Articles
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Education
Robust demand fuels call for Oklahoma school-choice expansion
Applications for the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program indicate demand for school-choice options in Oklahoma is among the strongest in the nation. In fact, demand is so robust that legislative efforts to raise or eliminate the current cap on the tax-credit program are now being endorsed by state leaders.Ray Carter | December 12, 2023
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Higher Education
OU’s drag-queen spending this year exceeds $56,000
In less than one year, the University of Oklahoma has spent at least $56,000 on three separate drag-queen shows, according to documents obtained through open-record requests.Ray Carter | December 12, 2023
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Higher Education
UCO requires English professor to embrace race-based discrimination
In a job posting for an assistant professor of English, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) seeks applicants who have “a strong commitment to antiracist and social justice pedagogy.”Ray Carter | December 11, 2023
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Education
School-choice program’s launch benefiting families
Oklahoma's school-choice tax credit program faced initial delays due to technical glitches, but after launching on Dec. 6, it received over 30,000 submissions in the first 90 minutes (although some duplication of submissions may have occurred), according to Governor Kevin Stitt. School leaders believe the program is providing new opportunities for Oklahomans who couldn't afford private school education before.Ray Carter | December 8, 2023
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Budget & Tax
Bergstrom seeks gradual Oklahoma income-tax repeal
Under legislation filed by state Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, Oklahoma’s personal income tax would be put on a path to full repeal through periodic tax cuts tied to revenue growth.Ray Carter | December 7, 2023
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Higher Education, Culture & the Family
OU study: Native American population growth raises climate-change risk
An OU professor says “Indigenous communities are grappling with an imminent climate crisis compounded by systemic injustices” and that much of the increased climate risk is the result of tribal citizens having children and grandchildren.Ray Carter | December 6, 2023
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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