Issues

As Superintendent I pledge to:

1. Continue to lead the fight to make class sizes manageable, keep teachers in the classroom, and protect education programs that are vital for our students.

I’ve spent the last eight years fighting against school budget cuts and being a vocal advocate for increased school funding.  I’ve taken on special interests that have reaped windfall profits from video poker machines and urged that money be spent on public education instead. I have stood up to those who have proposed inadequate budgets for our schools.  And during this economic recession, when every penny counted, I cut my own office budget over 30% to help lessen the impact on programs that serve schools and students. 

2.  Set clear, high expectations for our students so that every child in Oregon has an opportunity to get a good job or go on to college. 

I firmly believe that every single student in our public schools can succeed and achieve his or her goals and dreams.  But that won’t happen unless the adults in our state make it clear to all of our students that we are going to expect them to make a strong commitment to their own education.  That’s why I have worked so hard to implement the new Oregon High School Diploma.  For the first time in Oregon history, students will have to demonstrate that they can read, write, and do math before they get their diploma.

3.  Make sure students who are struggling get the help they need early on so they can be successful in school. 

Especially in these tough economic times, many Oregon students are at risk of falling behind academically. The good news is that we know who these students are and if we are able to reach out to them early we can help them be successful in school.  Oregon has greatly expanded Head Start and more students than ever are in full-day kindergarten programs.  I will continue to highlight schools and educators across Oregon who prove every day that we can close the academic achievement gap through my Closing the Achievement Gap awards.  And I’ll work closely with districts to take proven programs statewide.

4.  Ensure that every teacher and educator in Oregon has the 21st Century tools they need to help their students achieve. 

Our students aren’t going to be successful if the teachers and educational staff in our schools don’t have access to technology and other tools to help students reach their potential.  We have better data on how our students are performing and our teachers can access a new “Growth Model” that helps them track academic progress and tailor lessons that connect with each student.  We also need to continue to expand public-private partnerships like Accelerate Oregon, a newly formed nonprofit created to help bring more technology into our classrooms.  

Sincerely,

Susan Castillo
Superintendent of Public Instruction