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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EPIC Charter Schools lays off more than 300 staffers as it cuts learning centers
EPIC Charter Schools is ending its learning center model, effectively terminating 357 employees, including teachers and administrative staff. The online-based charter school is closing two learning centers in Oklahoma City and one in Tulsa. The sites were staffed with teachers from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for students who wanted in-person education. As a result of the closures, 83 teachers and 274 administrative staffers lost their jobs, according to a news release from the district. The district described the move as a way to "align its resources with its educational priorities." 'This transition is about preserving and strengthening our ability to serve students for years to come,' said EPIC Charter Schools Superintendent Bart Banfield. Rob Crissinger, a spokesperson for the school, said employees who lost their jobs were told about the closures on Tuesday, June 3. More: OKCPS board takes first step toward revoking contract with Montessori charter school EPIC Charter Schools served over 27,000 students in 2024. About 1,400 students attended learning centers, Crissinger said. The district said teachers will be able to meet one-on-one with students in the spaces where the learning centers were located. In a statement, Shelly Hickman, communications director for the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board, said the board will be looking into the matter, as it would with any school in a similar situation. The charter school's announcement comes about seven months after the district laid off 144 employees in October 2024, including 42 teachers and implemented pay cuts. Those cuts occurred after 4,000 fewer students enrolled in the 2024-25 school year than administrators anticipated, as reported by online news outlet Oklahoma Voice. At the time, the district reduced its teacher corps by 2.9%. This time, that number is 5.9%. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: EPIC Charter Schools cuts more than 300 jobs, closes learning centers
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why it makes a difference if a teacher looks like you
The nationwide teacher shortage is staggering. From June to December 2024, the Oklahoma State Department of Education reportedly issued 4,676 emergency certifications, which are provisional licenses for the 2024-2025 school year. In response, there are legislative bills to improve teacher pay and provide technological tools. State agency incentive programs offer financial support to recruit and retain teachers to teach in high-needs schools and in content areas like math, science and special education. These are all initiatives to offset the disparities. In 2024, the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), the Nation's Report Card, reported Oklahoma's academic performance made little progress since the pre-pandemic levels. Major innovations are underway to close the achievement gaps and improve teacher shortages. However, Tyler Glover, an African American sixth-grade math teacher at Santa Fe South Middle School, a public charter school with Oklahoma City Public School (OKCPS), says too many underserved students are being left behind. More: Ryan Walters should support trauma-informed interventions for Oklahoma kids | Opinion Linda Darling-Hammond, president and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute (LPI), a national educational scholar and expert, echoes Glover's sentiments. Her research shows that teachers of color bring benefits to all students, and especially to students of color, including by improving academic performance and attainment. Talitha Tollett-Bray, an African American educator, now retired, taught at John Franklin Hope Early Childhood Center and in the Tulsa Public Schools system. As a child, Bray started school at the all-Black Dunbar Elementary School and, by fifth grade, she had entered the integrated Pershing Elementary School. 'When I attended Pershing Elementary, it was the first time I experienced racism. My teacher ... was very prejudiced. She belittled Black students," Tollett-Bray said. "One day, I wrote a derogatory statement on a piece of paper. Later, I balled it up and threw it in the trash. One of the white girls got it out of the trash and gave it to her. I still got in trouble for my behavior. However, the white principal understood because parents complained about (the teacher's) treatment of Black children." 'When I attended school as a child, my Black teachers showed interest in you. They were stern. They knew the importance of education. They emphasized the value of education in their teaching. They wanted you to succeed. They drilled into us daily that education is how you get ahead. Education is how you get a good job, take care of yourself, be a productive citizen, and become an independent thinker by obtaining an education,' Tollett-Bray said. More: Opinion: Bilingual teacher pipeline program at OKCPS helping to improve student outcomes Bray stressed that our communities of color need and benefit from more teachers of color, particularly in the early grades. The attrition rate for novice teachers is five years before they leave the classroom. Glover graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). She has taught for seven years, gaining experience from the Putnam City district and at KIPP OKC College Prep (OKCPS). 'Our schools are made up of children of color from underserved communities. These kids seldom see teachers or administrators who look like them,' Glover said. Isaiah Massing, founding principal of Santa Fe South West Middle School, said studies show that students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, tend to perform better when taught by teachers who share their racial or cultural background. The shared experience between the students and the teachers leads to a deeper understanding of students' experiences. Massing said shared experiences decrease the need for behavioral interventions with less harsh consequences. Suspension rates are greatly reduced. Reductions in suspensions give students more time in the classroom, and students benefit from increased learning. He added: "Having a teacher who looks like them makes students feel more comfortable with who they are. That increased comfort is crucial for learning. It is much easier to learn when you are not worried about how you are being perceived.' Giovanni Aleso, a fifth-grader at Santa Fe South West, said Glover, his teacher, "takes time to show us how to work on math problems when we did not get it the first time. I like that.' A classmate, Camila Chavez, added: 'Ms. Glover is kind. Tomorrow's her birthday. If we win (a school competition), we get a party. I hope we win.' Deena V. Thomas is a retired Oklahoma City Public Schools teacher This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Many school children never see teachers who look like them | Opinion
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
OKCPS students double projected reading scores
