Oregon Senate Republicans voted to advance a measure that would modernize Oregon’s curriculum transparency laws.

SB 1575 would require district school boards to post course titles, textbooks, instructional materials, syllabus and applicable state academic content standards on the school district's website.

School board meetings all over the state are seeing an increase in parent participation over critical race theory (CRT) and sexual identity course content. Parents feel they have been blindsided by content of what their children are being taught in school.

The law allows the district school board to establish supplemental courses that are not inconsistent with the prescribed courses. They may adopt courses of study in lieu of state courses of study upon approval by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. SB 1575 would make the information available but it doesn't ensure prior notice be given parents before adoption.

ORS 336.465 outlines the rights of parents to examine “instructional materials to be used in any class, course, assembly or school-sponsored activity.” Despite this promise of transparency, parents often have no practical way of exercising this right.

Outdated procedures often require parents to travel to district facilities or school buildings during limited hours (typically during working hours). This is a barrier for many parents.

“It’s time to bring Oregon’s value of transparency into the 21st century,” said Senator Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer), author of the bill. “Current law already gives parents the right to see what materials are being used to teach their kids. For decades, we have recognized parents’ right to know. This bill would create a streamlined process for parents to exercise that right.”

Thatcher continued, “The internet gives parents and students access to near unlimited information at their fingertips. Students use computers to complete assignments and even to participate in the classroom. Our transparency laws need to be updated.”

According to a recent national survey, 85% of voters agree that parents should be allowed to see all curriculum, books, and other materials in classes their children are taking. Seventy-one percent believe parents should have a ‘significant’ role in their children’s’ curriculum development process.

The motion to withdraw from committee on Education to debate SB 1575 on the Senate floor failed along party lines, 9-16, with all Democrats voting no. The bill will remain dead in the Senate Education Committee.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Senators that voted against supporting parents’ right to have access and review curriculum materials are: Rachel Armitage (D-Scappoose), Peter Courtney (D-Salem), Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), Lew Frederick (D-Portland), Sara Gelser Blouin (D-Corvallis), Jeff Golden (D-Ashland), Chris Gorsek (D-Portland), Kayse Jama (D-Portland), Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton), James Manning Jr (D-Eugene), Deb Patterson (D-Salem), Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), Janeen Sollman (D-Hillsboro), Elizabeth Steiner Hayward (D-Portland), Kathleen Taylor (D-Portland), and Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego).

These same Senators voted for SB 1521 reducing the value of parents’ voices at school board meetings giving the school district superintendent unfettered power over the school board.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-05 06:47:36

Last Update: 2022-03-04 14:03:35