Greg Marton is an instructor in the social science department at Rogue Community College, where he has taught for the past 15 years. On August 13, 2013 the Medford Mail Tribune posted this Op-Ed by Marton.
In 2011, the Oregon Legislature passed a law that includes the “40-40-20” goal. This goal states that, by the year 2025, 40 percent of adult Oregonians will hold a bachelor’s or advanced degree, 40 percent will hold an associate degree or postsecondary certificate, and the remaining 20 percent will hold, at the very least, a high school diploma or equivalent.
As a teacher, I have two reactions to this legislation, reactions that are almost diametrically opposed to each other. The cynic in me can’t imagine 40-40-20 ever succeeding. On the other hand, my “inner optimist” believes that 40-40-20 is not only possible, but is actually a viable goal that can, I hope, be accomplished without diluting the curriculum or lowering our expectations for students.
