Mental Health Needs Oklahoma students face a high level of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). We support initiatives to address the mental and behavioral health of students. This includes new programs and services from the State Dept. of Education and Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Concurrent Enrollment & Work-based Learning The Chamber recognizes the excellent learning opportunities offered at our four-year universities, community colleges and career techs. Students should be allowed and encouraged to begin pursuit of a degree or other certification while still in high school. They reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a degree or certificate at a post-secondary institution, which reduces costs and speeds entry into the workforce. We support fully funding access for seniors and expanding access to concurrent enrollment for high school juniors as funding is available. We also support efforts to increase work-based learning opportunities that prepare individuals for careers. Higher Education – Reform and Investment The Chamber recognizes a high-quality higher education system is critical to economic growth. Oklahoma City continues to struggle with meeting the workforce needs of its employers, particularly in Critical Occupations (as defined by www.oklahomaworks.gov/ criticaloccupations) that require a higher education degree. The business community, governments and higher education continue to face financial challenges and we all must be innovative and flexible to meet the needs of our customers and achieve our mission. This should include development of partnerships that produce tech transfer and research partnerships to generate private, federal and foundation revenue. We urge the higher education system to pursue significant reform to better meet employer needs. The business community supports the following reforms:
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 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 percent are choosing STEM careers. The Chamber supports full funding of the OSSM budget request. 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 non-profit school in Oklahoma City exclusively serving homeless students 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 career tech facilities. We will oppose efforts to remove or replace the ability of career tech and higher education institutions to regulate firearms on campus. 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 step including getting vaccinated.
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