Dear Education Community,
I hope you were all able to get some rest and relaxation over the past few weeks and are starting off the year with renewed energy as we head into 2026.
Moving Forward With Accountability
At ODE, our December was very busy! The State Board approved the first rules stemming from the passage of Senate Bill 141, thus furthering this new era of educational accountability in Oregon. These rules established the metrics that will be used to see where our system is doing well and where more attention is needed. On February 19, the State Board will address the targets for those metrics and later in the year, ODE will produce guidance documents to support next steps.
SB 141 also requires regular updates from ODE to lawmakers on the progress that has been made in implementing this landmark legislation. Our first progress report was sent to the legislature last month, and I encourage you to read it over to learn more about what we’ve done so far and what to expect down the road. And then, stay up to date by bookmarking the Accountability page on the ODE website. That’s where you will always find the most up-to-date information.
Thank You, School Boards
January is School Board Appreciation Month. I want to thank each and every school board member from Oregon’s 197 school districts, 19 Education Service Districts and, of course, the State Board of Education. These education advocates work tirelessly on behalf of Oregon’s scholars, putting policies in place aimed at improving education outcomes. On behalf of all of us at ODE, thank you for your commitment to education, your passion for improving our schools, and your willingness to serve your communities.
Remembering the Legacy of Dr. King
Speaking of serving your community, this month also brings the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Since 1994, the commemoration of his birthday is not only a federal holiday, it is also a National Day of Service and an opportunity to teach students about hope, justice, compassion, and love. It’s a time to put into action the words of Dr. King, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” I hope we can remind the youth in Oregon that this is a special holiday rooted in giving and selflessness: you can check for Day of Service events in your area or make your own by helping out a neighbor or cleaning up in local areas.
2025 was rife with moments of stress, worry, uncertainty, and, for many, exhaustion and despair. Unfortunately, for countless people in our communities, 2026 has begun with a similar mix of heavy emotions. However, I would urge you to continue to believe in humanity’s ability to overcome injustice and to heed Dr. King’s call to action, not only in our communities, but in ourselves. I believe that in this moment, he would want to remind us that while disappointment is finite, we must “never lose infinite hope.”
Here’s to a 2026 filled with unbounded hope.
In Love and Justice,
Dr. Charlene Williams
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