The goal of a P-16 system is that all learners will master challenging material and
achieve at high levels. Thus, it creates an environment that encourages and expects
success from everyone - one in which every child can learn regardless of income,
gender, race, ethnicity, geographic location or disability. Such a system is
needed to prepare learners to function successfully and in a myriad of ways in a
diverse democracy and a global economy.
Creating equitable opportunities for all students
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Oregon Statute 329.035 states, "The Legislative Assembly declares that: the
State of Oregon believes that all students can learn and should be held to
rigorous academic content standards and expected to succeed; access to a quality
education must be provided for all of Oregon's youth regardless of linguistic
background, culture, race, gender, capability or geographic location."
Providing challenging courses
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Oregon Statute 329.015 states, "The Legislative Assembly believes that the
goals of kindergarten through grade 12 education are: to demand academic
excellence through a rigorous academic program that equips students with the
information and skills necessary to pursue the future of their choice; to
provide an environment that motivates students to pursue serious scholarship..."
Connecting exit exams with standards
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Oregon does not have a high school exit exam. Oregon Statute 329.045
declares that the state's "rigorous academic content standards shall reflect
the knowledge and skills necessary for achieving the Certificate of Initial
Mastery (CIM), the Certificate of Initial Mastery subject area endorsements,
the Certificate of Advanced Mastery (CAM) and diplomas." Oregon students are
not required to complete any of the Certificates in order to graduate. Further,
districts are not required to offer the Certificate of Advanced Mastery until
2008.
Eliminating general track
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Oregon does not appear to have any policies that address eliminating general
track.
Supporting learner needs
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The Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century includes multiple purposes
that address supporting learner needs (329.555).
Upgrading teacher quality
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The Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century requires that local district
improvement plans include short- and long-term plans for staff development
and includes the dedication of funds towards professional development centers,
the creation of an Oregon Teachers Corps to recruit highly qualified people
into the teaching profession, the creation of mentor programs for teachers and
leaders, and various other grants and incentives to encourage teacher quality
(329.095, 329.745-329.820).
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Under the Teacher Licensure for 21st Century Schools Program, advancement
from the initial teaching license to a continuing license is mandatory in
Oregon and requires the completion of a master's degree within six years.
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