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Oregon School Improvement Listserv

Greetings!

Here is some helpful information about a unique resource that many people are finding to be a great tool--the Oregon School Improvement Listserv. This listserv was originated in 1996 to provide a FREE, quick and easy medium for communication, information exchange and support among those interested in school-to-work and other school improvement issues and topics. It has recently been re-named as the Oregon School Improvement Listserv in an attempt to be a bit more inclusive and broader in appeal.

[v]Introduction
[v]Sharing Information
[v]Networking
[v]Who Are the Subscribers?
[v]How to Subscribe
[v]How to Send Messages and Participate
[v]Conclusion
[v]Contacts

Introduction

What is a listserv? A listserv works similarly to a distribution list. It is simply a subscription e-mail service that provides subscribers with e-mail messages from other subscribers on topics of mutual interest. The Oregon SI Listserv provides a friendly, easy-to-use medium for sharing information, networking and for building relationships. It provides a convenient forum for discussion, questions and answers, sharing resources, philosophizing, networking and offering one another support and encouragement.

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Sharing Information

The Oregon School Improvement Listserv is for those interested in keeping on the leading edge concerning topics related to school improvement. These topics are diverse and can include: CIM, CAM, School-to-Work, endorsement areas, credentials, career related learning standards, assessment, performance and academic standards, integrated curriculum, contextual learning/teaching, national skills standards, comprehensive school counseling programs, national standards for school counseling programs, career development, alternative education, special needs students, transition services, post-secondary connections/linkages, PREP, PASS, K - Adult articulation, business-education partnerships, work-based learning, workforce training, connecting activities, school-based enterprises, professional development opportunities, grant information, and much more! Of course, the topics covered are entirely dependent on the interests of the subscribers and defined by the messages shared through the listserv.

As an Oregon SI Listserv subscriber, you will also receive some information electronically before it is disseminated to others via mail or fax. This allows you with the opportunity to be well-informed earlier than most and easily forward this helpful information to others in a timely manner.

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Networking

Just as important as sharing information is networking and building relationships among those involved in the exciting business of educational reform/school improvement, workforce development and economic development. Promoting and leading change can be challenging work. Leaders and proponents of change can sometimes feel isolated or unsupported. The Oregon SI Listserv is a safe, friendly place where we can "meet" and support one another.

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Who Are the Subscribers?

Individuals who are strongly encouraged to subscribe are: teachers, employers, counselors, school-to-work coordinators, agency staff, business representatives, chamber of commerce staff, students, parents and family members, administrators, teacher and counselor educators, economic development planners, members of regional workforce quality committees and others interested in the inter-related issues of education reform, workforce development and economic development.

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How to Subscribe

Subscribing to the Oregon SI Listserv is as simple as sending an e-mail message to a friend or co-worker. Follow these three easy steps:

  1. Address an e-mail message to: majordomo@sparkie.osl.state.or.us
  2. In the first line of the message body write:   subscribe osi
  3. Send the message (wait for confirmation that you have been added to the list before attempting to send messages to the listserv).

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How to Send Messages and Participate

The richness and value of the Oregon SI Listserv depends entirely on its subscribers. As subscribers, we are the listserv! Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to be an active participant and not a passive subscriber. Here are some ideas about how we can each participate and fully utilize this unique resource:

Sending a message to the listserv is also as simple as sending an e-mail to a friend or co-worker. In fact, that is exactly what you are doing!

Simply address your e-mail message to: osi@sparkie.osl.state.or.us

A suggestion: To make the listserv quick and easy to use, add this address to your personal e-mail address list!

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Conclusion

The Oregon School Improvement Listserv is one of the easiest and quickest ways we have to communicate, network, offer one another support and share information. It provides us with a team of people with overlapping interests and concerns who are available as consultants - and they are as close as our computers. Similarly, your perspective is valuable and wanted by others, as well. Subscribe today and begin benefiting immediately from this positive association!

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For further information or suggestions concerning the Oregon School Improvement Listserv, please contact:

Jessie Hopkins
Oregon Department of Education
255 Capitol St. NE
Salem, OR 97310-0203
(503) 378-3600 ext. 2247
jessie.hopkins@state.or.us
http://www.ode.state.or.us[^]