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

Keeping an eye out for our students who don't have a home!

I love this article because it brings attention to something I think gets overlooked way more frequently than it should.  Students who don't have a place to call home and/or are living on the streets can easily get overlooked in schools.  This specific person tells about how her and her little sister were never approached about needs or appearance of the two of them when they were living on the streets and always existing in an abusive environment.  No one ever asked why they were always afraid to "call home", or would flinch and hunch down if someone became angry.  She then goes on to give advice for teachers and schools if they ever think they may know some of these students.  She reminds them to offer resources, extracurricular activites, etc.  Then she gives advice to the students themselves; stay in school, education will be your biggest secret weapon, and focus on what you can control...and so much more.  It's such a relevant topic, great article!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/none-of-my-teachers-knew-i-was-homeless-they-should_us_581244e7e4b08301d33e06b5

Data Overview: Students With Disabilities, In School and Work - Education Week

Data Overview: Students With Disabilities, In School and Work - Education Week

Published Online: May 29, 2015

Published in Print: June 5, 2015, as Students With Disabilities, In School and Work
Audience: Educators, Parents, policy makers

Key Points:

Nearly 6 million students with disabilities attend public schools in the United States. The Education Week Research Center compiled data from the U.S. Department of Education in order to shed light on the high school achievement and post-high-school outcomes of students with special needs. 

Relevance:

Compiled data from the US Dept. of Education shows the results and highlights key patterns regarding the educational status of students with disabilities. There has been gains on math and reading tests but the gap still remains.  Data on High School outcomes, graduation rates and type of diploma are shown as are the rates that young adults with disabilities have been employed, participated in job training, or attended a postsecondary school following high school.