Initiatives:

The Chalkboard Project is an independent, non-profit organization working to unite Oregonians to make our public schools among the nation's best. Learn more...

We would love to hear your suggestions for a future initiative designed to benefit all Oregonians. Please send suggestions to: info@chalkboardproject.org.

Foundations for a Better Oregon (FBO) was created by five Oregon foundations, and recently joined by a sixth, with a mission of building collaborations to work on citizen engagement and public policy issues.

In the News:

• The Oregonian Speaks out on Race to the Top
  The Oregonian Editorial Board recently wrote an opinion piece on Oregon's performance in the federal Race to the Top grant competition. In addition to calling for more action from state leaders, the piece highlights the CLASS Project as a bottom-up initiative that could lead to state-level change. Read the editorial.
• CLASS Districts Showing Early Indicators of Success!
  Three of the twelve districts participating in the CLASS Project are in the implementation phase, and they are reporting powerful results - increased student achievement, reduced failure rates, and increased teacher recruitment/retention. The new "Snapshot of Success" narrates their progress, and the new CLASS Prospectus gives an overview of the project and its importance in raising student achievement.

• Congratulations new CLASS Districts!

  Chalkboard has awarded CLASS planning grants to nine additional school districts. Salem-Keizer, Bend-LaPine, Redmond, Sisters, Crook County, High Desert ESD, Lebanon, Oregon City and Vernonia will receive grants ranging from $6,000 to $28,500 this fall. Read more on Chalkboard Web site.
  
• Click here to check out the Open Books Project Web site. It's an easy-to-use tool that provides all kinds of information about Oregon's K-12 public school districts. You can view information on your local school district, compare districts, or see statewide averages.
• New Chalkboard research indicates Oregon teachers need more time for and access to quality, ongoing professional development activities that will help increase student achievement. Click to read the press release...
• Citizens' Corps continues to grow: Oregonians around the state are lending their names, time and talents to Chalkboard's work. Click to learn more...