OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, Governor Mary Fallin and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi served as panelists during NBC’s Education Nation summit in New York City.
The summit, held at Rockefeller Center, brought together governors, state superintendents of education, administrators, teachers and other leaders for an earnest discussion about educating children in the ever-changing, knowledge-based economy of 21st Century.
Governor Fallin and a handful of other governors were selected to participate in a panel titled, “The State of Education: The Governor’s Perspective.”
The panel of governors, hosted by NBC News’ Brian Williams, focued on education and economic competitiveness. Other participating governors included: Gov. Lincoln Chafee (RI); Gov. Nathan Deal (GA); Gov. Bill Haslam (TN); Gov. John Hickenlooper (CO); Gov. Paul LePage (ME); Gov. Jack Markell (DE); Gov. Bob McDonnell (VA); Gov. Sean Parnell (AK); and Gov. Scott Walker (WI).
“It’s great that Oklahoma is being recognized for our efforts to improve education and I’m excited to represent our state at this event,” Fallin said before the event. “My top priority is creating a business environment in Oklahoma that promotes job creation and economic growth. Nothing is more essential to accomplishing that goal than ensuring we have a highly skilled, educated workforce. I look forward to sharing Oklahoma’s legislative reforms to improve student achievement and promote workforce development.”
State Superintendent Janet Barresi participated in the summit as a panelist in a session Monday titled, “Stepping Up: The Power of a Parent Advocate.” The session focused on parents’ roles as advocates for a variety of changes in education from calling for reforming state laws to overhauling failing schools to amending programs at individual schools.
Barresi urged parents not to give up the fight for the best education for their children.
“Parents need to put more of a premium on how children perform in schools,” Barresi said. “Parents, don’t give up. Arm yourself with facts. Don’t give up because it’s your child.”
The session focused on parents’ roles as advocates for a variety of changes in education from calling for reforming state laws to overhauling failing schools to amending programs at individual schools. Moderated by Natalie Morales, a co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, the panel also included Ben Austin, of Parent Revolution; Brenda Martin, Mom Congress; author Peg Tyre; Phil Jackson with Black Star Project; and Dennis Walcott, chancellor of New York City Schools.
The session focused on parents’ roles as advocates for a variety of changes in education from calling for reforming state laws to overhauling failing schools to amending programs at individual schools. Moderated by Natalie Morales, a co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, the panel also included Ben Austin, of Parent Revolution; Brenda Martin, Mom Congress; author Peg Tyre; Phil Jackson with Black Star Project; and Dennis Walcott, chancellor of New York City Schools.
Barresi also said schools should be more accountable, having dashboards on their website home pages so parents can see exactly how dollars are spent.
“Accountability for schools, informed parents and more choices are key,” she said.
Barresi herself was a parent advocate – someone who called for improvements in education not just on behalf of her own children but for many others. Her desire to change the status quo led her to help found two charter schools in Oklahoma City.
It later led her to run for state Superintendent and to initiate major conservative reforms in education in the state.
Those reforms include a new 3rd grade graduation requirement that ensures students can read on grade level before advancing to the fourth grade; an A through F report card for schools; and the Opportunity Scholarship Act, which ensures children who qualify for free or reduced lunch or who are in failing schools will have a choice of moving to a better school.
Those reforms include a new 3rd grade graduation requirement that ensures students can read on grade level before advancing to the fourth grade; an A through F report card for schools; and the Opportunity Scholarship Act, which ensures children who qualify for free or reduced lunch or who are in failing schools will have a choice of moving to a better school.
NBC News’ says Education Nation is an initiative to engage the country in a solutions-focused conversation about the state of education in America. While some portions of the Education Nation summit will be covered by NBC television, all the events can be seen online on the Education Nation Web site: www.educationnation.com.
