Vernonia's Early Literacy Efforts Highlighted by ODE

Source & link: Vernonia's Literacy Efforts Featured by Oregon Department of Education

Vernonia School District has seen significant improvements in early literacy thanks to targeted funding and support from NWRESD. Over the past two years, NWRESD secured more than $14 million in early literacy grants across Oregon, including over $105,000 for Vernonia.

Key highlights:

• Third grade reading proficiency rates increased by more than 10 percentage points last year following new literacy investments.

• Teachers participate in NWRESD’s four-part science of reading training series, as well as additional seminars and professional learning opportunities.

• District leaders and educators are aligning efforts to improve literacy outcomes, creating system-wide changes that benefit both students and teachers.

• Focused, intentional improvement work and alignment across grade levels have led to measurable gains in literacy.

To learn more about early literacy supports available to districts, visit NWRESD’s Early Literacy Supports webpage or email Laurel Fischer, professional learning coach.

Student‑Led Summit Advocates for Equity

Source & link: Flipping the Script — Students Take the Reins at this Innovative Conference

At the fourth annual Cascade Alliance for Equity Summit (October 31, held at the International School of Beaverton), almost 200 students, teachers and school leaders gathered for a full day of student‑led workshops.

Highlights include:

• A senior named Deethya led a session on misogyny, defining how it appears in micro‑aggressions and everyday language, and encouraged attendees to move from being bystanders to up‑standers.

• Other student teams talked about belonging, learning differences, community transitions and access to leadership roles — for example, how language, attendance or GPA rules may exclude some students.

• The message: giving students the platform to share lived experience helps adults understand and shift educational culture toward more equitable practice.

• One student summed it up: “Equality is good. But equity is greater.”

A detailed look at the network’s impact is currently in development. Soon, we’ll share data and stories that highlight how instructional coaching is strengthening educator practice and improving outcomes across the region.

Mentoring plays a crucial role in supporting new educators as they begin their teaching journey. Many leave the profession early due to feeling overwhelmed or isolated, but having a mentor provides guidance, reassurance, and a trusted partner to turn to. With someone “in their corner,” new teachers gain confidence, develop their skills more effectively, and are more likely to remain in the field.
Watch the video below to learn more.