by Craig Hawkins, Communications Director

The OASE Vision and Policy Task Force has developed a one-page document to share its vision about how we need to update Oregon’s education system so that students graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve their dreams in our rapidly-changing world.

This visioning piece calls for:

• Rigorous academic standards for all students from pre-school through graduate school.
• Effective teaching (which, of course, requires effective leadership).
• High expectations for all students.

It also provides a roadmap for how we will achieve these goals, including:

• Strong leadership and effective governance.
• Stable and adequate funding.
• Parents and communities as partners.

The task force is comprised of 18 superintendents, plus representatives from Chalkboard Project, Stand for Children and the Oregon Business Association.  It has been meeting since last summer and, along with the one-page vision document, has accomplished the following:

• Developed a promising relationship with Gov. John Kitzhaber, including playing an instrumental role in Nancy Golden’s appointment as the governor’s education advisor.  The task force has twice met with Gov. Kitzhaber; Nancy continues to regularly attend task force meetings.
• Commissioned an Education First study on statewide accountability systems and issued this report: Promising Practices in Accountability.  The report, which was made possible with the support of Chalkboard, provides information about the status of Oregon’s current accountability system, as well as recommendations for improving the system.
• Worked on legislation aimed at establishing a task force that will develop performance standards for Oregon teachers and administrators.  Senate Bill 290 requires that recommended performance standards be developed by the end of this year, and adopted by 2013.

The OASE Vision and Policy Task Force is continuing to meet weekly, and will continue to advocate for the collective education improvement vision of Oregon superintendents.  Visit the OASE Vision and Policy Task force webpage for more information, including a PowerPoint presentation, "Oregon's Future Starts Here," that outlines the task force's vision.

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