certifications, degrees, licenses and other training targeting skills that are in demand and meet industry needs. • We support key scholarship programs: Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grants (OTEG) and Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grants (OTAG). • We support concurrent enrollment that enables more students to enter college and complete a college degree. • We support the development of work-based learning opportunities, such as internships and apprenticeship programs. • The Chamber supports collaboration and partnerships with educational organizations and the business community when developing targeted legislation. The new Graduation Requirements legislation brought together all partners and should continue to be the standard moving forward. Education and business-related endeavors serve both Pre-K to Higher Ed student success along with the economic success of our state. ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION The Chamber supports public funding for arts and arts education in schools as a means to spotlight our history and culture, attract tourism, bolster our local economy and elevate our brand throughout the region. The Chamber supports visual and performing arts in our schools as a means to nurture well-rounded individuals and help create a more engaging and dynamic learning environment. Research shows that such programs enhance critical thinking and problem-solving, boost academic performance and prepare students for a diverse range of careers. OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION The Chamber requires aligning the OSDE with the goals and priorities herein to best serve the educational needs of the state, as well as any available funding that supports child well- being. The Oklahoma State Department of Education is the state education agency charged with determining the policies and directing the administration and supervision of the public school system of Oklahoma. The State Board of Education is responsible for overseeing that these duties are completed. The restructuring of this board for increased accountability is supported. Adding two appointees from the House and two appointees from the Senate to the current appointee membership by the Governor will increase accountability and oversight for these functions taking place. Additionally, the Gubernatorial appointment of the State Superintendent along with corresponding approval/removal by the State Board of Education is supported.
WORKFORCE / ADULT LEARNING Oklahoma’s workforce has many people who have started college but have not earned degrees. The state also has many individuals who need additional skills or training to meet employers’ needs. The Chamber supports new programs and fiscal solutions to support adult learners’ ability to upskill and complete degrees. scholarships to eligible childcare professionals to complete coursework in child development or early childhood education. This is a beneficial tool to enhance quality in the early childhood education system and to attract and retain early childhood educators, thus improving the workforce pipeline.
HIGHER EDUCATION – EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT
To increase the college-educated workforce in the state, the Chamber supports the expansion of the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship tax credit for needs-based scholarships to eligible public college students. This expansion would generate funding for scholarships by providing tax credits to individuals and businesses who make donations to higher education foundations that provide scholarships. OSRHE FUNDING FORMULA The Chamber supports re-examining current funding formulas and metrics to provide equitable base funding for public higher education institutions from the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education. OKLAHOMA’S PROMISE Oklahoma’s Promise is one of the nation’s most successful college access programs. We oppose legislation that would diminish the program’s focus on college access. We support efforts to increase the number of college graduates and continued direct allocation of state funds, which ensures full funding of scholarships earned by Oklahoma students. CAREER TECH – BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY TRAINING The Oklahoma Career Tech system is acknowledged as one of the top systems in the nation. Career Tech is a key ingredient in attracting industry to Oklahoma through its Training for Industry Program (TIP). The Chamber supports funding to assure training needs for new and existing industry. The business community urges the system to focus on producing a workforce that can meet the needs of in-demand and Critical Occupations. CAREER READINESS AND CERTIFICATION The Chamber believes the Oklahoma workforce needs more opportunities to earn post-secondary education, including
15
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online