Standing at the Head of the Class: Promoting Great Teaching in Oregon

Teaching quality is the most effective and efficient way to boost student achievement, research suggests. Although Oregonians recently rejected a proposed ballot measure tying teacher pay to performance, one local school district is already testing a variation on this theme. Working collaboratively, teachers and administrators developed an affordable plan for raising teaching quality and rewarding teaching excellence. Known as the CLASS Project (creative leadership achieves student success), the plan attempts to boost student achievement by expanding career and compensation options for teachers. On June 5th, a panel of experts will discuss how to promote great teaching in Oregon.

Sue Hildick, president of the Chalkboard Project, will outline where Oregon stands on teacher attrition, student achievement and educator professional development. She will discuss why CLASS matters for Oregon, and where this project fits on the national level. Dan Jamison, Superintendent of Sherwood School District, will examine the Sherwood District CLASS experience, and will offer preliminary results of the CLASS Project on student achievement and teacher retention. Finally, Terrell Smith, President of Sherwood Teacher’s Union, will share real-life examples of the CLASS project at work.

Purchase tickets at www.pdxcityclub.org or call 503-228-7231 x110.

Where: The Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave., Portland OR 97205

When: Doors open at 11:30 AM, Program begins at 12:15 PM and concludes at 1:15 PM

Transportation and parking: The Governor Hotel is accessible by bus, Portland Streetcar and MAX light rail. A SmartPark garage is located one block away from the Governor Hotel at 730 S.W. 10th Ave.

Cost: Luncheon tickets are $16 for City Club members and up to two guests, $20 for nonmembers. Limited coffee/tea table tickets are $5 and are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. General seating is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. A limited number of $5 coffee/tea tickets are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations: Reservations required for lunches only; reservations close at 2 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the event. Reservations for lunch are strongly encouraged. To reserve a lunch via telephone, individuals (members and non-members) should call our voice mail reservation line, 503-228-7231, ext. 110. A limited number of lunch tickets are generally available at the door. Luncheon tickets reserved after the 2:00 PM Wednesday deadline or purchased at the door will be subject to an additional $4 charge. General seating and coffee/tea tickets will be available at the door.

Sponsors: Friday Forums this quarter are sponsored by: NW Natural, Portland General Electric and Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt.