If we want strong readers, we need stronger families
Oklahoma has made an important commitment to literacy.
During the 2026 legislative session, state leaders strengthened the Strong Readers Act, placing greater emphasis on early identification, evidence-based reading instruction, intervention, teacher preparation and communication with parents.
What a great step forward! Reading is foundational to nearly everything that follows in a child’s education. But I feel we are still falling short; there is another part of the literacy equation that deserves our attention: the home.
We can provide a child with excellent instruction during the school day. We can identify reading difficulties earlier. We can equip teachers with better tools and give families strategies to reinforce learning at home.
But what happens when the parent receiving those instructions struggles to read them? What happens when a mother wants to help with homework but lacks the literacy skills or confidence to do so? What happens when a father wants to read with his child but spent his own childhood struggling with reading and never received the help he needed?
Those are reminders that literacy can be intergenerational.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
CareerTech, OHA plan second annual virtual health care career expo
Oklahoma CareerTech and the Oklahoma Hospital Association are again working together to inspire students to investigate health care careers.
The two, along with HOSA-Future Health Professionals, are presenting Explore Healthcare: Oklahoma Virtual Career Expo on Oct. 23. The free event is designed for intermediate, middle school, high school, CareerTech and postsecondary students interested in exploring health care careers.
Approximately 40 health care professionals from across the state will share their career and educational paths and discuss opportunities available in Oklahoma in nursing, midwifery, family practice medicine, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, mental health, medical laboratory technology, ultrasound and sonography, health care administration, sterile processing, surgical technology and more. Each will be featured in a five- to 10-minute video followed by a live question and answer session.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Tulsa Tech, Tulsa Public Schools expand partnership
Tulsa Technology Center and Tulsa Public Schools are expanding their partnership to turn a local high school into a polytechnic campus.
Central High School will become a career and virtual learning campus next year. Students will be able to complete their academic requirements while also receiving technical training. Tulsa Superintendent Ebony Johnson said the new school will allow more Tulsa students to benefit from Tulsa Tech programs.
Tulsa Tech CEO Steve Tiger told News on 6 that Tulsa Tech has programs with waiting lists.
“And this is an example of a cooperative, a collaborative agreement where we can serve more students, serve them better, as we move forward,” he said.
Read more on the News on 6 website.
Tri County Tech Foundation raises record funds
Tri County Technology Center Foundation raised a record $42,500 through its annual golf tournament.
The money will support tuition, emergency and food assistance for students.
“Seeing our sponsors, board members and community come together for our students is what makes this event so special,” said Kim Smith, Tri County Tech chief financial officer and foundation executive director. “Their generosity gives us the ability to respond when students need support and helps keep their education within reach.”
Read more on the Tri County Tech website.
Useful links
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State Agency Assistance at a Glance
National Research Center for Career and Technical Education
OK Career Guide Training Opportunities
I just say go for it and be yourself, even if you’re scared or nervous, because you’ll never know what happens if you don’t try. -- Darci Lynne Farmer
