Research shows that hands-on, project-based learning approaches in STEM and CTE dramatically improve graduation rates. During the 2013-14 school year, 85.7 percent of Oregon students who took one or more CTE credit graduated from high school compared to 72 percent in the overall student population. Even more powerful is that the graduation rate for students from communities of color who participated in CTE programming was 20 to 30 percentage points higher than students overall. This data is important because it illustrates one pathway that is effectively closing systemic gaps in student achievement while simultaneously preparing students for their future.
In statewide efforts to better match our education system with the evolving industry and workforce needs, Governor Brown and the Oregon Legislature have made investments in STEM and CTE (HB 3072) a core priority. The 2015 session marked doubling of investments in programs ($41 million total) that create hands on learning opportunities and put additional pathways in place to smooth the transition to the world of work.
With 15 of the top 20 of the fastest growing occupations involving STEM/CTE skills, providing students more opportunities to gain experience in these fields will have a direct impact on Oregon reaching its 40-40-20 goal and will fuel economic growth. These occupations boast high-wage jobs and create important opportunities for both individuals and communities to prosper.
In addition to community level investments in STEM/CTE made in partnership with the Oregon Department of Education, the STEM Council was created to guide the Chief Education Officer in the development of long-term strategies to position students for STEM/CTE careers. Cross-sector regional STEM Hubs were also created to generate locally driven connections between education and the workforce.
With our unique vantage point across the learning continuum, we bring strategic leadership from the perspective of a student. One of our critical roles we play is to convene stakeholders, both at the state-level and in communities across the state, who impact student success to build greater coordination and alignment across the seamless system of education. Through ensuring that we bring all voices to the table, we believe we will lead the transformation of our education system driving powerful impact for our students, families and communities.
The Early Learning System in Oregon has three primary focus areas: ensuring that young Oregonians are prepared to succeed in Kindergarten; ensuring family stability; and integrating resources and supports into a coordinated system that most effectively supports families and students.
It is critical that students come to school prepared to learn, making early learning a fundamental component of our education continuum. We know that when children come to school with a few important skills (letters, sounds, counting, skills like listening and following directions) they are much more successful as they enter school. This advantage stays with students for years to come, and they are more successful at all future levels of school.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) provides leadership for Oregon’s K-12 schools including curriculum, instruction, school improvement efforts, and the statewide assessment system. The Department’s priorities include solid and sustainable school funding, ensuring students are ready for school through strong early-childhood programs, closing systemic gaps between students, supporting school and district leadership, and improving the efficiency of the agency.
In partnership with other education agencies, the department will play a significant role in helping to ensure that the state meets identified priority targets proven to keep students on track to high school graduation, college and career. Specifically, ODE helps ensure students: come ready to learn in Kindergarten; are reading at grade level in third grade; are on track with attendance and credits in ninth grade; and successfully graduate high school.
The Youth Development Division (YDD) was developed with an understanding that, despite existing initiatives to align systems and policies in support of students, there are youth who encounter various forms of adversity throughout their lives. This adversity is at times so significant it creates real and detrimental barriers to education and workforce success. To help youth get back on the path to high school graduation, college and/or career, the legislature created the Youth Development Division.
The Youth Development Division is tasked with supporting the education system by developing state policy and administering funding to support community and school-based youth development programs, services, and initiatives for youth ages 6-24.
For more information about programs and initiatives of the Youth Development Division contact: Brenda Brooks | 503.378.5129 | Brenda.brooks@ode.state.or.us
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a 14-member, volunteer board and agency dedicated to fostering and sustaining the best, most rewarding pathways to opportunity and success for all Oregonians through an accessible, affordable and coordinated network for educational achievement beyond a high school diploma.
Oregon’s higher education system serves hundreds of thousands of students at its 7 public universities, 17 public community colleges, private and independent colleges and universities, and private career and trade schools.
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