Chapter 311 Oregon Laws 2011

AN ACT

SB 560

Relating to local district continuous improvement plans; amending ORS 329.095; and prescribing an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. ORS 329.095 is amended to read:

329.095. (1)(a) The Department of Education shall require school districts and schools to conduct self-evaluations and to periodically update their local district continuous improvement plans [on a biennial basis]. Except as provided by paragraph (b)(C) of this subsection, the department may not require school districts or schools to conduct self-evaluations or to update their local district continuous improvement plans more frequently than biennially.

(b) The department may require a school district to:

(A) File, periodically, or at the department’s request, its local district continuous improvement plan with the department;

(B) Notify the department of any substantial changes, as defined by rule of the State Board of Education, to the school district; or

(C) Update its local district continuous improvement plan when there has been a substantial change, as defined by rule of the board, to the school district.

(c) The self-evaluation process conducted as provided by this subsection shall involve the public in the setting of local goals. The school districts shall ensure that representatives from the demographic groups of their school population are invited to participate in the development of local district continuous improvement plans to achieve the goals.

(2) As part of setting local goals, school districts shall undertake a communications process that involves parents, students, teachers, school employees and community representatives to explain and discuss the local goals and their relationship to programs under this chapter.

(3) At the request of the school district, department staff shall provide ongoing technical assistance in the development and implementation of the local district continuous improvement plan.

(4) The local district continuous improvement plan shall include:

(a) Goals to implement the following:

(A) A rigorous curriculum aligned with state standards;

(B) High-quality instructional programs;

(C) Short-term and long-term professional development plans;

(D) Programs and policies that achieve a safe educational environment;

(E) A plan for family and community engagement;

(F) Staff leadership development;

(G) High-quality data systems;

(H) Improvement planning that is data-driven;

(I) Education service plans for students who have or have not exceeded all of the academic content standards; and

(J) A strong school library program;

(b) A review of demographics, student performance, staff characteristics and student access to, and use of, educational opportunities; and

(c) A description of district efforts to achieve local efficiencies and efforts to make better use of resources.

SECTION 2. This 2011 Act takes effect on January 1, 2013.

Approved by the Governor June 9, 2011

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 9, 2011

Effective date January 1, 2013

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