Why Public Education Matters A new education initiative highlights how investing in students builds stronger communities
BY REBECCA FAST . PHOTOS PROVIDED
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F or the past decade, Oklahoma has consistently ranked among the lowest states in the nation for educational quality, driven by low math and reading scores, higher dropout rates and limited social resources. These alarming statistics have cast a shadow over the state’s public education system, spurring a rallying cry for change. The Oklahoma Education Impact Initiative (OKEII), a non-profit organization, is among those advocating for reform. Through its extensive research, conducted by leading scholars from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, OKEII seeks to provide data-driven solutions to transform Oklahoma’s education system. Kathy Curry, Ph.D., serves
“We began this initiative with a primary research objective of understanding what different stakeholder groups — parents, educators and community members — considered to be the main problems affecting K-12 education in our state,” said Curry. “Then, by looking at the challenges identified, elicit potential solutions, whether through resources, best practices or state policies to address some of the problems.” Individual success and economic growth OKEII was founded on the belief that public education is vital to our children’s future and our state’s success. Creating momentum for
meaningful improvements first requires us to remember why education matters and how its success or failure affects everyone, not just those directly connected to public schools. “Public education serves several critical functions in society,” said Dan Hamlin, Ph.D., an associate professor of education policy and research director of the Thrive Center at the University of Oklahoma.
as a research adviser for OKEII. She is a professor and the Williams Chair of Higher Education in the Educational Leadership/School Administration Program at Oklahoma State University, as well as the program coordinator for Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Her research focuses on
leadership development, family engagement in education and social learning spaces, along with international studies on education systems worldwide.
His academic research examines the impact of education policies on student health and safety, family engagement,
14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025
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