In fact, it exemplifies the fundamental problem with public schooling, a monolithic one-track train. Perhaps 40,000 kids shouldn’t be on the same train on the same track to begin with. A train is a vastly outmoded form of transportation for 40,000 children all traveling on different paths. The few bright spots in the OKC public […]
Oklahoma City Public Schools
Posted inNews
No school takeover
Here’s why: Oklahoma City Public Schools were like a stalled-out train languishing on the tracks when I became superintendent three-and-a-half years ago. The 10 years prior averaged one superintendent per year, and each had a unique vision and plans to tackle this district’s enormous problems; but laying the tracks and the path for success require […]
Posted inNews
Testing, testing
Critics say the requirement, part of the Achieving Classroom Excellence initiative, places too much importance on the tests. Among them is state Rep. Fred Jordan, co-author of legislation to eliminate the graduation requirement. He said the requirement fails to account for some students’ extenuating circumstances. “We’re talking about kids who have zero support from their […]
Posted inNews
Supply demand
The idea for the project came from the CEO of Comtech Direct Mail Solutions. Michael Morrison saw a boy at his son’s school bringing his supplies in a pillowcase. Since then, Comtech has paired up with Panera Bread and other local organizations to consolidate their school supply drives. Morrison also was encouraged to create the […]
Posted inNews
Urban instruction
As part of the MAPS for Kids program approved by voters in 2001, plans were laid for the Oklahoma City Public Schools to receive 70 new and renovated brickand-mortar school buildings in the district at a cost of $470 million. As the project nears its end, MAPS for Kids Program Manager Eric Wenger said the […]
Posted inNews
‘The new normal’
Wronowski, who holds a master’s degree in education and was a research scientist prior to becoming a teacher, said the process was as challenging as getting her master’s degree. The teacher training program, recognized as one of the best and most rigorous in the nation, takes an average of about 200 hours to complete, and […]