The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is bringing together four central workgroups to help inform the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA, which replaces No Child Left Behind (NCLB), was signed into law by the President in December and affords states additional flexibility in the design of state assessment and accountability systems. The four ODE workgroups are: Standards and Assessment, Accountability, Educator Effectiveness, and School and District Improvement. Each workgroup will review Oregon’s current system and make recommendations regarding areas of flexibility and opportunity.

Groups will meet in person in Salem from April to June 2016 and will explore aspects of the new law, with a particular focus on how to leverage available flexibility to ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes for all of Oregon’s students. The work groups will make recommendations to the internal ODE ESSA Leadership Team regarding policy and implementation strategies to inform Oregon’s ESSA State Plan. The estimated time commitment is 20-30 hours over the three months and some travel may be required. Reimbursement for substitutes and travel expenses will be provided. Each group will consist of 20-25 individuals, selected with an eye to ensuring a balanced group that represents a range of expertise as well as the geographic and cultural diversity of our state. The workgroup meetings will kick-off with an initial convening the first week of April.

Individuals interested in serving on one of these workgroups will need to submit the following:

• A brief online questionnaire containing your contact information and statement of interest
• A resume or bio
• Signed documentation from your school or organization indicating support for your participation (if applicable)

To apply, simply complete the online questionnaire here. The resume/bio and statement of support can be attached and uploaded at the end of the questionnaire form. Please submit all application materials no later than Sunday, March 6, 2016.

If you have any question or issues completing the online application, please contact Jordan Heide at jordan.heide@state.or.us or 503-947-5905 or Brett Walker at brett.walker@state.or.us or 503-378-5160.

Key areas of discussion for each group include, but are not limited to, the following:

Standards and Assessment

• Academic standards in English Language Arts and Math
• Assessment requirements and options at grades 3-8 and the flexibility to use a nationally-recognized assessment in lieu of state assessments at the high school level
• Implications for schools and districts that fail to meet the 95% participation requirement on state assessments

Accountability

• Long-term and interim goals for academic achievement on state tests, graduation rates, and English language proficiency for English Learners
• Indicators for school and district report cards including:

Academic Indicators: State tests; Student growth or other statewide academic indicator; Graduation rates for high schools; and English language proficiency

Measure of School Quality and Student Success: At least one indicator, determined by the state, e.g. student engagement, access to advanced coursework, school climate, others.

• Federal participation requirement (95% participation on state assessments) into the accountability system

Educator Effectiveness

• The evolution of Oregon’s educator evaluation system
• Ensuring equitable access to excellent educators
• Supporting educators along the career continuum (PreK-20)

School and District Improvement

• Refining improvement processes and strategies to support improvement activities
• Defining exit criteria and timelines for identified schools
• Developing collaborative structures to strengthen supports and interventions in identified schools

To learn more about ESSA and Oregon’s implementation plan, visit our ESSA website.