Oklahoma
School Choice & Charters
A Major Reversal on Religious Charter Schools in Oklahoma
The attorney general withdrew his predecessor's opinion that religious groups could not be excluded from the state charter school program.
Social Studies
5 Things We Learned From 2 Teachers Piloting AP African American Studies
Shekinah Hall and Darren Williams teach at the only high school offering two separate classes of AP African American Studies this school year.
Social Studies
What Two Teachers Piloting the AP African American Studies Course Have to Say About It
The AP African American Studies course offers students representation like never before, two teachers piloting the course in Oklahoma said.
School Choice & Charters
A Proposed Catholic Charter School Is New Test for Religion and Public Education
With a favorable state attorney general's opinion in hand, Catholic officials are set to ask for approval of the first religious charter.
Student Well-Being
Gone to the Dogs? Schools Use Therapy Animals to Boost Mental Health, Academics
Some schools incorporate therapy dogs into their COVID recovery plans to address student mental health and classroom engagement.
Equity & Diversity
Video
A Native American Elder Reflects on His Boarding School Experience
Dwight Howe’s Native boarding school experience in the 1970s was mostly positive. Fifty years earlier, it would have been a different story.
Special Education
States Are Desperate for Special Ed. Teachers. But They Can't Cut Corners to Get Them
The Education Department warns states not to lower standards, even as districts frantically search for skilled special educators.
Law & Courts
Legal Challenges to 'Divisive Concepts' Laws: an Update
Since last year, four states have seen eight lawsuits challenging "divisive concepts" laws.
Teaching Profession
Q&A
A Teacher Who 'Refused to Be Party to Censorship' Tells Her Story
The teacher was targeted for sharing links to online libraries with students amid district book challenges.
Equity & Diversity
Two Okla. Districts Get Downgraded Accreditations for Violating State's Anti-CRT Law
The Tulsa and Mustang public school systems are the first to feel the sting of a state law that restricts discussion of race and racism in schools.
Recruitment & Retention
Emergency Certified Teachers: Are They a Viable Solution to Shortages?
Emergency teachers are in bigger demand than ever. Can states and districts make smarter use of them?
Equity & Diversity
A School Openly Discusses Race in a State That Bans It
At Millwood High School, discussions on race are everywhere, and students say the lessons are essential.
Recruitment & Retention
The Pool of Future Teachers Is Dwindling. Can It Be Refilled?
A look at Oklahoma's efforts to replenish its teacher pipeline.
States
Beyond 'Don't Say Gay': Other States Seek to Limit LGBTQ Youth, Teaching
Legislators want to ban lessons on LGBTQ communities and require teachers to tell parents when students want their pronouns changed.