Oregon Watchdog: House Republicans: Oregon must move forward with graduation standards

OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2008
CONTACT: Nick Smith, 503-986-1351

KIDS DESERVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS, OREGONIANS DESERVE ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC EDUCATION
House Republicans: Oregon Must Move Forward With Graduation Standards

SALEM— House Republicans today said the state must proceed with plans to increase graduation standards for Oregon high school students. Since 2005, the caucus has sponsored and passed legislation to increase standards and ensure students’ proficiency in math and English. The Governor on Friday said he’ll work to “delay” implementing these standards.

“By most measures, student achievement across Oregon is plummeting,” said Rep. Sherrie Sprenger (R-Scio), a House Education Committee member and former school board chair. “With Oregon competing in a global economy, it is a mistake to maintain our state’s low education standards. When the bar is raised, our students perform better and are more prepared for higher education and future jobs.”

Citing the state’s poor economy, Governor said funding is not available to implement the standards. However, the 2007 Legislature passed a record $6.24 billion K-12 education budget that Democrats claimed would be spent on additional teaching positions and improved academic services.

“With a record 2007-09 K-12 budget, Oregonians should be outraged with the notion that there’s not enough money to implement stronger education standards for our kids,” Rep. Sprenger. “The Governor’s announcement only deepens the perception among many citizens that our education dollars are not being well spent. Oregonians deserve accountability for their children’s education, and they deserve accountability for their tax dollars.”

Earlier this year, the state reported the worst student performance results in six years. Only 36 percent of Oregon high school students were meeting academic targets.

In 2005, House Republicans sponsored and passed HB 3129 to require each student to complete at least three years of math and four years of English and meet academic standards established by State Board of Education. After additional legislation was passed in 2007, the Board finally approved these standards in June.
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