Oregon

New governor, new goal: Is 100% high school graduation by 2025 still Oregon’s target?

Published

10 months ago

September 13, 2023

New governor, new goal: Is 100% high school graduation by 2025 still Oregon’s target?

The idea for OPB’s Class of 2025 project came after the state set an ambitious goal: to achieve 100% high school graduation by 2025.

That’s two years away, and at 81.3%, Oregon is far from meeting the goal. But it’s not clear anyone is noticing. The goal no longer seems to be top of mind for Oregon’s top leaders.

In 2011, the state legislature enacted a law to make “40-40-20″ the mission for “all education beyond high school” for the state: that at least 40% of Oregonians would have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, that another 40% would have an associates’ or post-secondary credential of some kind, and that the remaining 20% would have a high school diploma or equivalent.

40+40+20 equals 100. 100% of adult Oregonians with at least a high school diploma or equivalent by 2025.

Third graders at Earl Boyles Elementary School play recorders at a winter concert, Dec. 18.

Jason Bernhert / OPB

It’s hard to know if Oregon leaders still feel as committed to that goal as they did in 2011. John Kitzhaber, the governor who first announced that goal at his inaugural speech in January 2011, resigned from office in February 2015. Oregon’s new governor, Tina Kotek, announced a different graduation rate goal when she was running for office: to improve Oregon’s graduation rate to “90% for all student groups by 2027.” That’s 10% lower, two years later.

As Oregon’s political leadership has changed, so have the state’s priorities around education. 2025 is now less than two years away and as that date gets closer, the state’s focus on 100% graduation is receding. Instead, leaders are focused on new long-term goals directed at the state’s youngest children, not on the students that have been in school in the years since 40-40-20 was enacted.

But “40-40-20″ still remains a piece of legislation in Oregon, though it seems Oregon won’t make that goal by its self-imposed deadline.

“We’re not gonna meet it,” said former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber in an interview with OPB about the education goal he launched amid a number of structural changes to the state’s education system.

Kitzhaber first mentioned 40-40-20 in his 2011 inaugural address as part of a three-point plan. He called 40-40-20 a vision.

“We need to know where we are going,” he said in 2011. “We need a destination.”

Twelve years later, Oregon has not reached that destination. According to the latest figures from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, in 2019, 39% of Oregonians had a Bachelor’s degree, 19% had an Associate’s or two-year degree, and 39% had graduated high school or received a GED. 7% of Oregonians had “less than high school”.

Shortly after being reelected for a fourth term, Kitzhaber became embroiled in an influence-peddling scandal and resigned under pressure in February 2015. With Kitzhaber out and Gov. Kate Brown in place, some of the mechanisms Kitzhaber created to achieve 40-40-20 fell away. That included the Oregon Education Investment Board, a group of education and business professionals tasked with building a better bridge from K-12 and postsecondary education to the workforce.

“I think the vision is still there but the tools to make it happen are no longer there,” he said.

Gov. John Kitzhaber signs education bills. — Gov. John Kitzhaber speaks at Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus, on Tuesday, March 14, 2014. Kitzhaber signed two bills at the college, designed to help more low-income students achieve a higher education credential.
*Katelyn Brown / OPB*

He said there are other things getting in the way of the 40-40-20 vision as well, like the politics and lack of institutional memory in Salem.

“We have such a big turnover in the legislature that I would say very few people down there actually remember why we did 40-40-20,” he said.

Between legislative turnover and constant fighting between the two major parties, Kitzhaber said the long-term planning that needs to happen to meet goals like 40-40-20 is impossible.

“It’s like a traveling Broadway show where the only thing that matters is what happens inside the tent, not what’s going on outside … to some extent, the only thing that connects one session to another is this increasingly toxic political campaign.”

Kitzhaber adds that the pandemic has also kept the state from reaching its goal.

Moving forward, Kitzhaber said the state needs to figure out how the state’s education budget actually helps kids. The biggest piece of the state’s general fund goes to schools.

“The K-12 number drives the budget debate in Salem, it did in 1979, and it still does today,” he said. “It is a number without a context. They take what we spent last year, and roll it up, and never asked, ‘Is the way we spent money last year getting us where we want to go?’”

Kitzhaber also thinks Oregon needs to re-create a board similar to the OEIB, where folks from the education and business worlds can talk about the pathways from education into the workforce.

But that’s not on the list of priorities for the current leaders in Salem.

Graduation rates and Oregon’s requirements for graduation were one part of the conversation as candidates for governor campaigned last fall.

