Research, reporting, writing, design, photography

In Oregon, historically marginalized student groups face higher disciplinary rates, leading to lower attendance and graduation outcomes. Each of these student groups, which the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) identifies as focal groups, require culturally specific understandings of educational challenges and approaches to student success.

The Oregon Department of Education co-constructed its Student Success Plans (SSPs) in collaboration with the communities surrounding six student focal groups. Thanks to the guidance of key communities, each plan is tailored to the assets, aspirations, and needs of student focal groups.

I crafted a narrative project brief that ties Region 16's work supporting the Oregon Student Success Plans to the ethos of the organization, evidenced by testimonials and narratives from Region 16's All Stewards Convening.

I interviewed leaders from Oregon's Education Service Districts (ESDs) and the Oregon Department of Education to gather key details and testimonials about the creation of the SSPs, their impacts, and the educational landscape necessitating these plans. These conversations led me to develop the metaphor of the maze to represent how educational systems can often leave students behind.

I also conducted extensive research on educational equity and disparities among student groups to ground the story and visualize data supporting the work.

Finally, I designed the brief layout and graphical structure in line with Region 16's branding guidelines while including subtle design elements that echo the story's themes.