Legislative Report—January 26, 2007

1) NEW OREGON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

On January 18, 2007 the State Board of Education passed a resolution in support of changes to Oregon’s current diploma requirements. The changes are outlined below:

Math: 3 credits based on state standards (already in statute, class of 2010); Algebra I level and above (class of 2014)

Science: 3 credits--Inquiry-based, state standards; 2 lab credits required (class of 2012)

Arts/Second Languages/Professional Technical Education: 3 credits from among this group; based on state standards (class of 2012)

Electives: 6 credits -- reduced from 9 (class of 2012)    Total: 24 credits

2) K-20 SCHOOL SYSTEM

To develop a connected and integrated system that promotes smooth and successful student transition from Pre-K-12 to their next steps – further education, training, and the workforce.   www.ode.state.or.us/go/PK-20

Funded by the Gates Foundation which gave $1.75 million to ODE for this project!!

3) PERKINS FUNDS MAY BE MOVED TO HELP NCLB? 

(January 25, 2007) President Bush’s proposal allows states and locals to transfer Perkins Funds for NCLB activities   http://www.careertech.org/legislative_alert/show/62

(From October Legislative Update) As most of you already know, on August 12, after both houses of Congress overwhelmingly passed it, the President signed the “Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006.”  The reauthorization is good until 2012!  Key Items Include:

• Use the term “Career and Technical Education” instead of “vocational education,”
• Increased emphasis on accountability and data reporting,
• Increased emphasis on career pathways that include academics as well as technical skill development,
• Broadening of the scope of CTE to include careers that require baccalaureate and above degrees.