During two separate gubernatorial debates, candidate Tina Kotek, former speaker of the Oregon House, spoke about graduation.

“What’s important for me is setting high standards and high expectations for all Oregon students,” Kotek said during an October 6 debate.

At a September 27 debate in Bend, Kotek referenced the graduation rate goal on her campaign website.

“You’ll see on my website, I call for increasing our graduation rates over the next four to five years so more students are graduating and have a pathway.”

That call, which is now listed on Gov. Tina Kotek’s website at the top of her list of education priorities is to “improve Oregon’s graduation rates to 90% for all student groups by 2027.”

With Oregon’s statewide graduation rate at 81.3%, it might be more realistic to believe Oregon could reach that number in four years, compared to reaching 100% in two years.

But Carla Gay wants to know more about that 90% goal, and what it means for all of Oregon’s students. Gay, executive director of innovation and partnerships at Gresham-Barlow School District and advisory board member of the Grad Partnership, said 90% could be a benchmark, but not an end goal.

“40-40-20 was really about 100% of our K-12 students having a high school diploma or GED,” she said.

“If we lose sight of 100% of our students need to complete high school with a diploma or a GED, and we settle for anything less than that, then once again, we let ourselves off the hook and my question would be: Which 10% are we not going to graduate? How are we deciding that?”

Gov. Kotek was unavailable for an interview with OPB to talk about her 90% graduation goal. In response to questions about whether her goal replaces 40-40-20, a representative from her office responded by sharing the Governor’s three education-related goals for her first year: early literacy, child care infrastructure, and “ensuring that all Oregon students are better served by our K-12 schools.”

“These strategies will help students and school systems recover from the learning loss that occurred during the pandemic and ultimately improve metrics like graduation rates and reading and writing proficiency,” read the message shared by Kotek’s press secretary Anca Matica.

Then-Oregon Gov.-elect Tina Kotek, center, is swarmed by third-graders from Arleta School following Kotek’s press conference on Nov. 10, 2022 at the Salmon Street Springs in Portland.
*Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB*

The Governor’s office did not address a question about specific ideas to help student groups reach 90%.

“It’s important to have targets,” said Oregon Sen. Michael Dembrow in response to questions about 40-40-20 and the 90% by 2027 goals. Dembrow is a former Portland Community College instructor and chair of the Senate education committee.

“I would say that the actual targets themselves are less important than our steady progress (or not) at reaching them.”

And Oregon has made steady progress in the last 10 years, with a 14.9 percentage point increase in graduation rates since 2011. According to a June 2023 report from the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University, while Oregon remains in the bottom half of states when it comes to graduation rates, the percentage point change in graduation rate from 2011 to 2020 was the sixth best in the country.

Oregon Department of Education officials highlight the state’s ongoing commitment to improving graduation rates through the state’s High School Success fund, which provides money to school districts.

But as we get closer to 2025, Oregon’s education priorities are shifting away from the end of high school and more towards the first few years of public education.

There are many ways to know if a student is at risk of not graduating even before they get to 12th grade, including whether a student has been attending regularly, or has earned at least a quarter of the required credits to graduate by the end of ninth grade. But some indicators may be present even earlier.

Some researchers have discovered that behavior or failing grades in middle school may be a sign. One study found that third-grade reading proficiency could also signal whether a student might graduate, in addition to other socioeconomic factors.

These findings align with the bigger shift in education priorities in Oregon and nationally. Both reading and child care are fundamental to a child’s success in school.

“Graduation rates are an outcome,” said Dan Farley, the Oregon Department of Education’s Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Research, Assessment, Data, Accountability, and Reporting.

“Outcomes are hard to move if you don’t really understand where they came from, or what is generating the outcomes.”

That means looking across a student’s educational experience — from early education to where students end up after high school, whether that’s college, the workforce, or somewhere else.

Students entering high school in fall 2021 are part of the Class of 2025.
*Elizabeth Miller / OPB*

Oregon’s new early literacy focus is on students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The results of that work should show up in graduation rates — but not for a while.

“It will absolutely lead to some increases in terms of literacy for that group of students, but we won’t see that investment show up in graduation rates for up to a decade for some of those students,” Farley said.

Former Gov. Kitzhaber’s professional focus has shifted earlier in a child’s experience, as well. Kitzhaber is a board member for the Oregon Health and Education Collaborative’s Upstream Initiative, a campaign focused on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

“That’s a piece we didn’t talk about in 2011,” Kitzhaber said.

