Multnomah Education Service District

How do you see internet access impacting the digital divide and the impact that it has had on learning for students at all economic levels?

Access to technology, especially internet access, is a key indicator of educational success in today’s world, especially for students during the pandemic. Kids experiencing homelessness or who are in low-income families disproportionately lack the technology and internet access required of today’s students. That widens the opportunity gaps for students who are already at a disadvantage. As we address this and related disparities, we must focus on equity, prioritizing students from communities that have been historically underserved when it comes to technological advancement and education.

What is your opinion of the role of high stakes standardized testing in the education of our children?

Metrics are crucial for schools to know where they are thriving or where we are failing our students. But testing is absolutely NOT the only metric that should be used to evaluate the success of a school or its students. Too often, testing is used to label students. That’s unacceptable because we know that tests need to be less biased and more inclusive of different backgrounds and learning styles, especially as kids return from a year of remote learning where economic status, immigration status, and racial bias have affected kids differently. A one-size-fits-all approach fails our students.

What steps do you see need to be taken in order for science to be taught as a method of inquiry and deduction, and not just a litany of facts?

This change is crucial in all subjects, but especially in STEM. In recent years, science on climate change, COVID, and more has been undermined, much to our detriment. I see this as a form of civics education. I have been a longtime advocate in this area. When I worked at Parkrose, I was key in bringing the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Program there. A program that focuses on teaching kids to ask questions, encourages discussion, critical thinking and hands-on learning. The AVID Program at Parkrose is a national model, and expanding programs like these is very important.