Input sought on the future of Oklahoma public education

School leaders from across the state are developing a vision for the future of Oklahoma public education. All Oklahomans – students, parents, educators, employers and residents – are invited to share their ideas, suggestions and feedback.

An online exchange for the project, powered by ThoughtExchange, can be found at ossba.org/vision. The online, two-way platform – similar to a survey – provides a unique way for people to collaborate and share ideas about a topic. Participants are asked to answer questions and rate the responses of other users. The exchange will close May 31.

Committee members, convened by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association and the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration, will create a strategic action plan that focuses on strengthening and expanding opportunities and services for Oklahoma students and compiles a collection of education best practices that can be shared across the state. It is an extension of work that began by OSSBA and CCOSA more than 10 years ago – with previous reports released in 2014 and 2019.

Responses from the exchange will be compiled by the 56-member committee, composed of school administrators and school board members. They will use the information, along with other education-related research, to complete the five-year strategic action plan, which is expected to be published next winter.

The exchange includes two primary questions for Oklahomans to answer:

• In your opinion, what are the qualities of a life-ready Oklahoma public high school graduate?
• What do you think is important to ensure the success of public education in Oklahoma? Respondents will also rate submissions from fellow Oklahomans for this question.

To participate in the online exchange, please visit ossba.org/vision.