Unsafe School Choice Option (USCO)

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The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization requires State Education Agencies to establish a school choice policy for students attending a persistently dangerous school as defined by the state. (Title IX, Part E, Subpart 2, Section 9532)

First Year: Any school meeting the state-defined criteria as an Unsafe School for year one must complete and submit a corrective action plan to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Office of Student Learning and Partnerships, Title IV-A Safe & Drug Free Schools. The plan must provide evidence that the school district is making serious effort to ensure a safe school environment for students, staff, and community.

Second Year: Any school meeting the state-defined criteria as an Unsafe School for a second consecutive year must evaluate, revise, and submit their year one corrective action plan to the state. A committee of school and ODE reviewers will assess the school's revised corrective action plan. The ODE will provide technical assistance and support as necessary.

Third Year: Any school meeting the above criteria for three consecutive years will be designated as Persistently Dangerous. Parents may then exercise their right to have their child attend a safe Oregon public school. A revised corrective action plan will be filed with the state and ODE will continue to provide technical assistance and support as necessary.

Unsafe School Corrective Action Plan Criteria

The Unsafe School Choice Option was revised and adopted November, 2009. This revised policy became effective beginning with the 2009-2010 Discipline Incidents Data Collection.

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