Dec. 19—An initiative launched to identify priority issues in Oklahoma schools has revealed the public and educators agree that among different academic skills, students’ reading and writing skills needed the most improvement.
Oklahoma Education Impact Initiative Director Ed Harris, a professor emeritus of education leadership at Oklahoma State University, reported that this fall, the agency surveyed the general public and educators from urban, suburban and rural areas to identify areas of improvement in the state’s education system.
Tenkiller School Superintendent Ryan Cottrell said the findings are reasonable, and in line with national trends. Cottrell said literacy is considered fundamental to overall academic success.
“When students struggle with these skills, it can affect their performance in other subjects, such as math, science, and social studies, since comprehension and processing of text is essential in these areas,” he said.
Cottrell said that Tenkiller uses a program called “WIN,” which stands for “What I Need.” This program allows teachers to tailor instruction to address individual needs of each student.
Early literacy skills are built by focusing on reading skills in phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Educators also use one-on-one support, small group sessions, and adaptive technologies to assist learners, Cottrell said.
Keys Public Schools Superintendent Vol Woods said students on his campus can access an artificial intelligence program called AI Khanmigo, which is used to foster reading and writing skills in students.
“Additionally we offer an after-school tutoring program and have implemented data-driven instruction with regular progress monitoring,” Woods said.
They OKEII survey also found the public and educators agree the goal of Oklahoma’s k-12 schools should be to promote good work habits and self-discipline, and prepare students for the workforce.
“We agree [those] are important aspects of public schools,” Tahlequah Public Schools Superintendent Tanya Jones said. “Our fundamental purpose is to give all students a well-rounded education that prepares them for all types of postsecondary opportunities.”
Grand View School Superintendent Larry Ben said he believes a school isn’t inherently required to learn about hard work or self-discipline, adding that the workforce is a moving target.
“We need to educate students in a way that they can adapt to the changing needs in the workforce and opportunities they will have in the future,” Ben said. “Students are going to need to think critically, adapt, and solve problems.”
The OKEII study also found the public and educators agreed the best ways to attract high-quality teachers is to increase financial incentives for teachers, and reduce student behavioral issues, Harris said.
Hulbert Public Schools Superintendent Jolyn Choate said the Hulbert Board of Education has approved a match program for educators’ retirement. Employees must remain in the district for five years to receive the match.
Choate said students at Hulbert are awarded for good behavior.
“This is done to promote positive behavior at school and provide an opportunity for students to be recognized for their actions,” Choate said.
Ben said that at Grand View, teachers are paid above the state minimum, and the school offers to pay a portion of educators’ retirement benefits. Increasing pay can be difficult without additional funds being allocated by the state, according to Ben. Woods said the same is true at KPS.
“Student behavior is probably the most important factor in working conditions for teachers,” Ben said. “When behavior is orderly and teachers are supported by administration and parents, they can enjoy their jobs.”
Ben said student behavior is something educators ask about in job interviews, and it impacts their decisions.
At Keys, Woods said, one incentive used to retain and recruit staff is the 1,088 formula, which results in a shorter academic year.
“Student behavior is not a problem because we uphold student behavior through established school policies and procedures,” Woods said.
At TPS, Jones said, educators are offered professional development in the areas of classroom management and building classroom culture.
“We work hard to ensure a positive culture at TPS that makes teachers feel valued and respected,” Jones said.
According to Harris, the last highlight from the OKEII study was the fact that nearly all respondents said parents and students need to be held more accountable for students’ behavior, attendance, and achievement.
“Hulbert Public Schools believes parents and guardians should work in tandem as a team in order to promote good attendance and student achievement,” Choate said. “Parents and guardians are notified when their student reaches three absences and [we] encourage communication about said absences to ensure validity of necessary occurrences.”
Through the use of a parent portal, parents and educators can keep lines of communication open, according to Choate.
Ben said it is not helpful for teachers, parents, or students to blame any of the other parties for their responsibility. To promote and acknowledge student success and positive accountability, Ben said Grand View posts on social media, hosts parent-teacher conferences, holds Student of the Month assemblies, and recognizes students at school board meetings.
“Everyone should be held accountable in their respective roles,” Ben said.
Emails sent to Woodall, Norwood, Lowrey, Peggs, Briggs, and Shady Grove schools had received no response by TDP deadline.