Oregon Department of Education
Seal of Oregon
Agency overview
JurisdictionState of Oregon
HeadquartersSalem, OR
Agency executive
  • Charlene Williams, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction
Websitewww.oregon.gov/ode/pages/default.aspx

The Oregon Department of Education is the department responsible for implementing Oregon's public education policies, including academic standards and testing, credentials, and other matters not reserved to the local districts and boards. The department is overseen by the Governor, acting as State Superintendent of Public Instruction.[1] Agencies of the department include the Chief Education Office (formerly the Oregon Education Investment Board), the Early Learning Division, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, the State Board of Education, and the Youth Development Division.[2] The key roles of the agency include setting test standards and graduation requirements for statewide uniformity.[3]

The department serves 197 elementary and secondary school districts and 19 education service districts across the state, which in turn serve over 500,000 students.[4][5]


History

From 1872 to 2012, the Oregon Department of Education was led by an elected constitutional officer, titled the Oregon Superintendent of Public Instruction. However, in 2012, the Oregon legislature eliminated the elected office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and consolidated its functions with the office of Governor.[6][7] Susan Castillo was the final elected Superintendent of Public Instruction.[8][9]

Under the current system, the Governor appoints a Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction to act as day-to-day administrator of the department.[10] The Deputy Superintendent is a professional position, as opposed to an elected position. They carry out the state policies set by the State Board of Education and by the Oregon State Legislature.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ "ORS 326.300 (2013) - Governor as Superintendent of Public Instruction". Oregon Legislative Counsel Committee. Retrieved 2015-11-17.
  2. ^ "Organization Overview 2015" (PDF). Oregon Department of Education. 2015. Retrieved 2015-11-17.
  3. ^ Hammond, Betsy (July 13, 2012). "Tigard-Tualatin Superintendent Rob Saxton chosen to lead Oregon public schools". The Oregonian. Retrieved July 29, 2012.
  4. ^ "Education service districts". Oregon School Boards Association. Retrieved 2015-11-17.
  5. ^ "About Us". Oregon Department of Education. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  6. ^ Melton, Kimberly (April 6, 2011). "Despite some concerns, Oregon Senate passes bill that makes Oregon's governor the schools superintendent". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
  7. ^ "State Schools Superintendent to also be the Governor". 1110 KBND. June 23, 2011. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
  8. ^ Hammond, Betsy (June 4, 2012). "Oregon Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo to step down". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  9. ^ Cole, Michelle (June 29, 2012). "Oregon Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo says goodbye to Salem". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 29, 2012.
  10. ^ The Associated Press (July 13, 2012). "Rob Saxton appointed to key Ore. education post". KATU.com. Retrieved July 29, 2012.
  11. ^ "ORS 326.310 (2013) - Superintendents educational duties". Oregon Legislative Counsel Committee. Retrieved 2015-11-17.

External links


K–12 education agencies in the United States
Authority control databases
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