Statewide implementation; rules; duties of department

(1) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules, in accordance with ORS 183.750 and ORS chapter 183, as necessary for the statewide implementation of this chapter. The rules shall be prepared in consultation with appropriate representatives from the educational and business and labor communities. (2) The Department of Education shall be responsible for implementing the provisions of this chapter. Actions by the department to fulfill this responsibility and to increase student achievement may include, but are not limited to: (a) Developing academic content standards; (b) Updating Common Curriculum Goals to meet rigorous academic content standards and updating performance indicators and diploma requirements; (c) Developing criterion-referenced assessments including performance-based, content-based and other assessment mechanisms to test knowledge and skills and whether students meet the performance expectations as determined by the board; and (d) Establishing criteria for early childhood education programs governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. (3) The department shall make school districts and the public aware of public school choice options available within our current public education framework.