Dear Education Community,
With the arrival of spring, we’re invited to notice how the natural world grows with patience and purpose—deepening its foundations, gathering light, and preparing for renewal long before blossoms appear.
As an education community, we have an opportunity to mirror that steadiness - to lead with balance amidst urgency, to hold onto optimism when challenges arise, and to invest in transformative systems that will provide the grounded support students, families, and educators deserve.
It has been almost exactly one year since the Oregon Senate Education Committee held its first public hearing on Senate Bill 141, the Education Accountability Act.
After several additional meetings and some amendments, the bill was passed and signed into law by Governor Kotek in June 2025. At that point, SB 141 was just words on paper. Our job as an agency was to then put those words into action.
To do this, ODE is focusing on three key areas that will transform the educational ecosystem in Oregon:
- Reducing Bureaucracy to Improve Student Outcomes
- Expanding and Strengthening Support to Districts
- Improving Public Transparency
The Latest Milestone
At its February meeting, the State Board approved new requirements related to interim tests in math and English language arts for grades K-8. Many of these practices are already familiar to districts and charter schools across Oregon, which positions educators well for implementation. The State Board finalized the adoption of the approved list of interim tests districts and public charters can choose from:
- iReady (Curriculum Associates)
- MAP (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
- Smarter Balanced (delivered via Cambium)
- Star (Renaissance)
This spring, ODE will work with district partners to support thoughtful implementation. This includes developing guidance that will support districts in effectively implementing interim tests. As part of this work, ODE will convene a work group of partners representing multiple perspectives from different roles, regions, and lived experiences to inform the guidance.
Coming Next
An upcoming State Board meeting will feature a discussion and possible adoption of Statewide Performance Growth Targets across key student outcomes, another requirement of SB 141. These will serve as the benchmarks that define meaningful progress.
After state board adoption of the statewide performance growth targets, districts and ODE will begin co-development of local performance growth targets. These will be developed jointly by ODE and districts and tailored more specifically to individual district needs, strengths and growth opportunities. These local targets will be set in advance of the 2026-27 academic year.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
It’s always a good time to honor the women whose persistence opened doors and cleared pathways for those who followed, but March offers a special moment for reflection and renewal as we celebrate Women’s History Month.
As a former math teacher, I’m especially inspired by women in STEM who’ve changed the course of their fields. Jane Goodall deepened our understanding of the natural world, Rachel Carson renewed national awareness of environmental stewardship, and Bessie Coleman broke racial and gender barriers in aviation that once seemed immovable.
I’m proud that each of these trailblazers is honored here in Oregon through schools and programs that carry their names—ensuring their legacies continue to inspire new generations.
Take a Break!
Finally, March brings with it Spring Break for most districts in Oregon. I encourage each of you to take this opportunity to rest, refresh and recharge for that final push to the end of the school year.
In Love and Justice,
Dr. Charlene Williams
|
