Friends:

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I am very happy to tell you that the House Education Committee has just scheduled a public hearing on SB 934 A.? This bill, commissioned by OATAG has a somewhat misleading title:

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This bill says that districts must permit anyone who knows a student who is enrolled in public school to refer them for a TAG assessment.? It also requires districts to accept referrals all year and post their referral process on their website.

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Finally, it says that districts must screen referred children for TAG.

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The actual TAG screening process will not be affected by this bill. It was already set out in our existing TAG administrative rules.

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The “A” amendment removed a requirement for districts to assess students throughout the year because the OEA expressed concern that parents might refer their children over and over.?

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Because most Oregon districts already accept referrals from teachers and parents, self-referrals from students, and referrals from others with relevant knowledge (such as foster parents), that this bill should not make a big difference to current practices.? It clarifies an issue that was not addressed in the existing laws and rules.?

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It was triggered when one district suddenly decided that all referrals must be submitted by the students’ teacher(s). ?

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Both the number and percentage of Oregon students identified for TAG has been falling since the turn of the century.? There is a significant body of research showing that opening referrals increases equity.? Making the process more transparent will contribute to that goal and may also increase the number of identified TAG students.?

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You can find all the materials associated with this bill here including a link to submit testimony. ?The public hearing was only just announced today (Friday) and it will take place at 3:00 on MONDAY, so if you haven’t already done so, you have only a couple of days to comment.

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This page has a collection of relevant information about this bill.? It already links to the testimony that was submitted for the Senate version:

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You can learn more about the House Education Committee at the link below.?

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Rep. Courtney Neron chairs that committee.

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Margaret

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