Since Measure 98 was passed by Oregon voters in 2016, the High School Success Fund has been making significant investments in schools across the state. With roughly $150 million allocated each year, districts receive about $800 per high school student to enhance college prep, dropout prevention, and career and technical education programs. The goal is to boost graduation rates and ensure students are well-prepared for post-high school endeavors.
A recent report by Stand for Children Oregon, the organization that led the initiative to write Measure 98, indicates that the measure has indeed been successful. Graduation rates have steadily improved, with Hispanic and Latino students and those from low-income households seeing notable increases. Dropout rates have also decreased since the implementation of Measure 98, demonstrating its positive impact on student outcomes.
Furthermore, the expansion of career and technical education programs across the state has been a key component of Measure 98’s success. Students participating in CTE programs have shown higher graduation rates, and more students are engaging with these valuable courses. The emphasis on providing diverse and equitable opportunities through CTE programs has contributed to the overall success of Measure 98.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have managed to maintain CTE programs, ensuring continued student engagement. Districts like David Douglas High School have utilized Measure 98 funding to enhance their CTE offerings, resulting in increased graduation rates and student participation in various programs. The success of Measure 98 has been recognized as a model for effective education funding and program implementation, with data showing tangible improvements in student outcomes across Oregon high schools.
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