“If you don’t begin to actually address the challenges that undermine kids and families at a very early age, that’s going to be reflected in their performance in education.”

But whatever goal Oregon is moving towards, Kitzhaber stresses the need for a process to get there.

“It’s good to have a goal,” he said.

“The question is, what are we going to do to achieve it? What are the budget and policy levers we’re going to use to achieve it?”

If you have questions or story ideas for the Class of 2025, reach out to Elizabeth Miller at emiller@opb.org.

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Oregon

8 Towns in The Pacific Northwest With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

Published

7 hours ago

July 7, 2024

Press Room

8 Towns in The Pacific Northwest With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

Carved by glaciers, volcanoes, and dramatic landscapes, the Pacific Northwest of the US, formed by Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, is pure paradise. Its mountains are blanketed by lush rainforests, and the Pacific Ocean is lined by the cozy countryside. Paradisiacal peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Hood pierce the clouds, while glacial lakes such as Crater Lake and Lake Pend Oreille bring an eternal glow to the valleys. Beyond the jaw-dropping scenery, charming towns offer downtowns with dynamic communities. Ready for an exploration of these gems? Check out these towns where the downtown areas steal the show!

Ashland, Oregon

Street view in Ashland, Oregon, via Nature’s Charm / Shutterstock.com

As the birthplace of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland has cemented its status as a regal arts town throughout the decades. This performing arts venue attracts theater fans and art enthusiasts all year long, sparking a vibrant downtown where lots of restaurants and shops pop up to cater to discerning palates.

After a show, walk a few steps to Main Street or Lithia Way to dig into a symphony of local offerings. For quick bites, you can’t go wrong with Taqueria Picaro; locals especially love their mahi mahi tacos. If you fancy a drink with your group, the go-to in town are Skout Taphouse & Provisions and O’Ryans Irish Pub.

Commemorate your trip and snag a cool memento from the town’s quirky shops. Paddington Station has all things cute for sale, such as handy kitchen items and holiday novelties. When you feel like pampering yourself, indulge in some wellness shopping at Elder Apothecary, known for its line of herbs, teas, and tinctures.

Also located downtown is the crown jewel of Ashland: Lithia Park. This panoramic central park is an ideal place to wind down and just appreciate this town’s undeniable beauty. There is a Japanese garden, a fountain, a pickleball court, a picnic area, and miles and miles of riverside trails for visitors to explore.

Florence, Oregon

Dreaming of a paradisiacal coastal escape with a flourishing community? Florence might just be the haven you are looking for. It’s cradled right where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean. The town is home to the otherworldly Sea Lion Caves, which is the largest of its kind nationwide and fosters a thriving population of Steller sea lions.

On Maple Street, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is a worthy stop for curious minds. You’ll get to know the origins of Florence and the Siuslaw region at large. The museum also hosts a gift shop if you’d like a souvenir to take home, or you could swing by Ärtêfacts on Bay Street for unique coast-inspired tchotchkes.

Dive even deeper into the downtown area and have a taste of the vibrant locale. For a quick pick-me-up in the day, River Roasters serves an array of classic espresso drinks and specialty coffee. As a coastal town, Florence is abundant with top-notch seafood; head over to Mo’s Seafood & Chowder or Novelli’s Crab and Seafood for the best chowders on the Oregon Coast.

Astoria, Oregon

Close to the Washington border and nestled along the Columbia River, Astoria is another picturesque Oregon town near the Pacific. It’s famously known for the Astoria Column atop Coxcomb Hill; locals and visitors often flock to this site and climb over 160 steps to get uninterrupted city views from the observation deck. If you’re one to enjoy long walks, make sure to include the Riverwalk Trail in your list of things to do in town. You could start up east on Lagoon Road and traverse the 6.4-mile trail all the way to Pier 3 of the Port of Astoria. Along the way, you’ll encounter all that the electric downtown has to offer.

You can make a fun day out of visiting the Oregon Film Museum on Duane Street, and 80s film fans may even recognize the building from the riveting opening scene in The Goonies. The museum extensively showcases all the movies and TV shows that were filmed in Oregon.

Up to 200 local artisans and farmers offer their products to the public at the Astoria Sunday Market on 12th Street; if you love supporting local, this marketplace shouldn’t be missed. Live entertainment and an array of food kiosks make the market extra inviting.

As with most coastal towns, Astoria is brimming with high-quality seafood. If you want some fresh catch (or maybe wish to cook your own!), South Bay Wild Fish House, a restaurant and seafood market in one, might be right up your alley!

Winthrop, Washington

Street view of downtown Winthrop. Image credit MelissaMN via stock.adobe.com

Tucked in the mountains of Methow Valley in Okanogan County, Winthrop is a wonderland that will make you feel like you’ve jumped back in time. The spirit of the Wild West is very much alive in this mountain town; pair that with an ever-blossoming community and you’ve got yourself a fine getaway.

If you’re planning a fun day of skiing, Methow Trails is said to have the best cross-country skiing slopes in the area. For hikers seeking their next adventure, this mountain town is actually a gateway to the lush landscapes of North Cascades National Park. Meanwhile, folks who prefer a more casual hike might enjoy a stroll through Pearrygin Lake State Park.

In downtown Winthrop, the classic American Old West design is prominent. Walking through Riverside Avenue will feel like stepping into a spaghetti Western movie set. For a caffeine fix, Rocking Horse Bakery serves top-tier espresso drinks and luscious coffee cake. If you fancy mingling with fellow travelers or even locals, join the happy hour at Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon.

La Conner, Washington

La Conner, a charming little town on the Swinomish Channel in Skagit Bay, is a peaceful retreat in the Pacific Northwest. It is ideally nestled between Seattle and Vancouver, attracting urbanites looking for a nice break. The town bursts with friendly folks and a laid-back marina lifestyle.

While the town is a great place to be any time of the year, the best time to visit La Conner is around March, for the La Conner Daffodil Festival, or in April when the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is at full speed. The community hosts a few events in support of the festival and the streets are lined with good food and other offerings.

With so much art and culture to discover, curious cats can head downtown to the Museum of Northwest Art for a glimpse into the prowess of artists throughout the region. This creative spirit is also on full display at the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, which not only celebrates traditional techniques but also offers educational programs to inspire future generations.

Visitors could explore more of downtown’s gems by renting bikes from PNW Exploration on Second Street. You could rummage for your next quirky collectible at Nasty Jack’s Antiques, find a good read at Seaport Books, and gobble on exquisite meals at Nell Thorn.

Leavenworth, Washington

Perched high up in the Cascade Mountains is the wondrous Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth. The town center is punctuated with Alpine-style structures that house one-of-a-kind merchandise shops and eateries. For holidayers who like to have a taste of authentic German fare, München Haus serves classic bratwurst and handcrafted brews. Meanwhile, Mozart’s Restaurant is popular for its seamless fusion of European and Pacific Northwest delicacies.

The downtown block, particularly Front Street Park, also hosts a plethora of events and festivals throughout the year, most notably the Christkindlmarkt, Icefest, and Christmas Lighting Festival during the holiday season. Of course, what’s a Bavarian town without a resounding celebration of Oktoberfest?

Outdoor fiends can go up Leavenworth Ski Hill for snow tubing and cross-country skiing in the winter; come summertime, the mountains reveal stunning landscapes and wildflower views ideal for quiet strolls. The town is also home to Leavenworth Reindeer Farm; this attraction is suitable for vacationers with kids as you’ll have close encounters with these marvelous animals.

Wallace, Idaho

Located in the mining district of the Idaho Panhandle, Wallace is known to be the Silver Capital of the World, having produced over a billion ounces of silver since its founding in 1884. Since you’re right in Silver Valley, discovering the town’s roots is a must at Wallace District Mining Museum on Bank Street downtown. For a close-up experience, sign up for the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, where you’ll discover a fascinating underground mine and witness the town’s mining methods first-hand.

Looking to take home something unique? Antique emporiums like North Idaho Trading Company and Johnson’s Gems, Jewelry, & Collectibles have rare and curious finds for all tastes. Browse through their overflowing with one-of-a-kind items and unearth Idaho gold and silver pieces that make the perfect memorabilia for your trip.

Beyond a colorful past and precious metals, Wallace is home to an ever-blossoming entertainment scene. Catch a performance at Sixth Street Melodrama and Theater, the town’s entertainment behemoth for over 40 years. On the same street, you can try local joints like Silver Corner Bar, famous for its pineapple cider, and Blackboard Cafe for some hearty Italian fare in a relaxed atmosphere.

Sandpoint, Idaho

Situated along the banks of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is one of North Idaho’s premier skiing destinations. It’s home to the legendary Schweitzer Mountain Resort, a stunning mountain with terrain parks and ski slopes of varying difficulties.

