OSBA’s Annual Convention emphasizes lifting Oregon graduation rates

About 800 people attended OSBA’s pre-convention and convention workshops in 2016. A similar number are expected Nov. 9-12 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront for OSBA’s 71st Annual Convention. (Photo by Blue Chalk Media) 

OSBA’s 71st Annual Convention this week will be focused on “Leadership to lift our promise of graduation.”

The gathering Nov. 9-12 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront will offer 70 workshops, with many of them presenting strategies, research and support for raising graduation rates. Topics include chronic absenteeism, career and technical education, trauma-informed practices, and intervention and tracking systems.

There will also be all-day workshops for administrative professionals, school attorneys and school board members wanting to earn their Leadership Institute certificates.

On Friday, newly appointed Acting Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Colt Gill will lead a panel discussion with representatives from the Eagle Point School District on improving Oregon’s graduation rate. In addition, Gill will be leading workshops on equity and improving the achievement of students in poverty.

The convention will also include the debut of the latest video from The Promise of Oregon campaign, which this year focuses on improving graduation rates. The video celebrates the triumph of graduation at high schools around the state.

Convention attendees can meet, share ideas and be inspired. Meals, exhibits and three keynote speakers add to the opportunities to make contacts and learn new strategies for the coming year. The convention also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of Oregon’s students, educators, board members and schools.

Last-minute attendees can register the day of events at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront.

- Jake Arnold
jarnold@osba.org