• Alternative pathways such as Teach for America that enhance the diversity of the teaching profession. • Educator Prep Programs (EPP) that offer micro-credentials for individuals seeking alternative teacher certifications. • Providing additional pre- and post-school year pathway preparation programs that comprehensively prepare teachers who meet state requirements. • Implementing incentives, such as stipends, scholarships or salary grade adjustments, to increase completion of comprehensive professional development and reduce the timeframe it takes to complete comprehensive professional development. ATTRACT AND DEVELOP HIGH-PERFORMING SCHOOL LEADERS Top-notch school leadership by school superintendents and principals is critical to school performance, teacher retention and school culture. The Chamber supports the creation and implementation of initiatives that attract, retain and develop innovative and high-performing school leaders. LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEM The business community encourages the development and implementation of a new Pre-K to 20 longitudinal data system that will measure performance and progress. A working system would measure the progress, challenges and success of our education systems from early childhood through higher education and into employment. Accurate data would enhance critical programmatic and funding decisions. POST PANDEMIC LEARNING LOSS The Chamber acknowledges challenges of the pandemic, including remote learning and technology access, led to learning loss for many students. We know that prior to the pandemic not enough students were achieving advanced or proficient test scores, and recent test scores indicate an even lower performance. The Chamber supports providing additional and enhanced learning opportunities that utilize recognized best practices. We believe it is important to help students catch up by having more time on tasks, including longer school days and additional instruction days. MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS Oklahoma students at all levels face a high level of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). We support initiatives to address the mental and behavioral health of students and all school personnel. PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS The Chamber supports charter schools and education choices. Charter schools are public schools and are required to adhere to Oklahoma statutes and performance standards. We support
creating high-quality charter schools and enabling successful charter schools to grow. This includes online charter schools, schools designed to meet the needs of targeted underserved populations or schools that provide specific curriculum. We support ensuring that all public schools are funded equitably and that charter schools have access to funding for infrastructure and facilities. OKLAHOMA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) has consistently ranked among the nation’s top public high schools. More than half of OSSM graduates stay in Oklahoma, and 85% are choosing STEM careers. Provided the OSSM Board and administration continue to focus on implementing effective policies, procedures and safeguards to improve the school culture, and ensure OSSM is a safe place for all students, faculty and staff, the Chamber will continue to support full funding for the OSSM budget. SPECIALTY SCHOOLS We support state funding for schools that target the specific needs of students experiencing homelessness. This includes schools like Positive Tomorrows, a private nonprofit school in Oklahoma City exclusively serving students in need of housing support with services that help stabilize their families, bring the students up to grade level and prepare them for success in public school. SCHOOL AND CAMPUS SAFETY The Chamber will oppose legislation to permit carrying of firearms at early childhood, pre-K-12, colleges and CareerTech facilities. We will oppose efforts to remove or replace the ability of CareerTech and higher education institutions to regulate firearms on campus. The business community recognizes that national events have created increasing concerns about school safety and that additional protection may require additional funding. TEACHER WELLNESS AND HEALTH We believe our schools should provide a safe and healthy work and learning environment. This includes enabling schools to prevent spread of illness and minimize teacher absences by encouraging all school personnel to take precautionary steps, including getting vaccinated. CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT & WORK-BASED LEARNING The Chamber recognizes the excellent learning opportunities offered at our four-year universities, community colleges and CareerTechs. Students should be allowed and encouraged to begin pursuit of a degree or certification while still in high school. They reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a degree
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