For a change of pace after hitting the slopes, head to the dynamic locale of Sandpoint City Beach Park, adjacent to the downtown shops and restaurants. This lakefront park is ideal for afternoon picnics, features a nice, small beach, and even offers boat tours of the lake.

Fancy eating out after your antics with nature? Some local favorites are Joel’s, a homey family-owned Mexican joint in front of the downtown parking lot on Church Street, and Eichardt’s Pub Grill & Coffee, a lively hangout spot serving comfort bar grub amidst live music.

When you feel like shopping for some goodies, this lakeside town boasts bustling mercantiles that showcase local artisans and craftspeople. Come down to Cedar Street Bridge Public Market and check out an array of trendy food hubs, eclectic shops, candy stores, and so much more. At Farmin Park, the heart of downtown Sandpoint, the Farmers’ Market typically opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Here, you’ll find an arsenal of fresh goods and produce all waiting to be discovered.

Downtown in the Pacific Northwest

Beyond awe-inspiring natural attractions, the Pacific Northwest bursts at the seams with characterful towns with downtown spots that hum with joy. From Ashland’s celebrated theater scene to Florence’s quirky shops and fresh seafood bounty, Oregon’s towns offer something for every soul. Washington gems like Leavenworth, modeled after beautiful Bavaria, and the time capsule that is Winthrop, with its Wild West appeal, provide otherworldly experiences. Meanwhile, Idaho’s Wallace, a land of fine silver and gold, and Sandpoint, a playground for skiing enthusiasts, complete this selection of coastal escapes. Bring your loved ones for a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of this beautiful region!

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Oregon

Oregon Ducks mourn the tragic loss of cornerback Khyree Jackson

Published

14 hours ago

July 7, 2024

Press Room

Oregon Ducks mourn the tragic loss of cornerback Khyree Jackson

All too soon, Oregon fans across the country received a push notification from ESPN, the NY Times, or another news source, notifying them that beloved former Duck Khyree Jackson had passed.

Jackson became a star for the Ducks after beginning his collegiate career at a junior college and then for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Most recently, Jackson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

At Oregon, Jackson stood out amongst his peers and was a phenomenal cornerback for the Ducks’ secondary in 2023.

Jackson was beloved on and off the field, which the Oregon football team showed in a tribute video on social media.

💚 pic.twitter.com/igHdJYZ5jg
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) July 7, 2024

Jackson, along with two of his high school football teammates, were killed in what has been reported as a drunk-driving accident.

The Oregon community has shared its devastation on social media, remembering what a fine player and even better person Jackson was.

In his final collegiate season, Jackson earned 34 total tackles, 7 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, and 2 sacks.

Heartbreakingly, Jackson isn’t the only football player that the Ducks mourn. Just a few years ago, beloved tight end Spencer Webb died in a recreational swimming accident just a few miles from campus.

Hug your loved ones and appreciate the stars you get to witness, both on and off the field.

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Oregon

Wildfire caused evacuations east of Redmond, temporary closure of airport

Published

21 hours ago

July 7, 2024

Press Room

Wildfire caused evacuations east of Redmond, temporary closure of airport

The McCaffery Fire started Saturday afternoon just east of the Redmond Airport.

Courtesy of Central Oregon Fire Info

A wildfire east of Redmond, Oregon, on Saturday led to evacuations in the Powell Butte area and has led to the temporary closure of the Redmond Airport.

As of 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, the McCaffery Fire was an estimated 250 acres, according to Central Oregon Fire Info, which said in a social media post that “retardant drops have slowed the spread of the fire.”

Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuations was once in place for an area that straddles the Deschutes and Crook County Lines. But At 9:15 p.m., the Crook County Sheriff’s office said on Facebook that “the evacuation level for the area has been dropped to a level 2. People may go home for the night but be ready to evacuate again.”

Level 2 is an evacuation warning, which means there’s a high probability of a need to evacuate. People should be ready to evacuate by packing necessary items and preparing their family, pets and car for potential departure from home.

According to the sheriff’s office, the evacuation zone included the West Powell Butte View Estates. An evacuation shelter has been established at Powell Butte Christian Church. 13720 OR-126, Powell Butte.

As of 8 p.m., OR Highway 126 remained open for traffic, according to ODOT’s TripCheck website.

While the fire itself is not directly impacting the Redmond Airport, the airport was once closed to passenger airline traffic due to the firefighting efforts, according to an announcement on the airport’s website. The airport said on its website that it had reopened to passenger traffic. Passengers should check with their airline for the most up-to-date flight information.

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