New Willamette Academy leader has roots, goals 5:25 p.m. PDT September 17, 2016 Passionate. Experienced. Approachable. These are some of the words people have used to describe Emilio Solano, the newly hired directorof Willamette Academy. Willamette Academy is Willamette University’s college access program for students from historically underrepresented groups attending schools in the Salem-Keizer School District. The university created the academyContinue reading "New Willamette Academy leader has roots, goals"

Report: Oregon most attractive state for teachers 7:04 p.m. PDT September 16, 2016 Though Oregon's graduation rates are among the lowest in the country and the state is among the lowest in school funding, it must be doing something right. New research rates Oregon as the most attractive state for teachers. According to a new report, "A Coming CrisisContinue reading "Report: Oregon most attractive state for teachers"

How is full-day kindergarten panning out? 3:55 p.m. PDT September 15, 2016 More than 3,150 kids started kindergarten in Salem-Keizer schools Wednesday, the second group of 5- and 6-year-olds to attend all-day classes. How did that extra instructional time influence the district's first all-day kindergartners? From Laura Janssen's perspective, it's had a big impact. Janssen, aContinue reading "How is full-day kindergarten panning out?"

Concerns about Smarter Balanced continue in new audit 7:44 p.m. PDT September 14, 2016 State auditors said Smarter Balanced student assessments are confusing and unpopular, according to a new audit report. Though these concerns have come up in the past, the audit team now suggests a handful of things to improve the current system. They recommended the Oregon DepartmentContinue reading "Concerns about Smarter Balanced continue in new audit"

Superintendent Perry's raise approved 7:03 p.m. PDT September 14, 2016 The Salem-Keizer School Board approved a raise in Superintendent Christy Perry's compensation package Tuesday night. The following amendments will be made to Perry's contract: For 2016-17: $17,000 will be added to the current base salary of $204,000 and $14,000 added to the current $21,000 tax shelteredContinue reading "Superintendent Perry’s raise approved"

Preschool Promise to help hundreds 9:42 a.m. PDT September 13, 2016 Early learning hubs across the state will implement Preschool Promise this month, with the aim of helping hundreds of children. Preschool Promise, Oregon’s free preschool program, will start with rolling starting dates across the state in September. The pilot program supports children and families living atContinue reading "Preschool Promise to help hundreds"

Back-to-school apps and technology 8:55 a.m. PDT September 12, 2016 There are a handful of apps and devices to check out for the new school year — and not just for students. Students, parents and educators might find these applications and technology useful. Statesman Journal Reporter Natalie Pate tried the following to give some helpful insight. Apps: TheseContinue reading "Back-to-school apps and technology"

Sites and sounds: Salem-Keizer goes back to school 6:51 p.m. PDT September 7, 2016 Lockers opening and closing. Masses of students walking through hallways. Teachers giving start-of-the-year speeches. Name games. Crisp zippers on school-colored clothes. There is so much to see and hear on the first day of school. Perhaps you noticed an increase in traffic as youContinue reading "Sites and sounds: Salem-Keizer goes back to school"