At the end of September, IMESD provided training for about 50 regional high school leaders about High School Success, a fund initiated by Oregon ballot measure 98 in November 2016. The intent of High School Success is to improve student progress toward graduation beginning with grade 9, increase the graduation rates of high schools, and improve high school graduates’ readiness for college and career.
Funding is provided to establish or expand programs in three specific areas:
Dropout Prevention
Career & Technical Education
College-Level Education Opportunities
At the September 24th workshop at IMESD headquarters in Pendleton, representatives from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) presented information so high schools will be ready to document their eligibility for the funds and that needs are represented in the district's Integrated Plan.
The morning began with several high school staff leaders sharing how High School Success funds are making a difference in their schools. These included academic and attendance recognition, increased intentional, direct connection with students, equitable grading practices, and post-high school training ideas. Time was also dedicated to communication strategies for sharing information with district stakeholders, as well as review of Oregon’s newest diploma requirements.
Jennifer Pambrun, Initiatives Coordinator at IMESD, said that having an in-person workshop where ODE staff are in the same room with high school principals, counselors and others is beneficial. “Providing opportunities for conversations about funding, programs and what is working or what could use more support is helpful, especially for high school leaders who wear many hats in their schools,” Pambrun said.
All High School Success recipients must meet eligibility requirements in order to receive and spend funds.
For more professional development opportunities offered by IMESD, visit: https://events.imesd.k12.or.us/
Mario Uribe Saldana, Principal at Mac-Hi in Milton-Freewater Unified School District, presents at the training.