One of three Oregon schools misses federal targets

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - New data suggests that just 61 percent of Oregon schools are meeting federal academic goals. That's down nearly 14 percentage points in a single year. The drop comes as Oregon sets the achievement bar higher for students and their teachers. This year, for the first time, 60 percent of all students had to be up to grade level in reading, and 59 percent in math. Schools also must meet an attendance or graduation requirement. Last year, the bar was only at 50 percent, and 49 percent, respectively. As in years past, the picture looks bleaker for high schools than it does for elementary and middle schools. About 70 percent of Oregon elementary and middle schools hit the academic targets, while just about 36 percent of high schools... [read full story]