No matter what you call it, merit pay could help Oklahoma schools but the HOW matters!
A Joint Interim Study on November 4 explored issues related to an incentive-pay plan proposed by Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin. Here’s what Oklahomans need to know about that.
Wednesday’s interim study will explore retention in “literacy-focused grade levels”
Today I’m sharing research and data about Oklahoma’s third-grade reading retention law for the info of those who will be watching House Interim Study 25-089 tomorrow, Oct. 22!
Celebrating Oklahoma turning “outrage into action” for K-12’s future
Organizers Erika Buzzard Wright and Sandra Valentine of the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition address the crowd at the “Big Send-Off Bash” on Sunday, Oct. 12, at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Light enters first State Board meeting under Supt. Fields
When Oklahoma’s State Board of Education met for the first time under State Superintendent Lindel Fields, sunshine poured into the board room illuminating a symbol of the new administration: Let there be light!
Thank goodness for a lack of political aspirations and a transition team
Newly appointed State Superintendent Lindel Fields hugs his daughter, a student at Eisenhower International School in Tulsa, after his remarks at the governor’s news conference hosted by TPS on Oct. 2, 2025.
Public comments on proposed ESSA-required tests waiver request
Public Comments to the State Department of Education on proposed changes to the Oklahoma School Testing Program are due September 8. But, since they cancelled the State Board of Education meeting today, I had time to finish mine!
Why would you make it harder to hire teachers in Oklahoma?
The number of emergency certified and adjunct teachers grows into the thousands now every year. So, why is our state superintendent making it harder to hire teachers?
Credit where credit is due: Okla. State Dept. of Education Legal Services
Giving credit where credit is due to the Oklahoma State Department of Education for prompt response to Open Records Request for school funding data.
Who is in charge of the Oklahoma School Testing Program?
Every day, some new, off-the-wall spin is rolled out to divert attention from the poor job performance of Oklahoma’s current State Superintendent of Public Instruction. … Thank God it’s Friday!
Why can’t ALL Oklahoma schools provide free lunches for students in 2025-26?
Oklahoma's state superintendent says he will "mandate that every school district fully funds student meals using existing state and federal operational dollars." Sounds great! There's just one a problem: state law. Here are the relevant statutory references and what should happen next.
Oklahoma City’s Jamie Polk illustrates greatness and grace at InspireOK 2025
Oklahoma City’s Jamie Polk illustrates greatness and grace at InspireOK 2025
The good news in the bad news about Oklahoma’s low-performing schools
Good news from the State Department of Education that 13 Tulsa Public School sites have “exited” designation as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools. Sadly, few people realize how difficult this is to achieve. Every school improving student success deserves accolades for the hard work and dedication because it does not happen otherwise. …