Original Source | Statesman Journal
By Eduardo Angulo, Saturday June 6, 2009

Legislators should hold a few simple truths in mind as they decide whether to adopt proposed funding cuts for Oregon Head Start prekindergarten - the state's cost-effective preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds living in poverty.

Children growing up now cannot wait for Oregon's economy to rebound.

Head Start saves taxpayers money and closes the achievement gap.

Original Source | OregonLive.com
By Mark Anderson, Merrily Haas, Mary Louise McClintock and Julie Young, Thursday June 4, 2009

If it was announced that Portland State University would lose an entire class of incoming students, or that the University of Oregon or Oregon State would lose a class and a half of students, or that Reed College, Lewis & Clark College and the University of Portland were all simultaneously shutting their doors, Oregonians would be taking to the streets to protest those cuts. But if pending budget cuts are approved, even more young children than that could lose their access to early care and education.

Original Source | The Oregonian
By Michael D. Schrunk, Saturday May 2, 2009

As a law enforcement official, it's my job not only to deal with problems here and now but also to consider what's necessary to keep our communities safe for years to come.

Research shows that a person's educational level is closely linked to whether they will end up on the wrong side of the law. Currently, 70 percent of state prison inmates nationwide failed to earn a high school diploma.

Original Source | The Oregonian
By Swati Adarkar, Monday April 27, 2009

Just when you thought you couldn't read another doom and gloom headline, the Oregon Department of Education delivered some surprisingly good news. The department released figures recently showing a half-point decrease in Oregon's high school dropout rate. While this news might give education officials a shot in the arm, Oregonians must remain vigilant about improving student performance and dropout rates if we are going to continue these gains.