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. Further, we support ongoing strategic funding to schools and school programs that support the growing aerospace industry, the number two industry in the state, with 118 Oklahoma high schools that are implementing strong aerospace pathways for students. These schools, including the Oklahoma Aviation Academy in Norman, are well on their way to developing aerospace pathways that allow students to follow learning trajectories that will lead to rewarding careers in aerospace. Public school districts across the state are partnering with higher education, career tech, industry, airports and workforce development committees to ensure students have the opportunity to engage in high-level, STEM-focused curriculum and learning activities that transform the traditional educational environment. 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. 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 AND 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 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 tuition, books and fees for seniors and juniors as funding is available. We also support efforts to increase work-based learning opportunities that prepare individuals for careers. HIGHER EDUCATION – REFORM, INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION 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). The business community, governments and higher education continue to face financial challenges. We all must be innovative and flexible to meet the needs of customers and achieve our mission. This includes 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: • Higher education funding directed to producing graduates with degrees in Critical Occupations such as engineering, nursing and IT/software/cybersecurity and staying abreast of future career readiness skills including artificial intelligence. • Increased accountability and annual metrics that motivate institutions to increase the number of graduates by requiring timely reporting of degrees produced in Critical Occupations. • Innovative approaches to curriculum and degree offerings, including ongoing analysis of in-demand degree programs and creation of non-degree programs/certificates that create a workforce with needed skills. • Efforts to maximize funding through collaboration and sharing of services, programs and instructors. • New partnerships between four-year institutions, Career Techs and community colleges that enable schools to share resources, staff and facilities. • Expanded programs that provide financial support and resources for Critical Occupation students enrolled part-time. • Continued support of the Scholars for Excellence Scholarship Program. This program, through the OSRHE, awards
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