SALEM – Statement from Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill on final release of the Student Investment Account Engagement Toolkit. The Student Investment Account (SIA) is a grants program within the Student Success Act (SSA). Pro-active engagement from all school districts with all the communities they serve is a key requirement to earning grant funds through the SIA.
“I’m pleased to share the final version of the Student Investment Account Engagement Toolkit which helps school districts and eligible charter schools pro-actively reach their communities and hear their needs, suggestions and concerns. This toolkit provides strategies for authentic engagement and clarifies how school districts can stay on track to meet the community engagement requirements to apply for Student Investment Account funds within the Student Success Act.
“The act focuses on students of color; students with disabilities; emerging bilingual students; and students navigating poverty, homelessness, and foster care. These resources will help school districts know, give voice to and hold these students at the center of their conversations about school and district improvement.“We’ve reviewed and incorporated comments from dozens of respondents and hundreds of interactions to help us refine the initial toolkit sent in August.
“A rundown of all the key changes to the toolkit is available on the website. Some of the most significant changes are:
- Announcement of the SIA application submission window: March 2, 2020 – April 15, 2020.
- A consolidated calendar for the 2019-2020 school year.
- An easy-to-read resource of requirements for applying for Student Investment Account funds.
“The SSA marks a turning point for education in Oregon and I’m eager to continue partnering with school districts and communities on this historic opportunity to prioritize equity and student well-being.”
