Supt. Simpson: “Why Oklahoma ranks 50th in education”

HELP, WE ARE 50^th IN EDUCATION AND MY THIRD GRADER CAN’T READ!  It appears our state legislature is drawing closer to the end of this session and much of the focus of this year has been on education reform.  I was going to open with the second sentence but I know many would never read the article if that was how I started this column!

I’ve been asked by many colleagues and friends why Oklahoma ranks 50^th in education and how we change that as a state.  The reasons and determining matrix are as complex as the possible solutions.  While I don’t believe we are 50^th, I do believe we are not where any educator would like our state to be.  After 35 years in education, I believe now more than ever, a quality teacher in every classroom makes the most difference in how we improve educational outcomes as a state.  During my career, I’ve watched many talented teachers leave our state or the profession altogether.  I’ve also watched the profession be de-valued due to the comments of some elected leaders.

This last week, I had the pleasure to surprise our current district Teacher of the Year in her classroom with a visit.  Kaitlyn Wood is a third-grade teacher at Charter Oak Elementary.  The purpose of my visit was to present her with the Sessions Award given to our Teacher of the Year annually since 1989.  When I entered the classroom to make the presentation, Ms. Wood introduced me and our Assistant Superintendent, Carmen Walters to her students.  The class was ultra-focused on their assignment and I noticed there were 27 students in the room.  It took a moment or two for me to steal their attention because they were so focused on the assignment.  I made my presentation and as we left the building, I thought about what a great teacher she is to get all of her students engaged and on task with such a large class (most of our classes at the elementary level are around our goal of 20 students).  Ms. Wood is definitely making a difference in her students’ lives, and we need more like her in our state!

It is estimated that there are between 20,000 and 30,000 certified teachers in Oklahoma who are not currently teaching in public classrooms.  Immediately following the teacher walkout and sizable pay increase, teacher preparation programs at our state colleges noted an uptick in enrollment.  That increase has since waned, and those numbers are alarmingly low again.  Many leaving the profession point to the “respect shortage” that exists.  That shortage is not just from elected leaders, but also parents and students.  I’ve always believed education is a three-legged stool with parents, schools, and students bearing responsibility to produce the outcome.  If one leg falters or shows a lack of respect for the other, the stool falls.  A fortunate outcome of this legislative session is a modest $2,000 pay increase for all teachers.  An expected outcome as well is a modification to allow teachers who retire to return to work without a salary restriction.  This measure could lead to retaining some veteran teachers but still requires the Governor’s signature at this time.

Another product of this session is a return to mandatory retention of third graders not reading on grade level.  We have been very aggressive at Guthrie Public Schools with many interventions long before third grade to bring our students up to the level necessary so they can begin their journey of “reading to learn”.  We have specialized teachers who work with those struggling the most in grades 1-3 to get them caught up with their peers.  This is the hard work our staff does every day.

The end of this school year is coming fast!  Graduation is scheduled for May 15^th at “The Rock” starting at 7:30 p.m.  I hope you will join me in celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026.   There are many events scheduled in the coming days highlighting the accomplishments of this class.  Go to the district website at www.guthrieps.net for the most up-to-date calendars.

After visiting Ms. Woods ‘ third-grade classroom last week, I don’t believe we are 50th, but I do know we have some work to do.  Our students are worth the work!  GO BLUEJAYS!!!