Oregon Department of Education History

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Agency Overview

The State of Oregon's public education system consists of public school districts and education service districts with their own respective governing bodies. The Oregon Legislature created the Oregon State Board of Education to set the educational policies and standards of Oregon’s state schools and community colleges. Its mission is to “consider the goals of modern education, the requirements of a sound, comprehensive curriculum best suited to the needs of the students and the public and any other factors consistent with the maintenance of a modern and efficient elementary and secondary school system and community college program” (ORS 326.011). …more

Agency History

The Oregon State Constitution of 1859 established a system of common schools, and designated the governor as Superintendent of Public Instruction with the provision that after five years the Legislative Assembly would be allowed to create an independent office for this purpose (Const., art. 8). The Legislative Assembly exercised this right in 1872 by enacting a law designating an elected four-year position, salary, and providing office space in the state capital (O.L. 1872, p. 146). …more

Agency Milestones

1859-1879

1880-1900

1901-1921

1922-1942

1943-1963

1964-1984

1985-2005

2006-2008

Agency Organization

The Oregon Department of Education is organized around three core functions: accountability, leadership, and school improvement. Click on the office names below to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of each office.

Office of the Superintendent

Office of Finance & Administration

Office of Student Learning & Partnerships

Office of Educational Improvement and Innovation

Office of Assessment & Information Services

Office of Analysis & Reporting

Agency Statutes and Administrative Rules

Click here to see a list of the primary Statutes and Administrative rules that govern Education in Oregon.

Superintendents

Click here to see photos and short biographies of Oregon Superintendents as far back as 1872.

State Board of Education

The State Board of Education, with seven members appointed to four-year terms by the governor, is charged with establishing policy for the administration and operation of the public elementary and secondary schools and public community colleges in the State of Oregon.

Click here for member photos and biographies.

Sources

The information on this page is made available thanks to the following sources:

Sources Used:

2007-08 Oregon School Directory, Oregon Department of Education.
2006-07 Oregon Statewide Report Card, Oregon Department of Education.
Public Education in Oregon, The 2006-07 Oregon Blue Book, Oregon State Archives.
Oregon Department of Education Administrative Overview, April 2007, Secretary of State, Archives Division.