This week, The Oregonian seemed to have a focus on education and the overall well-being of students. While in the past they have had sports driven news, I was impressed by their willingness to switch it up, and do it well.
I enjoyed an the article "Record Number of Oregon students proficient enough to move out of English-learning programs" by Wendy Owen in particular because she addressed the struggle with students who speak English as a second language, but focused on the positive outcomes of the program as a whole.
"A record 10,379 students across Oregon who speak English as their second language were deemed proficient in English last school year," says Owen. "But another 55,000...who speak 100 different languages are not yet proficient."
Owen kept it positive when discussing the improved programs in Portland and Hillsboro, and addressed the efforts districts are implementing to reach additional targets. As improvements are made to the programs, students' abilities increase, and interest in the program only encourages more students to participate.
"Ten years ago, 44,000 Oregon students were enrolled in English language Development programs. Last year, it was 65,618 -- a 49 percent increase," says Owen.
As the program evolves and participation increases, districts learn from others' experiences in dealing with various cultures. The interpretations of the federal regulations for English programs depends on the participants and the program itself. While Owen addresses the struggle to maintain consistant policy, she also offers up solutions that are being proposed.
I found this article in general very motivational and intriguing compared to other Oregonian news. The personal, but statistical information could be both educational and intriguing. It was both refreshing and eye-opening with this change.
I enjoyed an the article "Record Number of Oregon students proficient enough to move out of English-learning programs" by Wendy Owen in particular because she addressed the struggle with students who speak English as a second language, but focused on the positive outcomes of the program as a whole.
"A record 10,379 students across Oregon who speak English as their second language were deemed proficient in English last school year," says Owen. "But another 55,000...who speak 100 different languages are not yet proficient."
Owen kept it positive when discussing the improved programs in Portland and Hillsboro, and addressed the efforts districts are implementing to reach additional targets. As improvements are made to the programs, students' abilities increase, and interest in the program only encourages more students to participate.
"Ten years ago, 44,000 Oregon students were enrolled in English language Development programs. Last year, it was 65,618 -- a 49 percent increase," says Owen.
As the program evolves and participation increases, districts learn from others' experiences in dealing with various cultures. The interpretations of the federal regulations for English programs depends on the participants and the program itself. While Owen addresses the struggle to maintain consistant policy, she also offers up solutions that are being proposed.
I found this article in general very motivational and intriguing compared to other Oregonian news. The personal, but statistical information could be both educational and intriguing. It was both refreshing and eye-opening with this change.