Legislative Briefs
Behavioral health needs
What it does: The Student Success Act required school districts to submit a plan for certain student outcomes. As part of the planning process, districts are required to consider how to meet students' mental and behavioral health needs. House Bill 2408 would require the Oregon Department of Education to establish a pilot program to assist districts in addressing the behavioral health needs of students.
What’s next: The House Education Committee has scheduled a work session Thursday, April 8.
Kindergarten assessments
Senate Bill 596
What it does: Oregon requires students entering kindergarten to be assessed for early literacy, early math and specific approaches to learning. The assessment was created with a link to third grade reading and aligns with current Oregon assessment practices. Senate Bill 596 would remove the requirement for school districts to administer certain assessments to students enrolled or preparing to enroll in prekindergarten through grade 2.
What’s next: The Senate Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing Wednesday, April 7.
Assessments opt-out
Senate Bill 602
What it does: In 2015, the Oregon Legislature passed the Student Assessment Bill of Rights, which allows a parent to excuse a child from taking certain annual statewide assessments and requires school districts to notify parents about statewide assessments and their opt-out rights. Senate Bill 602 would make this act permanent.
What’s next: The Senate Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing Wednesday, April 7, and a work session Monday, April 12.