Objective 4: Equip Oregonians to play a role in creating a first-rate education system by increasing understanding, building connections, and inspiring action.

2004 Action Items

Accomplishments/Status

Ÿ The Chalkboard project will launch a large-scale dialogue with Oregonians about what Oregonians expect from K-12 and how they want to pay for it.  All the stakeholders, including the business community, should rally around this effort.

Ÿ With leadership from the State Superintendent and with support from E3, a coalition of education groups will implement data-driven communications strategies to increase focus on student achievement and education-outcome issues.

Ÿ    Commission public opinion research that provides in-depth understanding of the messages that connect Oregonian’s aspirations with the reform strategies intended to produce a first-rate K-12 public education system in Oregon.

Ÿ    Conduct an audit of existing communication strategies (local and national) designed to reach the 75% of the population without children in K-12.

Ÿ   Develop new messages and communications tools that increase Oregonian’s understanding and connection to student achievement and the outcomes of their investment in public K-12 education.

Ÿ Reactivate professional technical programs in grades 11-12 through regional industry strategies driven by regional Workforce Education Response Teams.

   E3: Employers For Education Excellence is building a statewide communications program in partnership with other education groups.  Employers and foundations have provided substantial financial support for E3's efforts.

   Five Oregon foundations have formed the Chalkboard Project to work with Oregonians to achieve a shared understanding and progress relative to improved K-12 public education in Oregon.