News & Updates
No on Measures 58 & 60
August 30, 2008
Yamhill Valley News Register Editorial: Reject Measure 58 limits on non-English education
The News Register recommends a No vote on Measure 58, because of its one-size-fits-all approach and expensive price tag.
“It is incumbent on our school system to mainstream English language learners as soon as possible so they can excel at a rate equal to students who are native born. The problem is, students progress at different levels. This law takes individual educational decisions out of the hands of parents, teachers and local school districts.”
August 29, 2008
Statesman Journal Letter to the Editor: Measure 58 a wolf in sheep's clothing
“This measure takes local control away from parents by pre-determining what each student needs. Imposing a one-size-fits-all approach does not reflect American values. Are rural schools going to be forced to have the same programs that they have in Portland and Eugene?
Instead of trained educators determining what is best for their schools and students, Bill Sizemore (without a background in education) has written a confusing measure.”
August 29, 2008
Hillsboro Argus No On Ballot Measure 60
According to this editorial, Measure 60 is vague, poorly worded, and filled with unintended consequences. And it would punish the teachers who take on the most challenging assignments.
August 29, 2008
The Hillsboro Argus agrees--Measure 60 is vague, poorly worded, and filled with unintended consequences.
August 23, 2008
Yamhill Valley News Register Editorial: Three initiatives just warmed-up leftovers
“We don’t want to seem like we’re picking on Bill Sizemore. On second thought, yes, we do — he’s such an easy target. His philosophy seems to be: If at first a ballot measure doesn’t succeed, try, try again. Bring on the paid petitioners — again; call Loren Parks and other out-of-staters for donations –again; all the while making a mockery of the initiative system.
“We say No to three of Sizemore’s measures on the November ballot — 59, 60 and 64 — all repeats of sorts. ...
“As far as we can tell, the warmed-up leftovers from Sizemore and Walker are no tastier this year than before. About all these measures do is keep those professional initiative petitioners employed.”
August 9, 2008
Yamhill Valley News Register Editorial: Special interests hijack state’s initiative system
The News Register takes a look at the current state of Oregon’s initiative system, and finds that it’s been hijacked by a small handful of people who make a living by getting out-of-state, wealthy donors to pay them to push their ultra-rightwing agenda.
August 7, 2008
OPB takes a look at the fiscal impacts of Measures 58 and 60.
Not only are they bad public policy, it turns out they're also very expensive
August 5, 2008
Oregon Education Report Shows Harm of Measures 58 & 60
Oregon’s schools need more resources, not more unfunded mandates
July 23, 2008, 2008
The Woodburn Independent knows that parents, teachers, and school districts are best equipped to make decisions about their schools. Here, they make the case against Measure 58:
July 23, 2008
Bill Sizemore’s pay-to-the-test measure qualifies for the ballot, despite being under investigation for signature fraud.
July 22, 2008
Sizemore's Pay-To-The-Test Scheme Qualifies for Ballot
Measure would base teacher pay on more standardized testing