Oklahoma's Public Education:
The Foundation of the State's Future

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Strategies

1. Build recognition of the importance of quality Pre K-12 public education for the social and economic well being of Oklahoma.
2. Foster and advocate state education policy to improve the performance of the Oklahoma Pre K-12 public education system.
3. Stimulate and support local school improvement initiatives.

Components of a Successful Education System

1. Rigorous Standards: A successful system clearly defines expectations for student success in school, in the workplace, and in life. Our graduates must be prepared to compete with job applicants from around the world. We must be certain our standards are high compared against the best education systems in the nation and world.
2. Assessments: A successful system should have diagnostic and comparative capabilities and focus on results. Measuring the performance of students, schools, and the system enables us to act on the results.
3. Accountability: A successful system bases consequences for policymakers, educators, and students on performance. It provides students the curriculum, instruction, and time they need to succeed. It assists schools that are struggling to improve, rewards exemplary schools, and penalizes schools that persistently fail their students.
4. Student Record System: A successful system requires accurate data in order to improve student achievement and school performance. A record system for student data will enable accurate information to follow a mobile student population through the educational system.
5. Development and Retention of High Quality Personnel: A successful system insists on meaningful preparation and continuous learning for teachers and administrators. A systematic method for rewarding performance will help attract and retain high quality personnel.
6. School Autonomy: A successful system gives individual schools the freedom and resources necessary for high performance and true accountability.
7. Learning Readiness: A successful system recognizes the importance of pre-school years. It provides high-quality pre-kindergarten education to all children. It also builds strong partnerships with other public and private agencies to overcome learning barriers caused by poverty, neglect, violence, or ill health for students of all ages.
8. Technology: A successful system places no barriers on the creative use of technology to broaden access to knowledge and improve learning and productivity.
9. Fiscal Accountability: A successful system ensures the effective and efficient use of public funding. The system should be designed to ease reporting and create a link to student achievement.
10. Safety and Discipline: A successful system provides students a safe, well-disciplined, and caring environment.