Articles
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Education
Many districts exempted from class-size limits
This year’s state appropriation for public schools hit a level that triggered enforcement of class-size limits in Oklahoma law, a fact hailed by many state officials as a major accomplishment of the 2021 legislative session.Ray Carter | June 25, 2021
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Good Government
A citizen’s guide to the Oklahoma Legislature
Few of us have thought much about how the Legislature works since our 9th-grade civics class or maybe a freshman college government course, so most of us are a little rusty on the process. A little refresher will help you be more effective in the policymaking world.Rick Farmer, Ph.D. | June 25, 2021
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Culture & the Family
IRS leak of confidential information troubling
The U.S. Treasury Department is investigating the unauthorized release of confidential information about several wealthy Americans. It turns out that IRS data was leaked to journalists, revealing tax and income information on a number of wealthy individuals, including Warren Buffett and Jeff Bezos.Curtis Shelton | June 25, 2021
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Judicial Reform
Defunding police conflicts with prison reform
Efforts by progressives to defund police are likely to backfire because those same groups also seek to reform the criminal justice system—particularly as it relates to reducing prison populations.Ryan Haynie | June 24, 2021
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Culture & the Family
Drag queen story time, other Pride Month activities featured at OKC libraries
In keeping with the nationwide trend, the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library System is once again hosting Pride Month activities at all 19 of its branch locations throughout the month of June.Staci Elder Hensley | June 23, 2021
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Education
Most Oklahoma kids eligible for private-school scholarship
Many parents don't realize that most Oklahoma students are already eligible to apply for a private-school scholarship.Brandon Dutcher | June 22, 2021
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Budget & Tax
Review shows little benefit from TSET spending
In its latest report presented to lawmakers, the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) evaluated the outcomes generated by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust spending over the past two decades.Ray Carter | June 21, 2021
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Higher Education
OU starting to resemble a reeducation camp
As part of its “diversity, equity, and inclusion” focus, one University of Oklahoma college recently vowed to teach white students “cultural humility.”Jonathan Small | June 21, 2021
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Education
Oklahoma praised for reading test standards, but not results
Statewide tests are required in schools nationwide to measure academic performance, but many states declare “proficiency” has been achieved for scores that are far below the level set in national standards.Ray Carter | June 21, 2021
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Education
Lawmakers say anti-CRT work not done
Although House Bill 1775 was signed into law this year, the bill’s authors say that doesn’t mean the fight against CRT is over in Oklahoma.Ray Carter | June 17, 2021