Gov. Kate Brown told the Senate Education Committee on Thursday her education initiatives before them this session would ensure teachers receive training throughout their careers and would help historically underserved students graduate.

One of her proposals, Senate Bill 183, aims to boost graduation rates among students of color, those in poverty and males. For these groups, graduating on time is more difficult, Brown's "education innovation officer," Colt Gill, told the committee.

In her proposed budget, Brown recommended placing $20 million in a graduation equity fund. That fund, which would be established by the bill, tackles the graduation rate problem three ways.

Though 26 percent of Oregon high school students failed to graduate on time in 2015 overall, these rates were higher among some groups.Chief Education Office

First, it would establish a system to identify students who are struggling early and help teachers intervene to get them back on track. The system would use predictive analytics technology, much like the technology Amazon and Netflix use to predict which products or TV shows you might like.

It wouldn't just rely on test scores, Gill said. Using data compiled on a student's behavior, attendance and academic performance, the software can tell whether the student is on track for graduation or is falling behind.

"It allows educators, students and families to work together to intervene and support students before they're too far down a path that's causing them to be at risk for failing to graduate," he said.

The second part of the fund would aim to change the way staff interact with students facing traumatic experiences, like death, divorce or substance abuse at home. The aim is to help those students feel more welcome at the school, and to build resiliency skills that will ultimately help them graduate, Gill said.

The final provision of the bill would address chronic absenteeism by adding engaging curriculum, culturally responsive programs, and by partnering with community groups.

Rates of chronic absenteeism --when a student misses 10 percent or more school days in a year -- are higher among certain groups. Chief Education Office 

Brown stressed the importance of hands-on education in keeping students on track to diplomas. State data shows those who took at least one technical education course had an 85 percent graduation rate, compared with the 75 percent rate overall, she said.

"We see this as absolutely critical," she said.

Brown also championed another measure aimed at improving graduation rates.

Senate Bill 182, the Educator Advancement Bill, would make Brown's Educator Advancement Council a permanent fixture in the state.

It would also establish scholarships for culturally or linguistically diverse teacher candidates and work to develop better training programs for early childhood teachers.

"Excellent teaching matters, because we want all of our students to learn from caring, competent and culturally responsive educators," Brown said. "To do that, we need to ensure that educators have meaningful opportunities to expand their skills, and ongoing opportunities for professional learning and leadership development."

-- Anna Marum

amarum@oregonian.com
503-294-5911
@annamarum

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