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Student learning is growing at Oklahoma City Public Schools. New data shows that over 5,000 OKCPS students doubled their projected reading growth after teachers looked at the results of an exam at the beginning of the school year. Improving reading skills throughout the district is a goal at OKCPS. This is the third year students have taken a test with the Northwest Evaluation Association. The test is given at schools that want to use it Nationwide. Now, OKCPS has the data to see the results of improved teaching methods throughout the district. 'When the students take it at the beginning of the year in August, September, we'll get a result of where their achievement level is and then they will have a projected growth goal that is based on national norms,' said Jason Galloway, the Chief of Staff at OKCPS. Students then re-take the test in the winter to see how they improved since the first time. One of the district's success stories highlights a student at Bodine Elementary who was predicted to grow 10 points on the reading scale. Instead, that student's reading improvement doubled. Lawmakers push for change in power at OSBE 'At the beginning of the year were performing at the 20th percentile nationally in reading. And now at the middle of the year, at the 52nd percentile,' said Laura McGee, the Senior Executive Director of Elementary Schools and Leadership. Teachers at OKCPS focus on the 'science of reading' to teach students. Which means students learning to read will break down words and then learn to comprehend them. 'Nationally we're seeing a shift back to an emphasis on phonemic awareness and phonics instruction to ensure our students can learn to read at a high level,' said McGee. As students continue to learn in the classroom, leaders at OKCPS said the assessment test is crucial to analyzing student growth. 'So it gives us views of how they're doing, both in student growth and how they're doing in achievement as compared to their peers across the country in whatever grade level they're in or whatever subject level we're looking at,' said Galloway. OKCPS staff said in addition to seeing how students improve in the classroom with reading, it also helps predict how they would perform on the Oklahoma State Assessment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Enrollment begins for 2025-2026, says OKCPS
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – On Wednesday, Oklahoma City Public Schools announced the start of online enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. OKCPS says, families can now enroll through its streamlined process allowing parents and guardians to enroll at their preference in securing a spot for the upcoming school year. 'We are thrilled to offer our families a convenient way to enroll their students for the 2025-26 school year,' said Dr. Jamie Polk, Superintendent of OKCPS. 'Early enrollment isn't just about securing a seat—it helps us plan ahead to ensure we have the best teachers, the right resources, and the high-quality programs our students deserve. When families choose OKCPS, they're choosing a district that provides the support, opportunities, and education needed to ensure our graduates walk across the stage ready for what's next—whether that's enrolling in higher education, enlisting in the military, or entering the workforce with the skills to thrive. We invite families to enroll today and be part of a district that is focused on student success at every level.' According to OKCPS, online enrollment is open to both new and returning students. New families are asked to enroll without delay to guarantee school placement. Returning families can also use the portal to update their information and confirm their child's enrollment for the new year. New legal challenges filed against latest OSDE proposal for Bible-based lessons Families can expect to use the portal to update information and confirm enrollment for the year through the OKCPS website click To enroll, families will need: A parent/guardian email address Proof of residence (for new families) The student's proof of identity (birth certificate or passport) Immunization records Additionally, OKCPS confirmed hosting district-wide in-person enrollment events, mobile enrollment buses, and assistance at district-hosted back-to-school events. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Over 5,000 Oklahoma City Public Schools students doubled their projected growth in reading
Over 5,000 Oklahoma City Public Schools students doubled their projected growth in reading from fall to winter 2024 in national achievement tests. The Northwest Evaluation Association Measuring Academic Progress Growth is an exam that measures what students know and informs what they're ready to learn, according to a presentation given Monday to the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education by Verna Martin, the district's senior executive director of secondary schools, and Laura McGee, OKCPS senior executive director of elementary schools. The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) projected growth is an estimate of how much a student is expected to improve academically over a specific period based on their current score compared to the average of similar students. It predicts how many Rasch UnIT (RIT) score points a student should gain based on their starting point and grade level. RIT is a measurement scale used to simplify the interpretation of test scores. More: Oklahoma City schools implements prevention system to address increasing dropout rates From fall to winter, 5,381 students at Oklahoma City Public Schools doubled their projected growth, according to the presentation, including 1,151 elementary school students, 2,123 middle schoolers and 2,107 high school scholars. "Each of these 5,381 OKCPS scholars who doubled their projected growth in reading from fall to winter has their own unique story of progress and achievement," Martin said Monday. "We celebrate all of these scholars for their demonstration of perseverance, diligence and academic excellence." Natalie Johnson-Papageorge, OKCPS elementary principal supervisor, and Shane Sanders, OKCPS secondary principal supervisor, shared stories of individual students who doubled, or more than doubled, their projected growth in reading. "Our first scholar is from Adams Elementary. A fourth-grader scholar, who is an English language learner, had a projected growth of seven RIT points," Johnson-Papageorge said. "However, through goal setting and his hard work, he achieved 26 growth points from fall to winter." A second-grader from Bodine Elementary was projected to grow 10 RIT points, but achieved 23, Johnson-Papageorge said. A seventh-grade student from F.D. Moon Middle School was projected to grow three RIT points, Sanders said. Instead, she grew 13. An 11th-grade student at John Marshall Enterprise High School achieved the 97th percentile after she exceeded her growth projection of one RIT point and achieved 19 points, Sanders said. "This is what OKCPS is about," said Board Member Jessica Cifuentes. "We are prioritizing growth within our students. We are using evidence-based practices, and just to see these data points today is incredible and truly so beautiful and awe-inspiring." The students' achievements are examples of the work being done at Oklahoma City Public Schools through the district's strategic plan, instructional framework, planning, curriculum and support, Johnson-Papageorge said. "We have to be more focused and intentional with our small groups and differentiated support, and we will continue to see more of our scholars increase their academic growth and academic achievement," Johnson-Papageorge said. "This was just the growth from the beginning of the year to the middle of the year. Stay tuned. The best is yet to come for the end of the school year data." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKCPS national achievement tests: Students show progress in reading
