education

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said, “A country that out-educates us today will out-compete us tomorrow.” But boosting educational outcomes and achieving lasting gains, particularly for low-income students, may require significantly broader collaboration between schools and communities.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2011-11-04 Schools and Communities.mp3

The economic downturn and dramatic accompanying drop in state revenue means that Oregon’s public schools will be forced to tighten their already snug belts. But school reform can happen in many ways, and the dire economic situation need not prevent the Legislature from focusing on ways to improve public education this year and in 2010.

Audio (play now or download): 

2009.02.20 CC Copy.mp3

Oregonians generally acknowledge that higher education is worthy of public investment, but over the last 25 years the gap between state needs and state resources in this area has grown wider. The recent recession further highlights the need for reforms in the way that Oregon funds and operates its higher education system.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2011-01-21 Higher Ed in OR MP3 small.mp3

With only 63 percent of students who enter Portland high schools graduating in four years - and just 35 percent of African American students on track to do so - there is little question that Portland's public high schools struggle with both achievement and equity. Following months of community discussions, Portland Public Schools superintendent Carole Smith recently proposed a high school redesign plan that she claims will narrow the achievement gap, raise graduation rates and boost declining enrollment.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2010-03-05 Redesign PPS.mp3

Teaching quality is the most effective and efficient way to boost student achievement, research suggests. Although Oregonians recently rejected a proposed ballot measure tying teacher pay to performance, one local school district is already testing a variation on this theme. Working collaboratively, teachers and administrators developed an affordable plan for raising teaching quality and rewarding teaching excellence.

Audio (play now or download): 

2009.06.05 CC copy.mp3

An urban university serves a unique function. It educates the citizens of its city, but also generates progress within that city by conducting useful research, encouraging student engagement and promoting sustainability.

Audio (play now or download): 

Dec 12 2008 CCOP Copy.MP3

Current Oregon law requires local school districts to provide research-based programs for non-native speakers to learn English until students are assessed as “English proficient.” Ballot Measure 58 would amend this law and prohibit teaching non-English speaking students in a language other than English for more than two years. It allows for “English immersion classes for more than two years” before students are taught in only English. On October 24, Rick Hickey and Dana Hepper will debate whether to enact these new requirements or to keep the current law.

Audio (play now or download): 

October.24.2008.MP3

On September 5, City Club continues to show its concern for the local educational system by inviting Carole Smith, superintendent of Portland Public Schools, to the Friday Forum podium. In her first major address as superintendent, Smith will discuss the urgent challenges facing our schools and de¬scribe her vision for high school reform.

Audio (play now or download): 

Sep 5 2008 CCOPcopy.mp3

As State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Susan Castillo is responsible for statewide curriculum and instruction programs, school improvement efforts, and Oregon’s statewide assessment system. Her priorities include making the education system more accountable, promoting literacy, closing the achievement gap, improving middle and high schools, strengthening community ties and improving efficiency in the Oregon Department of Education.
 

On Friday, September 28, City Club’s Friday Forum will explore the “eat local” movement in a discussion with Scott Dolich and Ron Paul, moderated by Scott Exo.

Portland–indeed the nation–has a growing obsession with food. But not just any food; Portlanders are increasingly interested in consuming food from the local food shed. Consumers are demanding to know, not only what is in and on their food, but where it came from.

Audio (play now or download): 

pdx09 - 28-07.mp3