Summary:
- The Oklahoma State Board of Education has renewed Tulsa Public Schools' accreditation status with identified deficiencies.
- The board demands tangible improvements in school report cards, reading scores, and district financial management.
- Tulsa Public Schools must implement professional development, corrective action, and financial control plans within three to four months.
- The board warns of consequences and potential drastic measures if the required changes are not achieved in the specified timeframe.
- State Representative Regina Goodwin highlights broader issues affecting education beyond classroom concerns.
- The board also discusses gender pronoun usage and upcoming Chinese studies in schools.
The Oklahoma State Board of Education has made a decision regarding Tulsa Public Schools' accreditation status, highlighting the need for improvements in various areas.
Tangible Improvement Demands
During a recent meeting at the Department of Education, where capacity rules limited public attendance, the State Board of Education concentrated its attention on Tulsa Public Schools. The board's primary focus is on demanding measurable enhancements in three key domains: school report cards, reading scores, and effective control over district finances.Renewal with Deficiencies
Following a voting session, the State Board of Education announced the renewal of Tulsa's accreditation status on Thursday. However, this renewal comes with a catch; the state's largest district accreditation will be granted with identified deficiencies. The board has set a timeframe of three to four months for Tulsa Public Schools to implement the required changes.Required Measures
The board's stipulations for Tulsa Public Schools include the formulation of a professional development plan aimed at boosting reading scores, the creation of a corrective action plan tailored to schools with an F grade on their report cards, and the establishment of new internal controls for overseeing district expenditure.Consequences and Drastic Measures
The State Board of Education has emphasized that failure to implement these measures within the specified timeframe will lead to tangible consequences. Board members assert their readiness to take drastic actions if needed to facilitate a turnaround for the district. Mere verbal commitments are not deemed sufficient; the board is determined to witness substantial progress within the designated time frame.Broader Issues and Differing Opinions
While district officials appear to align with the outlined improvement plan, State Representative Regina Goodwin, who represents parts of Tulsa, has indicated that the challenges extend beyond the confines of the classroom. She emphasizes the existence of broader issues that affect education in larger cities. Despite differing opinions, the board's decision stands.Additional Topics Discussed
In addition to addressing Tulsa Public Schools' accreditation, the board also engaged in discussions about gender pronoun usage within schools and upcoming Chinese studies. Reports are expected from all districts in the state regarding these two subjects.The State Board of Education's decision places the spotlight on Tulsa Public Schools' need for comprehensive improvements in various aspects, setting a time-sensitive agenda for progress.