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Two Chalkboard priority bills advance to House Education Committee
Proposed legislation would enhance teacher mentoring and professional development

Earlier this week, the Oregon House Subcommittee on Education Innovation approved House Bills 2574 and 2614, two pieces of legislation championed by Chalkboard to provide significant new support to educators.

House Bill 2574 phases in a mentoring program for all new teachers, principals and superintendents. The proposed legislation calls for a four-year phase in of the program, with $5 million allocated in the 2008-09 school year to meet the needs of about one-third of eligible teachers and administrators. When fully phased in, all eligible educators will receive two years’ worth of mentoring. Chalkboard has been pleased to partner with Stand for Children in promoting this legislation.

House Bill 2614 creates a statewide network to identify and coordinate top-notch professional development programs for K-12 teachers and administrators. Called the Oregon Collaborative for Educational Excellence, this public/private partnership will use existing facilities and expertise and new online resources to make sure Oregon’s educators are getting the quality, ongoing training they need to help students succeed.

The bills now move to the House Education Committee, where work sessions on both bills will be held Wednesday, April 4.

If you wish to comment on these bills, contact one or more members of the House Education Committee:

• Peter Buckley, Chair (D-Ashland)
• John Dallum, Vice-Chair (R-The Dalles)
• Betty Komp, Vice-Chair (D-Woodburn)
• Brian Clem (D-Salem)
• Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland)
• Jerry Krummel (R-Wilsonville)
• John Lim (R-Gresham)
• Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay)
• Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver)

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