Early learning and literacy
House Bills 3134, 3198, 3454, 3561
What they do: HBs 3134, 3198, 3454 and 3561 address early learning and literacy.
HB 3134 would add phonics as a component of language arts instruction and academic content standards.
HB 3198 would establish an Early Literacy Success Initiative funded by the Statewide Education Initiatives Account. The initiative would aim to increase early literacy so that students achieve reading proficiency by the end of the third grade (for students who are English language learners, by the end of the fourth grade), reduce early literacy academic disparities for student groups that have historically experienced academic disparities, reduce graduation rate disparities for student groups that have historically experienced academic disparities, and increase graduation rates for all Oregon students. The Oregon Department of Education would award annual grants to qualifying school districts and public charter schools and establish an early literacy coaching support program.
HB 3454 would direct ODE to award grants to qualifying school districts and public charter schools to improve literacy.
HB 3561 would include “early childhood behavioral and mental health services” in preexisting scholarships and grants already awarded by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the Early Learning Division. These scholarships and grants are designed to ensure an adequate supply of highly qualified early childhood care and education professionals in Oregon.
What’s next: HBs 3134, 3198 and 3454 are awaiting hearings in the House Education Committee, and the House Higher Education Committee will open a public hearing on HB 3561 on Tuesday, March 14.
Special education
Bill Number: Senate Bills 572, 575,758
What they do: SBs 572, 575 and 758 address special education programs in Oregon.
SB 575 would direct ODE to implement a statewide education plan for students who are eligible for special education and who have experienced disproportionate results in education due to historical practices.
SB 758 would establish timelines and redacting requirements for records related to the provision of special education and would require that school districts bear the burden of proof related to special education determinations and appropriateness. The bill would also prohibit school districts from preventing or discouraging school employees or volunteers from taking certain actions in good faith and related to special education, including participating in official interviews during the investigation of a complaint; reporting a state or federal law violation involving special education and related services; sharing information with the student or the student’s parent about the services provided or not provided to the student; reporting concerns about inappropriate restraint, seclusion or corporal punishment of a student to the student’s parent, the school or authorities; reporting of suspected abuse or neglect; or reporting a suspected violation of the a disabled person’s rights. Additionally, it would prohibit certain nondisclosure agreements between school districts and students, parents, school employees or school volunteers related to special education.
SB 572 would require the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to work with Portland State University and community colleges to establish a post-secondary program for youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What’s next: The House Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing Wednesday, March 1.
Child health
House Bills 3009 and 3126 and Senate Bill 549
What they do: HBs 3009 and 3126 and SB 549 pertain to child behavioral, mental and physical health.
HB 3009 would direct the Human Services Department to establish and administer a program to provide services to youths with acute needs and their families. The department would contract with existing agencies to ensure wraparound services (e.g., residential, community and home-based services and school and educational assistance persons) to youths younger than 18 who require psychiatric residential treatment services, subacute care or treatment in a secure intensive community inpatient facility. The Supports for Youth with Acute Needs Account would be separate from the General Fund.
HB 3126 would require the Oregon Health Authority to establish an Emergency Behavioral Health Services for Children program that would promote the timely delivery of behavioral health services to children who present behavioral health crises in a hospital emergency department. The bill would authorize the implementation of up to three pilot programs and establish provisions for program expansion.
SB 549 would direct the Oregon Health Authority to modify the grant amounts for school-based health centers for inflation. The bill would also direct the OHA to select 10 school districts or education service districts to receive school-based health center planning grants, direct ODE to select an additional 10 school districts or education service districts to receive grants to implement trauma-informed approaches, and direct ODE to select 10 school districts or education service districts to receive grants to develop wraparound service delivery hubs in schools.
What’s next: The House Early Childhood and Human Services Committee has scheduled a public hearing on HB 3009 and 3126 Monday, March 13, and the Senate Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing on SB 549 Thursday, March 16.
School meals
What it does: HB 3030 would establish a Universal School Meal Account in the State Treasury, separate from the General Fund. The funds would be distributed by ODE to reimburse school districts that incur costs in providing United States Department of Agriculture reimbursable meals that are not otherwise paid for by state, federal or other sources.
What’s next: The House Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing Wednesday, March 15.
Physical education
What it does: HB 3199 would require ODE to convene an advisory group to review physical education requirements for students in grades six through eight.
What’s next: The House Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing Wednesday, March 15.
