Katherine Black

This initiative by the Oklahoma State Department of Education aims to invest in and expand high-quality, evidence-based afterschool and summer learning and enrichment programs through community and school partnerships. It outlines a three-phase approach—Stabilize, Strategize, and Organize—to provide comprehensive support, particularly for students disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan seeks to improve student attendance, behavior, and academic outcomes, addressing the significant unmet demand for out-of-school time programs across Oklahoma.

The First Class Teacher Induction Program by the Oklahoma State Department of Education is an initiative designed to provide structured support and professional resources to early-career educators. It aims to improve teacher retention and develop effective instructional practices by matching new teachers with site-based mentors in their first year and virtual instructional coaches in their second and third years, complemented by professional learning workshops. The program seeks to expand its reach to approximately 500 teachers annually, ultimately benefiting student achievement.

This action plan, titled "Ready Together Oklahoma," outlines a community-wide commitment to investing strategically in high-quality, equitable public education to support the whole child through and beyond the pandemic. It organizes resources and initiatives around five core sections: Student Learning and Success, Prioritizing Health and Well-Being, Ensuring Equity for All, Supporting Teachers and Leaders, and Embracing Families and Communities. The plan aims to leverage federal coronavirus relief funds to ensure lasting success for Oklahoma's schools and students.

The 'Ready Together Oklahoma' plan outlines a strategy for utilizing federal relief funds to make strategic, long-term investments in education. It focuses on helping students recover from the global pandemic by prioritizing summer enrichment activities to address learning gaps and support disconnected students. The plan also emphasizes sustained student support, mental and social well-being, and fostering collaboration among school districts, community partners, and non-profits.

This strategic plan is dedicated to building an exemplary educational system for Oklahoma, empowering parents, teachers, and students through academic excellence, transparency, and parental involvement. It prioritizes foundational skills, academic proficiency, career readiness, and teacher recruitment and retention. The plan also emphasizes agency transparency, efficiency, and ensuring a safe and secure learning environment in schools.