Gov. Tina Kotek visited Washington Elementary School in Woodburn on Wednesday, April 17, where she signed a bill into law that will fortify learning programs statewide.
House Bill 4082 directs Oregon Department of Education to fund summer learning programs and to study how to provide learning during non-school hours. It will provide $30 million in state funding for summer learning opportunities across Oregon, according to the governor’s office.
The funding means an estimated 48,000 students across Oregon will benefit from summer learning programs this year. The bill also creates a workgroup to develop recommendations for sustainable long-term funding for summer.
“Our goals must be student-centered to reduce opportunity gaps for historically underserved students and raise the bar on outcomes for all students,” Kotek said. “And we have to help families know their children have a safe, welcoming place to learn during the summer months and after school.”
The bill garnered broad support from state lawmakers, passing 26-4 vote in the Oregon Senate and 53-4 in the Oregon House..
“It’s essential that we make targeted investments to get our students back on track,” said Rep. Tracy Cramer (R-Gervais). “It’s equally important that the Legislature take an active role in ensuring these funds are used wisely. We must track and monitor their performance and outcomes to ensure these funds are increasing student’s proficiency in the basics of reading, writing, and math.”
Rep. Susan McLain (D-Forest Grove), was the bill’s primary chief sponsor and is co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education.
“As a teacher of over 42 years and as a Legislator, I have been steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that students have the tools needed for success,” McLain, said. “This funding will strengthen partnerships between districts law, community organizations, local governments and tribal nations already doing great work to support all Oregon students.”
The bill aims to provide safe, healthy, and enriching resources for Oregon students between school years. Summer learning programs also ensure kids who need extra help to reach their full potential don’t get left behind.
“We saw with the influx of one-time COVID-funding that summer learning programs can make a real difference for our students” said Senator Michael Dembrow (D — Portland), chair of the Senate Education Committee. “We no longer have those federal dollars, but we do still have students who need to catch up. This bill is a great step towards creating the long-term, sustainable, and effective summer learning programs Oregon kids deserve.”
In addition to providing $30 million for programs this summer, HB 4082 also requires the Oregon Department of Education to study and identify how to establish Summer Learning as a permanent feature of Oregon’s larger K-12 system.
“We must make summer learning funding permanent to ensure ongoing stability and quality of our summer opportunities for Oregon kids,” said Representative Courtney Neron (D-Wilsonville, Sherwood, King City, Tigard), an educator and Chair of the House Committee on Education. “These investments align with research and underscore our commitment to ensuring kids are getting the tailored services they need to rebound from COVID learning challenges.”
To ensure programs reach students with the greatest need, the legislation requires districts to partner with tribes and community-based organizations trusted by youth and families. Programs serving youth from preschool through grade 12 are eligible for summer learning funding.
Programs have to provide academic enrichment, by aligning with academic content standards in math, science, language arts, life skills, school readiness, or credit recovery.
“We know that education is the key to Oregon students being able to compete globally and locally in a 21st Century economy,” said Sen. Janeen Sollman (D — Hillsboro). “Summer learning programs ensure that students not only have the basic skills they need to gain access to good jobs, but summer programs can also give students exposure to STEM education that will help them no matter what industry they go into.”
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