Oregon Launches Ambitious Early Learning Reform, Plus a Look at ...

In neighboring Oregon, Gov. John Kitzhaber is leading an ambitious effort to reform the state?s education system, including early learning.

In early childhood education, the governor is trying to construct a better coordinated system that focuses a lot of state resources on school readiness, The Oregonian reported yesterday in ?Sweeping changes to Oregon's early childhood programs would start with small steps.?

The story is an excellent overview of what this gubernatorial-led effort is trying to do, emerging concerns and potential opposition. It is clear Gov. Kitzhaber wants to make quick progress on one of the tougher issues in early learning: measuring school readiness.

"It calls for schools to measure and report on the readiness of all kindergartners by fall 2013. ... Every year, 42,000 children start kindergarten in Oregon. The state's high child poverty rate leads officials to believe as many as 15,000 arrive unprepared to dive in and learn fast enough. Children unready for kindergarten take extra money to educate and are likely to drop out of high school -- a huge problem in a state where the on-time graduation rate is 67 percent.

? Oregonian, 2/5/11.

The story is a quick read. Whatever you think about the governor?s plan, it appears systemic changes in Oregon?s early education system are overdue.
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Learning About PreK-3rd: If you want to learn more about PreK-3rd - the effort to build a more seamless continuum from pre-kindergarten through third grade ? check out the Erikson Institute?s new webinar, ?High-Quality PreK?3rd in the Age of Common Core.?

A quick way to learn about the event is to follow developments on Twitter at the hashtag #eriksonprek3.

A couple Twitter highlights:

?PreK to K alignment is needed for kids to benefit from early investment. Continuity is where the rubber meets the road.

False dichotomy in #earlyed emphasizes soft skills, w/ later grades focusing on academic rigor and content.

Source: http://birthtothrive.thrivebyfivewa.org/post/2012/02/06/Oregon-Launches-Ambitious-Early-Learning-Reform-Plus-a-Look-at-PreK-3rd-on-Twitter.aspx

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