As we enter the final weeks of 2015, I hope everyone will be able to take full advantage of our break to reflect and recharge. The first part of this school year has been difficult for many PAT members, particularly when it comes to safety and discipline. In my 20 years in PPS, I’ve never heard so many disturbing stories, or seen so many great educators feeling beaten down. 

This summer, thanks to the leadership of Lew Frederick and several other long-time education advocates, the state legislature took an important step to curb high-stakes testing in Oregon. The adoption of HB 2655 allows parents to opt their children out of state testing, particularly the Smarter Balanced Assessment, without having to give a reason. Previously, opting-out was only allowed for religious beliefs or a student’s disability.

What is your holiday wish for your students? Art classes? Music? Wrap around mental health services? The Better Oregon campaign is where it begins.

Teachers across the state are working hard to get Initiative Petition 28 on the 2016 ballot. And if we succeed at qualifying and then passing this ballot measure, it will put up to 33% more money into public education.