The Oklahoma City AFT has for some time been advocating for education reform, being part of the solution, not part of the problem. We know serious change is on the way, whether developed locally or at the state or national level. Some of the anticipated reform is now before us, as a result of the U.S. Department of Education’s approval of Oklahoma’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Waiver Request.
The State Department of Education now has the authority to assume control over twenty-four Oklahoma City schools, (six of which are charters). These schools are categorized as Priority Schools and make up almost one-third of the 77 Priority Schools statewide. Significant changes will be required even if the state chooses not to assume control of any school. Another seventeen of the schools in our district, (including one charter), are identified as Focus Schools, and these schools will also be required to make significant changes.
We do not fear the State Department of Education’s role in school reform – rather, we view this as an opportunity for real improvement, involving significant teacher participation. If we have the courage to help develop new school models and new working relationships, we can have a more meaningful impact on the lives of our students.
It is time to implement Oklahoma City AFT’s SHARED ACCOUNTABILITY AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY BLUEPRINT.
Courage will be required to make tough decisions today, so that all can reap the benefits of better schools tomorrow. Our plan outlines a clear path for school improvement, with all stakeholders having shared accountability and responsibility. No one should get a pass on education reform, no one: not teachers or administrators, not parents or students, not community members or legislators.
We hope our district will join with us in advancing our BLUEPRINT. Now is not the time to “just say no” to a state partnership, but rather a time to work together. Our district, just like many others across the country, has had decades to implement their ideas to raise student achievement, with not much success. It is time for a different approach. As long as teachers are at the table, and not on the menu, we will be supportive of finding new ways of turning challenges into accomplishments, yielding real student success.