Education

Being back in school in-person is more effective for most students than the days of distance learning. But many students with disabilities missed out even more when they were at home. And that time at home gave parents a chance to see what their children were not learning — and take matters into their own hands.

Oregon’s four-year graduation rate is up slightly, to 81.3% for the Class of 2022. It's the second-highest rate recorded for Oregon students.

Data show the pandemic hasn’t changed college academic outcomes, but students, faculty and other education officials say there's more going on.

In other news, Clatsop County expects to lift a moratorium on vacation rentals; a Klamath County fire department is being sued over a woman's death; Vancouver's school measure is under attack.

“The policy will not be amended or changed, it is gone,” Newberg superintendent Stephen Phillips said in an email to OPB.

The public school district in Seattle has filed a novel lawsuit against TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat, seeking to hold them accountable for a mental health crisis among youth.

In a press release shared Friday, Oregon Gov.-elect Tina Kotek announced plans for staff changes in the education department as she prepares to take over this month. Kotek also announced the upcoming retirement of the Oregon Department of Education’s top official, Colt Gill, at the end of this year’s legislative session.

Staffing shortages are among the challenges that have left students in special education physically at risk and academically unserved — even though they are among the student groups in greatest need after more than two school years of pandemic disruptions.

The Reynolds school board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Danna Diaz at a meeting Thursday night. It’s part of an agreement to transition to a new superintendent in 2023.

An audit of Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission calls for more focus on community college support.