Oregon's K-12 Students Earn High Marks; Number of Engineering Degrees Remain Unchanged

Business Wire, Jan 15, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech & Education Writers

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2002

Oregon's elementary and high school students are among the nation's top achievers, according to CyberEducation 2002, a new report released today by AeA and The Nasdaq Stock Market. However, Oregon still faces many educational challenges.

AeA and Nasdaq's CyberEducation 2002 report found that Oregon's 8th grade students ranked fifth on the 2000 math National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) test, with 32 percent at proficient or better. More than 30 percent of the state's 8th graders scored proficient or better on the 2000 science NAEP test, ranking 16th. These 8th graders scored high in writing and reading. Students in Oregon also earned the 2nd highest average SAT score among states with a majority of seniors participating.

Yet, at the same time, the report shows that many of Oregon's students are still not plugged into the Internet. Oregon ranked 30th in the nation by Internet connected computers per student in 2001, with an average of 6.8 students per Internet computer, compared to 13.9 to 1 in 1998.

"The latest CyberEducation data show that Oregon must continue to build on the high achievement levels of our students," said John V. Harker, chairman, president, and CEO of InFocus Corp. in Wilsonville and chairman of the Oregon Council of AeA. "Despite the positive news about our state, we are still concerned about the nearly 20 percent of young adults who do not complete high school, one of the worst rates in the nation. These students will be entirely left behind in today's tech economy."

Oregon requires high school students to complete 3 years of English, 2 years of math, and 2 years of science. These requirements are far below the national average. However, like many states, Oregon completed state standards in math, science, and English in the past few years to improve education.

AeA and Nasdaq's CyberEducation 2002 report also found that Oregon's college and university system produced 1,192 students with engineering and engineering technology degrees in 2000, the 30th ranked state by this measure. Engineering and engineering technology degrees have held steady since 1995.

CyberEducation 2002 provides a statistical overview of key K-12 and postsecondary indicators at the national and state level. Factors analyzed include computer and Internet access in schools, achievement scores in basic subjects like mathematics and science, and performance standards for students and teachers in the nation's primary and secondary schools. At the postsecondary level, trends in engineering degrees are examined nationally and in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

AeA members can purchase the CyberEducation 2002 report for $95; non-members for $190. Call AeA at 800/284-4232 or 408/987-4200. CyberEducation 2002 is part of AeA's cyber report series, which includes Cyberstates 2001, Cybernation 2.0, and Cybercities.

AeA is the nation's largest high-tech trade group, representing over 3,500 U.S.-based technology companies. Membership spans the industry product and service spectrum, from semiconductors and software to computers, Internet and telecommunications systems and services. With 20 regional U.S. councils and offices in Brussels and Beijing, AeA offers a unique global policy grassroots capability and a wide portfolio of valuable business services and products for the high-tech industry. For 58 years, AeA has been the accepted voice of the U.S. technology community.

Quick Facts from CyberEducation 2002 for Oregon

K-12 Indicators

-- 30th in students per Internet computer, with 6.8 students sharing one
Internet enabled computer in 2001, compared to 13.9 student per Internet
computer in 1998

-- 24th by percentage of schools with Internet access - 95.6% of schools had
Internet access in 2000, compared to 79% in 1997

-- 5th of 40 states on the 2000 NAEP mathematics achievement test, with 32% of
public school 8th graders at or above proficient

-- 16th of 38 states on the 2000 NAEP science achievement test, with 33% of
public school 8th graders at or above proficient

-- 6th of 36 states on the 1998 NAEP writing achievement test, with 27% of
public school 8th graders at or above proficient

-- 8th of 37 states on the 1998 NAEP reading achievement test, with 33% of
public school 8th graders at or above proficient

-- 2nd in the 2001 SAT college entrance exam of the 24 states with at least 50%
of senior participating

-- 48th in student/teacher ratio, with 20 students for every teacher in 1998

-- 3 English, 2 math, and 2 science units for high school graduation

-- 36% of the state's high school math teachers did not major or minor in math
in 1997

-- 44th in high school completion rates, with 82.3% percent of 18 through
24-year olds receiving a high school degree between 1998 and 2000

Higher Education Indicators

-- 1,192 engineering and engineering technology degrees (30th

ranked) in 2000

-- Engineering and engineering technology degrees granted