By Kathryn Hickok
The Portland Tribune recently reported that Oregon elementary students’ academic proficiency remains “significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels.” It also noted that while every state “experienced a decrease in average assessment scores,” “compared to every other state, Oregon was third last for improvement in reading test scores….”
All children deserve effective educational options that will help them succeed in school. Here are three ways state leaders can help K-12 students get their education back on track when Oregon’s 2025 Legislative Session begins in January:
- Raise the cap on virtual charter school enrollment so successful charter schools can serve more students. School districts may prevent students from enrolling in virtual charter schools if three percent of the district’s students are already enrolled in a virtual charter school sponsored by another district.
- Expand public school transfer policies so students can attend different public schools with open seats. This would create incentives for district schools to respond to students’ needs and reward those that achieve better outcomes.
- Enact an Education Savings Account (ESA) program so students choosing to opt in can use their state-level, per-pupil education funds where they learn best. 17 states currently have ESA programs.
To really improve education outcomes in Oregon, we need to make it possible for families to enroll their children in the schools that best meet their academic needs and goals.
Kathryn Hickok is Executive Vice President at Cascade Policy Institute, Oregon’s free market public policy research organization, and Director of Cascade’s Children’s Scholarship Fund-Oregon program.
