By Associated Press & Amy Sienicki
 
August 4, 2008
 
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Southern Oregon school officials are commenting on new data released earlier this week that suggests that as a whole, Southern Oregon school districts are not meeting federal academic goals.
 
According to the report, just 61 percent of Oregon schools meet federal standards. That's down nearly 14 percentage points in a single year. The drop comes as Oregon sets the achievement bar higher for students and their teachers.
 
This year, for the first time, 60 percent of all students had to be up to grade level in reading, and 59 percent in math. Schools also must meet an attendance or graduation requirement. Last year, the bar was only at 50 percent, and 49 percent, respectively.
 
As in years past, the picture looks bleaker for high schools than it does for elementary and middle schools. About 70 percent of Oregon elementary and middle schools hit the academic targets, while just about 36 percent of high schools did so.
 
The report assesses the performance of 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 10th graders. It tests students on reading and math. School administrators say the report can be misleading because it only looks only tests four grade levels and focuses on two subjects. It also groups together students at various learning curves and abilities.
 
Medford, Grants Pass, Central Point, Eagle Point, Klamath County and city schools, Rogue River, and Three Rivers all did not meet the standards, though many schools within the districts did. On the whole, elementary and middle schools fared better than high schools.
The schools don't face consequences yet, but next year some might have to pay for transfers or bus trips to higher performing schools.
 
To view the full report visit www.ode.state.or.us/data/ReportCard/Reports.aspx