Oklahoma’s drastic budget cuts have resulted in teacher layoffs, overcrowded classrooms, and four-day school weeks in many communities. Education Week recently reported on Oklahoma teachers running for state legislature in response, with coverage both in print and in a video report for the PBS NewsHour.
In these exclusive web extras, we delve deeper into the current situation of Oklahoma schools:
Shawn Sheehan, Oklahoma’s teacher of the year, has joined dozens of other educators running for the Oklahoma legislature in hopes of improving school funding. Why would he give up teaching—a job he loves?
Cassidy Coffey, a high school student in Oklahoma City, Okla., led a student walkout to protest the state’s budget cuts. Here is her story:
University of Oklahoma President David Boren, a former U.S. Senator and governor, worries that education is getting short-changed. He discusses Oklahoma’s schools, common core, ESSA, and more in this Q&A:
Related Stories:
- Fed Up With State’s K-12 Stance, Okla. Teachers Run for Office
- If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em: Teachers Run for Office in Oklahoma (Video)
- Teacher Shortages Put Pressure on Governors, Legislators
For more videos, check out the EdWeek video gallery.