Public education

I commend your recent efforts to improve Oklahoma's public education system. However, the proposed bills increase teachers' workloads, which is certain to lead to continued failure. Teachers need support, not additional burdens. Many students struggle not due to teacher performance, but because of critical issues like shortages, public disinterest, and inadequate funding. It’s disheartening to be a teacher when my commitment to meet the diverse needs of students is met with mounting responsibilities. I see students who rely on us for support that often isn't provided at home, all while dealing with parents who prioritize sports and popularity over grades. I spend at least 12 extra hours each week in my classroom, purchasing materials to cultivate a love for reading and ensure hands-on experiences—yet my salary barely covers my mortgage, falling far short of what my husband earns without a degree. Here are some suggestions that could genuinely help our failing system: 1. Pay Teachers More: To attract and retain quality educators, we must offer competitive salaries. You want good help? You pay for good help. 2. Classroom Funding: Provide each teacher with easily accessible funding at the start of the year for essential supplies-without requiring us to go through our administrators. For example, a 2023 collaboration with Donorschoose allowed teachers to access necessary resources on their own by expressing need, demonstrating how small investments can yield significant benefits. 3. Support Staff Compensation: Pay support staff more and allocate additional funding to them. They are invaluable resources for improving student outcomes and facilitating one-on-one instruction. 4. Family Engagement Initiatives: We need to mobilize families to care about education. Public campaigns emphasizing the importance of public education can make a difference. While attendance policies are a step in the right direction, they require consideration of valid absences. 5. Oversight of Homeschooling: Strengthen regulations on homeschooling to prevent abuse or neglect, ensuring that students returning to public schools are prepared. Many families attempt homeschooling without adequate guidance, leading to students falling behind when they return. 6. Eliminate State Testing and Require Benchmark Testing: Removing standardized testing would reduce the extensive preparation time that hinders genuine learning and instead replace it with benchmark testing. Benchmark tests assess student progress throughout the year, allowing for timely interventions and support tailored to individual needs. This approach helps educators focus on the specific areas where students require assistance rather than adhering to rigid testing standards. 7. Consolidate Standards: Streamlining educational standards can alleviate the overwhelming requirements teachers face. Many current standards are repetitive or outdated. Instead, we should focus on essential skills that truly enhance learning. 8. Revise Retention Policies: Expand retention requirements beyond third grade to include critical transition years. Retaining younger students can provide them with the time needed to mature and absorb material, making it a constructive tool rather than a punishment. 9. Utilize Community Resources: Invest in public awareness campaigns about available resources, such as libraries that provide homework help and free tutoring programs. Ensuring families know about these options can lead to greater community support and engagement. There are numerous ideas, but implementing even one of these recommendations would be more impactful than simply adding seven days to the school year or limiting screen time. We must acknowledge that our education crisis stems from inadequate funding; real reform requires prioritizing and investing in our schools.