Mass shootings in Texas and Ohio have put gun deaths and firearm laws back in the spotlight. This Q&A provides some of the Oklahoma facts you need to know.
Did Lobbying Efforts Influence Spending on School Panic Button?
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A $3 million taxpayer-funded program will soon give schools across the state access to a relatively untested “panic button” app that can alert authorities and staff if there is an active shooter or other emergency. Approval came after company officials lobbied for the app at the State Capitol.
Hofmeister: Epic Complaints Raised for Years, But Education Department Lacked Power to Verify
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The state Board of Education met Thursday and discussed, both publicly and behind closed doors, Epic Charter Schools. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister then answered questions and noted the department has lacked the power to investigate years of complaints about the online school.
Has Oversight of Epic Schools Been Lax?
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Who’s responsible for oversight of Epic Charter Schools? In light of accusations revealed by Oklahoma Watch and others detailed in a state investigator’s report, have overseers done enough to put a check on the state’s largest virtual school? State officials have asked for an investigative audit, but where it will lead is unclear.
Search Warrant Alleges Embezzlement, Use of ‘Ghost Students’ by Epic Schools
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A state investigator’s search warrant filed in court seeks evidence of alleged embezzlement of state funds and obtaining money under false pretenses at Epic Charter Schools, including through the use of “ghost students” who receive little or no instruction at the school.
For First Time, ‘Read or Fail’ Law Is Fully Funded. Will It Reduce Retentions?
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One of the state’s most contentious education initiatives, the Reading Sufficiency Act, is fully funded for the first time. Will more support for struggling readers reduce the number of students who are retained?
Why We’re Covering Epic Charter Schools, and What’s Next
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Our first stories about Epic Charter Schools ran in 2016, and we’ve been covering the state’s largest virtual school off and on since. Here’s why.
ACT Scores for Public and Private High Schools
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Which schools had the highest-scoring students on the 2018 ACT college-readiness exam?
Edmond Hockey School Not Authorized as Charter
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A hockey-themed charter school planning to open this fall in Edmond does not have authorization to operate, according to the state Education Department.
Then and Now: Brown v. Board’s Legacy in Oklahoma City Schools
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Sixty-five years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously struck down racial segregation in public schools, setting in motion great currents of change that no one foresaw. Our story, video and images reflect on the impact, then and now, of Brown v. Board of Education on Oklahoma City Public Schools.
Moore Schools Plans to Eliminate Gifted Classes. Is It a Trend?
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Moore Public Schools plans to cancel its weekly class for gifted students and instead focus on a science, technology, engineering, art and math program for all students. Some parents and advocates for gifted students think their children will lose a valuable part of their education.