Articles
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Education
Program makes Oklahoma national education leader
Due to technical glitches, the effective launch of Oklahoma’s new school-choice program was shifted from Dec. 1 to Dec. 6. But when Oklahoma parents submit their applications on Wednesday, they will find themselves on ground the state has rarely trod.Ray Carter | December 5, 2023
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Education
School-choice rollout delayed
The launch of Oklahoma's new school-choice program, making refundable tax credits of $5,000 to $7,500 per child available for private school expenses, has been delayed due to technical challenges. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shifted the application start date from December 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, to address complications and ensure a seamless rollout.Ray Carter | December 1, 2023
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Education
Walters announces effort to improve low-performing schools
State Superintendent Ryan Walters proposes additional resources for schools with a majority of students below grade level in reading and math, while also allowing schools with no improvement in student achievement to lose state accreditation.Ray Carter | November 30, 2023
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Education
With tax credit, parents excited by school-choice prospects
This year, lawmakers approved the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act, making refundable tax credits available to all Oklahoma parents to help pay for private-school tuition.Ray Carter | November 30, 2023
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Education
Oklahoma private-school critics ignore reality
School-choice opponents have tried, and failed, to convince parents to oppose policies that grant greater educational opportunity to their children. So now school-choice opponents have a new tactic: They’re urging Oklahomans to ignore reality.Jonathan Small | November 27, 2023
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Budget & Tax, Education
Purchasing power has declined
In the face of surging inflation and rising expenses in the state, private schools will likely raise tuition to cope with escalating costs and to compete with the rising salaries in public schools.Curtis Shelton | November 14, 2023
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Education, Good Government
Oklahoma school-choice law hailed as national model
Oklahoma policymakers’ decision to provide tax credits to Oklahoma families to pay for private-school tuition is being hailed as a model for states around the country by a national organization.Ray Carter | November 14, 2023
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Budget & Tax, Education
Oklahoma teacher salaries have risen dramatically
The average teacher salary in Oklahoma has dramatically increased with a significant portion of the raise attributed to an additional $250 million allocated during the 2023 legislative session.Curtis Shelton | November 10, 2023
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Education, Culture & the Family
Researcher finds few books banned in schools
Oklahoma parents have been slandered by journalists and left-wing activists (to the extent those can be distinguished) as “book banners.” They’re not.Ray Carter | November 8, 2023
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Education
Oklahoma per-student revenue has risen dramatically
From 2017 to 2022, total revenue for public education in Oklahoma significantly increased, leading to a substantial growth in per-pupil revenue, and this trend was further bolstered by a significant spending increase in 2023.Curtis Shelton | November 8, 2023