Dear Education Community,

You’ve no doubt read or heard about the record graduation rate attained by Oregon’s Class of 2025. The 83% four-year graduation rate represents more than 500 additional students crossing the stage ready for what comes next.

Even more meaningful is that this progress shows up for several student groups who have too often faced the greatest barriers to success, including migrant students, students in special education, students in foster care, American Indian and Alaska Native students, students experiencing poverty, and students experiencing houselessness. 

It’s a reflection of the hard work of students, families, educators, and communities across Oregon, and the numbers matter. Graduation changes life trajectories. It opens doors to college, career, and opportunity.

Graduation rates are given as numbers, but every number represents a young person whose success depends on the strength of our systems, our focus and our follow-through. A record graduation rate is worth celebrating. And at the same time, we know there is more work ahead, particularly in earlier grades, where outcomes like third-grade literacy tell us we need to act with urgency.

That’s why accountability matters. With the 2025 Education Accountability Act, we’re being clear about where we’re going, how we’ll measure progress, and what we’ll do when the data show we need to improve. Shared accountability, a system where there is not just commitment, but tangible follow-through, support, and improvement, is how we turn responsibility into results.

Our goal is simple and ambitious: every child, in every community across Oregon experiences improved academic outcomes in safe, welcoming schools and environments that nurture belonging and well-being. That’s the promise we’re making — and that’s the work we’re committed to delivering.

Focusing on Mental Health

And while that promise does not waiver, recent events in Oregon communities have made it harder to ensure our schools feel safe and welcoming for everyone. When the students and families we serve are dealing with additional stress and anxiety, it takes a toll on all of us. There are resources to help. This flyer has resources that promote and support health and well-being. And be sure to read the article below about upcoming Mental Health Office Hours.

Black History is American History

This month offers us a valuable opportunity to celebrate and deepen our understanding of the rich contributions of Black Americans throughout our history. It also serves as a lens through which we can examine modern policies and government actions and a powerful reminder that we are stronger together. 

The legacies of Black individuals should be integrated into student learning year-round, but this month in particular, I encourage each of you to take part in activities and events honoring the achievements and legacies of Black leaders, artists, educators, and community members. As we do so, it is  important to take a balanced and intentional approach by not only commemorating the struggles, persecution, and resilience that have shaped Black history, but also by uplifting and celebrating Black joy, creativity, excellence, and the ways Black communities continue to thrive. 

Please use these resources to celebrate Black History Month, now and into the future.

Promoting Career and Technical Education

This month is also Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. It’s an opportunity to elevate and celebrate the accomplishments of Oregon’s CTE Programs.

CTE concentrators (students completing two or more credits in an approved CTE Program of Study) graduated at a record rate of 97.8%, 15.8 percentage points higher than the statewide average.

CTE Program numbers around Oregon are growing. In the 2021-22 school year, Oregon schools hosted a total of 1,038 CTE Programs of Study. Nearly 100 have been added since! Here’s a quick snapshot of recent growth:

• 2021-2022: 1,038
• 2022-2023: 1,061 (+23)
• 2023-2024: 1,086 (+25)
• 2024-2025: 1,120 (+34)
• 2025-2026: 1,125 (+5)

CTE helps learners make meaning and connect their education journey with future aspirations. Not only do CTE concentrators graduate at a rate significantly higher than the statewide average, students who take even a single CTE course experience higher graduation rates. CTE helps learners succeed by tapping into passion and opportunity.

Learn more about CTE in Oregon HERE.

Let’s continue to work towards an ambitious vision where every single student in Oregon leaves our school system ready to learn, ready to earn, and ready to thrive.

In Love and Justice,

Dr. Charlene Williams