ThePortland Observer B lsc k HÎStOiy M o n th
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The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands
in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of
challenge and controversy.
Mart.n Luther King, jr.
In times of economic challenge,
livability starts with family wage
jobs, reliable ways to get to work
and housing that's affordable.
Metro provides services, programs
and public venues that help create a
vibrant and sustainable region for all.
Metro purchases goods and services
through contracting policies that
remove barriers to participation
To learn about Metro's minority,
women and emerging small business
program and first opportunity target
area, call 503-797-1648.
For complete information about
business, career and volunteer
opportunities with Metro, visit
www.oregonmetro.gov
© Metro
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Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and
culturally competent workforce. Diversity maximizes our
true potential for creativity, innovation, quality patient care,
educational excellence and outstanding service. Individuals with
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The knowledge of all for the care of one.
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February 15, 2012
C areers E ducation
Governor’s Failing
Grade on Education
Parent's Corner
Previously it was shared that a
Children's Defense Fund report re­
vealed that American 15 year olds
rank 23rd among students in the
industrialized world in science; 17th
in reading; and 31st in math.
The 15 year olds who ranked
num ber one in all categories were
from China. Upon closer exam ina­
tion we learn Asian-American stu­
dents ranked 2nd overall in the
industrialized world; white-Ameri­
can students ranked 7th; H is­
panic-A m erican students ranked
43rd; and black-A m erican stu ­
dents ranked 49th, ju st behind
Serbia and ahead o f Bulgaria.
T h ese n u m b ers h ig h lig h t the
Am erican "Achievem ent Gap" in
the global econom y.
Gov. Kitzhaber is proposing leg-
isla tio n to ad d re ss O reg o n 's
"Achievement Gap" and "School
Readiness." But his political track
record raisps serious questions
about his administration's ability to
have any meaningful impact on ei­
ther.
During the 80s, 90s and the first
years of the 2000s, Portland organi­
zations and coalitions composed of
black, Hispanic, Native American,
w hite and Asians aggressively
pressed Portland Public Schools to
take rapid steps to address all forms
of academic and institutional ineq­
uities between white and minority
students. A push for changes in the
district was met with stiff opposi­
tion from the Portland School Board.
During the 20 year period John
Kitzhaber was an influential mem­
ber of the Oregon Legislature and
governor, he offered neither tacit,
nor overt, support for well-publi­
cized parent and community efforts
to address the "Achievement Gap"
in Portland, including an appalling
drop-out rate, and other indicators
of PPS failure to serve Hispanic,
black. Native American and low-
by
R on
H erndon
income white children.
The public is now asked to ignore
the g o v ern o r's p rev io u s track
record of indifference and presume
his administration has now formu­
lated meaningful steps to reduce
the "Achievement Gap."
Head Start is one of the most
effective school readiness pro­
grams in Oregon and America. To
most observers it is wise to invest
state and federal dollars to serve all
Oregon Head Start eligible families.
But over a 20-year period, that in­
vestm ent was not part o f the
governor's legislative agenda.
During the 90s, Associated Or­
egon Industries, an important busi­
ness organization, made providing
funds to serve all Oregon Head Start
eligible families one of its major leg-
isla tiv e o b je c tiv e s. N ot the
Governor's office.
The late 90s found the governor's
office contacting the federal office
of Head Start in Seattle and request­
ing that they lower the federal fund­
ing per Oregon Head Start family. If
federal staff had agreed, he then
planned to lower state funding for
every Oregon Head Start family. The
federal office rejected the governor's
request.
To conclude, in an effort to bal­
ance the state budget during his last
tenure, the governor cut state fund­
ing for Head Start. A Portland Head
Start program was cut well over
$200,000. This is the governor's
political track record regarding the
"Achievement Gap" and "School
Readiness."
Ron Herndon is a longtime ad­
vocate for educational opportuni­
tiesfor African-American children.
He has served as director o f Head
Start in Portland since 1975.
Men of Legacy Luncheon Thursday
Reaching and Empowering All
People, Inc. (REAP) will host the
2012 Men of Legacy Luncheon on
Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Rose Gar­
den Arena.
The luncheon focuses on a can­
did male dialogue, which addresses
parental support, health awareness,
college inquiry, career exploration,
and relationship problem-solving.
B usiness leaders, educators,
elected officials and community
activists and students will be en­
gaged in solution-driven dialogue
on issues related to young males
and what is needed for them to be
successful.
“While school districts are expe­
riencing budget cuts that threaten
quality education, community or­
ganizations such as REAP are filling
in the gap and giving students an
educational experience that is inno­
vative,” said Mark Jackson, execu­
tive director of the non-profit group.
Registration is available online
by going to the REAP Inc. website
at reapusa.org.