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Mission, Vision, Values

Mission

We are dedicated to empowering parents, teachers, students, and all Oklahomans by building the best educational system for the future - one that values academic excellence, transparency, and the voice of every parent.

Vision

Our unwavering commitment is to create an Oklahoma school system that is free from indoctrination, focused on student achievement, and driven by parental choice and empowerment.  We aim to foster an environment where every child can reach their full potential, supported by schools that prioritize excellence and accountability.

Core Values

  1. Parental Empowerment:  We restore the authority of parents in shaping their children's educational journey.
  2. Academic Excellence:  We assert that the primary goal of our schools is academic mastery, ensuring students are prepared for life beyond graduation.
  3. Transparence and Accountability:  We hold our schools and ourselves accountable, providing open access to information and fostering trust with our communities.
  4. Innovation:  We embrace creative and evidence-based solutions to improve the quality of education.
  5. Efficiency and Fiscal Responsibility:  We are responsible stewards of Oklahoma's taxpayer dollars, ensuring resources are used efficiently to maximize student outcomes.

Key Initiatives and Goals

Back to the Basics

Goal: Build a strong foundation in core subjects - reading, writing, and math - ensuring every student is proficient.

Action Items:

  • Support comprehensive curricula that emphasize mastery of fundamental skills.
  • Provide continuous professional development for teachers focused on refining instructional strategies in core areas.
  • Use a multi-tiered support system to help struggling students catch up, backed by evidence-based practices.

Academic Proficiency and Excellence

Goal: Ensure all students achieve proficiency in academic subjects and are well-prepared for both college and careers.

Action Items:

  • Set and maintain rigorous academic standards aligned with college and career readiness.
  • Offer targeted professional development to enhance teachers' instructional effectiveness.
  • Closely monitor student progress and provide tailored interventions to ensure no student falls behind.

Career Readiness

Goal: Prepare students to succeed in the workforce and meet the needs of Oklahoma industries.

Action Items:

  • Develop robust career and technical education (CTE) programs that align with industry demands.
  • Create opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships and apprenticeships.
  • Implement on-track indicators to measure student progress toward postsecondary and career goals.

Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Goal: Attract and retain highly skilled teachers who are passionate about education and student success.

Action Items:

  • Offer competitive compensation packages to draw top-tier candidates.
  • Provide ongoing, high-quality professional development and career advancement opportunities.
  • Foster a supportive and rewarding work environment that acknowledges and values teachers' contributions.

Agency Transparency and Efficiency

Goal: Ensure the Oklahoma State Department of Education operates transparently and efficiently for the benefit of all Oklahomans.

Action Items:

  • Establish clear, accessible policies and procedures that are easy to follow for educators, parents, and students. 
  • Deliver regular updates to stakeholders regarding the Department's progress and initiatives.
  • Use data-driven decision-making to identify areas for continuous improvement and enhance educational outcomes.

Parental Involvement

Goal: Equip parents with the tools and resources they need to take an active role in their children's education.

Action Items: 

  • Provide parents with each access to curriculum materials and information about school performance.
  • Expand access to school choice options, empowering parents to make informed decisions about their child's education.
  • Create clear channels for parents to report safety concerns and engage in their child's academic progress.

School Safety and Security

Goal: Ensure that every school in Oklahoma provides a safe, secure, and conducive learning environment for students, teachers, and staff.

Action Items:

  • Implement and maintain comprehensive security systems in schools, including surveillance cameras, controlled access points, and emergency response protocols.
  • Provide regular training for teachers, administrators, and students on safety protocols, including active shooter drills, emergency evacuations, and crisis management.
  • Strengthen collaborations with local law enforcement to enhance school safety, including the presence of school resource officers (SROs) and coordination during emergencies.
  • Promote anti-bullying initiatives, providing resources and tools to identify and address bullying and harassment in schools, ensuring that every child feels safe.
  • Create a streamlined process for parents to report safety concerns and provide feedback, ensuring that all issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

The mission and vision reflect a forward-thinking, parent-centered approach to education, focused on returning the control of children's futures to their parents while ensuring academic excellence and transparency throughout the system.  Together, we will build a stronger, more innovative, and accountable educational landscape for the next generation of Oklahomans.

Last Modified on Jan 16, 2025
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