a time of renewed hope, fresh possibilities, and a shared commitment to delivering on the promise of a high-quality education for every scholar in our state.

We’re excited to share that the College Board called Oregon a "unicorn" as we not only increased Advanced Placement (AP) participation rates for diverse students in almost all racial/ethnic categories, but also had higher percentages of those students earning 3s, 4s, and 5s on their AP examinations!

As we step into 2025, we do so with a clear vision and strong momentum. The upcoming legislative session presents an opportunity to advocate for the resources and supports our schools need to ensure students thrive. The Governor’s proposed investment in education—including an increase in the current service level and key initiatives including early literacy and summer and afterschool learning—reflects a commitment to strengthening opportunities for every learner.

We are also advancing a renewed vision for education and accountability, one that prioritizes student success and well-being. This is a chance to work together—educators, families, policymakers, and communities—to ensure our schools have the tools and support necessary to help students learn, grow, and contribute.

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2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year Nominations are Open

Nominate a Teacher of the Year

Honor an outstanding educator in your life - Nominations for Oregon Teacher of the Year are open now through February 6th. 

The Oregon Teacher of the Year serves as the face and voice of educators across the state. As a representative of the profession, this teacher leader will engage and inspire other teachers and community leaders.

Nominees for Oregon Teacher of the Year should be exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled licensed public school educators in grades preK-12. 

More about Oregon Teacher of the Year Nominations...

Plan for the Upcoming EVE Workforce Survey for Licensed, Classified and Contracted Staff

clipboard survey

Oregon’s first Elevating Voices in Education (EVE) Workforce Survey is coming February 4. The survey window will go through March 21, 2025.

The EVE Workforce Survey is a free, anonymous, and confidential survey designed to gather insights from the public education workforce about their workplace experiences in order to provide actionable information to the state and districts.

What is Required?

ORS 342.676 requires Public Education Providers (districts, charter schools, ESDs, YCEP/JDEP, Oregon School for the Deaf, and long term care or treatment facilities) to provide staff with an opportunity to participate in the EVE Workforce Survey.

More about the survey...

More Schools, Community Organizations Sought for Summer Food Service Program

Summer Food Oregon logo

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is seeking more schools, community organizations and tribes to participate in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) this summer to help ensure that children and teens receive the nutritious meals they need during the summer months. As an incentive, state grant funds are available up to $20,000 per sponsor to startup or expand summer meal programs.

SFSP works to ensure children 18 and younger, who benefit from meal programs during the school year, continue to have that same access to nutritious meals when schools are closed, or students are unable to attend school in person.

“During the summer months, when school is not in session, children often lose vital access to school nutrition programs. Summer meal sites ensure that children continue to receive the nutrition they need to learn and grow,” ODE Summer Food Service Program Outreach Coordinator Cathy Brock said. “Expanding access to the program is an important step to close the hunger gap in all areas of the state. ODE’s Child Nutrition Program is reaching out to ensure that children continue to receive meals throughout the summer.”

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ODE In the News

The Wilsonville Spokesman shared ODE’s call for more sponsors for the Summer Food Service Program.

OPB reported on the ODE grant to Western Oregon University, looking at how it will help Latinx students in the Central School District.

The Ontario Argus Observer explained how the Vale School District used several state funding sources to address student mental health in their schools.

Student Spotlight

The Oregonian talked with a Westview HS Junior who is Oregon’s first woman grandmaster in chess at just 16 years old.

KDRV in Medford heard from students at Phoenix HS who are getting a hands-on look at careers in EMS thanks to the school’s CTE program.

The East Oregonian congratulated three Hermiston HS seniors who won the Congressional App Challenge.