This report, Re-imagining Grades 9-14, part of several statewide initiatives to have more college graduates in the state, makes recommendations that will affect English departments (and others) in the state of Oregon:

1. required alignment of HS coursework to Common Core standards and college expectations through collaboration w/higher ed partners;

2. create more dual enrollment opportunities by speeding up HS teacher certification;

3. Reduce developmental education;

4. create an integrated P-2- data monitoring and reporting system.

While the goals are admirable, it’s interesting that few faculty members were involved in drafting the report, and despite a variety of parallel initiatives happening statewide, there is no reference to their work.

The May 1, 2014 report is here: http://www.cosa.k12.or.us/sites/default/files/images/reimagining_grades_9-14_may_2014.pdf