Graduation Rates: Oregon Not as Bad

Could Oregon be better than No. 48 in high school graduation?

theoregonian.com 

by Betsy Hammond

Source:LINK

Key Points: This article reminds us that reporting grades and academic information is really important. Also, that our national reportings are not as accurate as they should be and they mislead a lot of individuals that may refer to them. This information could be used to motivate Oregonian students to continue to grow academically and continue to increase our graduation rates.

Relevance: Considering our state's graduation rate is the third worst in the country we need to make sure as future educators we do our best to report accurate scores and information. This is even more important when it comes to students in special education because a big percentage of them do not tend to graduate with standard diplomas and we need accurate information for funding programs.

Audience: Educators, administration, family members of students

Oregon, lowest graduation rates

Oregon Has The Lowest Graduation Rate In The Country. Preschool Could Fix That.

NPR: OPB

By Robert Manning

On June 7th, 2015

Key Points: Oregon has the lowest graduation rate in the U.S. at 67%. The rate has increased but still lowest in country. Advocates recommend starting young to improve these rates by emphasizing on the importance of preschool. Article discusses two brothers, one who went to preschool and one who didn't and their differences in school from social behaviors to desire to learn. The boy who went to preschool performed better overall in school than his brother who didn't. 

Audience: educators, parents. 

Relevance: Shows the importance of early childhood education and its effect in low income areas where preschool has been proven to help increase graduation rates for students living in those areas. 

STEM/CTE Programs

STEM/CTE Programs
OEIB Bulletin
May 8, 2015

http://us7.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a47b05a8f1c8426cbfc2677ac&id=eecafb869e

This is a short post about how beneficial Science Technology Engineering Mathematics programs are for students. STEM programs teach through hands on activities that address real world problems or situations. The idea is that students will be more engaged in their learning and learn valuable skills for the work force. They claim that " last year, 85.7% of Oregon students who took one or more CTE credit graduated from high school compared to 72% in the overall student population."

School blocks speech by valedictorian declaring he is gay - Education Week

School blocks speech by valedictorian declaring he is gay - Education Week
Education Week May 31st, 2015
Key Points: A Colorado charter school refused at the last minute to allow the valedictorian to give his speech where he was planning to come out. The student claimed he had been in contact with school officials but they said they did not receive any revised versions.

Relevance: As a special educator working with students directly we need to make sure that students understand that their graduation speech is not the time for them to "push their personal  agenda on a captive audience." It is important for students to understand that they will be supported and respected for their sexual orientation but this venue is not the acceptable place to share such information.  The school officials could have made the situation better by notifying the student and their parent(s) of your concerns and giving them a chance to revise the speech. 

Lawmakers Look to Rein In Alternative Diplomas

Lawmakers Look to Reign In Alternative Diplomas
Michelle Diament
February 18, 2015
Url: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/02/18/lawmakers-alternative-diplomas/20072/
Audience: Educators, parents and general citizens

The United States Congress is looking at (2/18/15) clearly defining what the guidelines are for students who can or cannot qualify for Alternative Diplomas. The policy is being co-spearheaded by Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington State. Senator Bob Casey said that the alternative