Oregon Accountability Initiative looks at more than just K-12 test scores
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Oregon Legislature gave K-12 public education more money this past session, but with it became more responsibilities. InterMountain Education Service Director Mark Mulvihill says those responsibilities are a good thing.
The Oregon Accountability Initiative will mean school districts have to report on more than they have in the past because it makes big changes in how school districts are evaluated.
“It isn’t just, ‘Let’s look at your state test scores and let’s hammer you if you were down in fifth grade math,’” Mulvihill said.
The initiative wants school districts to look at a number of metrics for the state to evaluate. They include graduation rates, freshmen on track, local assessments, and college and career dual credit. The way districts are compared will also change. Student population, demographics, and geography will all be considered.
“It will be apples to apples, not apples to oranges,” Mulvihill said of the comparisons.
