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.
In Oklahoma, a Discredited Theory of Reading Is Widely Used
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In classrooms across Oklahoma, students are taught to read using a theory that has been discredited by decades of research by brain scientists.
With Kids’ Futures at Risk, Schools Seek New Ways to Lower Chronic Absenteeism
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Oklahoma has joined dozens of other states in trying to reduce chronic absenteeism in schools. And some schools are trying new approaches to succeed. But is the problem beyond schools’ control?
Five Things to Know About Virtual School Funding
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With the ongoing probes and debate over Epic Charter Schools, state legislators held an interim-study hearing Wednesday on how virtual charter schools are funded. Are changes in the wind?
More District Schools Offer Full-Time Virtual Programs. Do They Work?
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A growing number of traditional district schools are offering full-time virtual education or a blend of online and in-person classes. But it’s not clear whether the quality of instruction is the same.
Former Epic Teachers Sue School Over Firing, Alleging Enrollment Manipulation
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Two former teachers have filed lawsuits against Epic Charter Schools, alleging they were fired for pushing back against pressure to manipulate the enrollment of their students.
State Investigation of Epic Expands to Chief Financial Officer, Board
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A state investigation into Epic Charter Schools has expanded to include the school’s chief financial officer and four current or former board members, according to a search warrant filed in Oklahoma County Wednesday.
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.