School Assessment Results
The Oregon Department of Education has released the 2023-24 statewide assessment results, revealing mixed outcomes for students still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Math scores saw slight improvement, with a 0.4 percentage point increase from the previous year, but English language arts proficiency declined by 0.5 points, and science scores also dropped slightly. Overall, 42.5% of students tested proficient in English, 31% in math, and just 29.3% in science.
State Representative Boomer Wright commented on the results,
“We have seen no significant improvement in learning or school performance.”
He added.
“The root of the problem lies in inadequate teacher preparation programs that emphasize making students feel good over academic success.”
He is working on legislation to address these issues by advocating for research-based instruction and curriculum practices.
While there has been slight progress, less than half of Oregon students are meeting key academic benchmarks, raising concerns about the ongoing educational recovery.
Stuck House in Cushman
The lack of a clearance sign and permits may be to blame for the latest traffic congestion on Highway 126 at Cushman. The trestle was impacted by a transport moving a housing unit. Bystanders say they were stuck waiting for the removal of the blockage for more than a half an hour. There were no apparent injuries as a result of the incident. Slight changes were made in the roads slope that have further decreased the clearance for the trestle.
Food Backpack for Kids
The Food Backpack for Kids program, serving rural Coastal Lane County, provided over 27,500 weekend meals to food-insecure students in the Florence and Mapleton school districts last year. Thanks to the generosity of local foundations, businesses, and donors, the program expects to increase this number to 55,000 meals in 2024. Since 2012, the volunteer-run program has supplied nutritious, pre-packaged meals to at-risk students, ensuring they have food over the weekends. With no overhead costs, every dollar donated directly supports feeding young students and helping them return to school nourished and ready to learn.