Education, Good Government
Parent warns against ending state tests in schools
Some officials have called for elimination of state testing in Oklahoma schools for the second year in a row. But one mother of three children is among those opposed. “I don’t understand how we can afford to lose another year of data."
Education, Family & Community
Parent group launches, seeks accountability from schools
Gathered at the Oklahoma Capitol on a brisk Monday, parents announced the formation of a group that will seek to empower families to have greater control in their children’s education—including the ability to hold recall elections for school board members that ignore parents’ wishes.
Family & Community
Study undercuts calls for mask mandates
Even as calls continue for statewide mask mandates in Oklahoma schools and most public places, a comprehensive new study indicates that masks provide little or no protection from COVID-19.
Higher Education
Historian promotes balanced version of U.S. history
For roughly three decades, Wilfred McClay has taught United States history, but he only recently decided to take the plunge and write his own American History textbook for teenage students after concluding the available alternatives were “simply not adequate to the task of creating that sense of living and nourishing connection to the past.”
Education
Agency hides memo warning of illegal activity
The Oklahoma State Department of Education has stripped its website of a memo issued by the state attorney general, which warns that the agency has acted illegally in its administration of a state program for children with special needs.
Family & Community
Stitt announces restaurant, bar restrictions
Restaurants and bars will operate under new restrictions announced by Gov. Kevin Stitt as part of an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Oklahoma.
Education, Good Government
Epic Charter given time to address alleged deficiencies
In an all-day meeting that ran into the evening hours, the State Board of Education opted not to downgrade Epic Charter School’s accreditation status in response to alleged deficiencies. Board officials noted other schools have been given time to address concerns before facing potential probation and said Epic should not be treated any differently.
Education
Christian school remains barred from state program
The State Board of Education has shelved the request of a Christian school to participate in a program for children with special needs and instead requested an official opinion from the state attorney general.
Education, Family & Community
Some Oklahoma officials echo Biden on statewide mask mandate
Following the lead of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, some state officials are demanding that Oklahoma institute a statewide mask mandate—including for school children.
Education
‘Action civics’ teaches Oklahoma students to protest
Here in Oklahoma, action civics is promoted by an organization called Generation Citizen and by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.