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Oregon Achieves... Together!
A Message from the Director of the Oregon Department of Education, Dr. Charlene Williams
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.
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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.
More about Summer EBT...
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 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.
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.
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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.
Check out the Purple Up resources...
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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. HB 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.
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