Speaker Outlines New DHS Strategy, Rep. Nelson to Lead Effort

Speaker Kris Steele
R-Shawnee

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kris Steele and a bipartisan group of five representatives today unveiled the first steps of a strategy to reform the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

The House’s aggressive, four-pronged strategy is designed to improve DHS through significant study of and potential reforms to governance structure, agency structure, personnel policy and resource allocation. The plan is in response to a shared desire between House members, agency officials and other stakeholders to improve delivery of services by DHS, particularly for children in state custody.

“Today we begin working together to find a better way,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “The Legislature has made incremental DHS reforms over the years, but more improvements are needed. The comprehensive reform we seek is only achievable if we all truly cooperate and work toward a common goal. It won’t be easy, but what we’re saying today is we’re going to buckle down and get there together.”

Steele has asked a bipartisan group of five representatives to engage in a strategic review of DHS to develop policy to consider next legislative session.

Governor Mary Fallin released a statement today after the announcement.

“When I appointed Brad Yarbrough and Wes Lane to the DHS commission, I asked them to pursue reforms that would allow the agency to better protect our children and increase accountability, transparency and efficiency,” Fallin said. “The goals outlined today by Speaker Steele, a bipartisan group of legislators, and agency officials is the logical next step in that process.”

Leading the group will be Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City, who has spent this summer and past years reviewing DHS to look for potential reforms. Other members of the group are Reps. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa, Pat Ownbey, R-Ardmore, Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City, and Wade Rousselot, D-Okay. All members of the group have certain areas of expertise in human services.

“Make no mistake: This is no typical legislative committee. There will be no sitting in hearings making motions and watching PowerPoints all day,” Nelson said. “DHS faces serious challenges that necessitate us getting out of the Capitol and into the field.”

The group will operate in a unique manner, with much of its work occurring in small meetings with DHS workers in the field, where the group will observe how policies are implemented and analyze organizational strengths and needs. The group will also meet with other agency officials and leaders, DHS commissioners and other stakeholders.

“The Legislature already has a wealth of knowledge about this agency, so there is no need to duplicate what we’ve already done. Instead, we’re taking a somewhat outside-the-box approach,” Nelson said. “I’m confident this is exactly the type of approach needed in order to achieve real reforms that ensure DHS delivers the results Oklahomans expect. Our sense of urgency could not be any higher.”

The group’s meetings with workers will be private to allow for candid conversation and disclosure of sensitive information. The group will also engage in an in-depth study of the agency’s structure and resource allocation to determine if better results could be achieved through reorganization and reprioritizing resources. A public report on the group’s findings will be presented during a public meeting sometime next year.

Steele said DHS reform will be a policy priority in the House next session.

“My expectation is one I believe most Oklahomans share, and that is to do whatever it takes to produce serious improvement at DHS,” Steele said.

Officials at DHS – the largest agency in state government – pledged to give the group the access it needs to the agency in order to do its work.

“We thank Speaker Steele and the House for their willingness to work together to find solutions and look forward to assisting in every way possible,” DHS Director Howard Hendrick said. “This process will do a lot of good and I’m glad to be part of it.”

DHS commissioners also expressed support for the group’s plans.

“We are fully committed to building a better DHS for the 21^st century and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Speaker Steele and all legislators in this process,” said incoming Oklahoma Commission for Human Services Chairman Brad Yarbrough. “It won’t be easy, but the best work never is. We stand ready for the challenge.”

The Oklahoma Public Employees Association also expressed support for the House plan.

“We appreciate these representatives for their willingness to get out of the Capitol to spend time with the workers who are on the ground protecting Oklahoma’s children,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley. “The front line employees’ unique perspective and their experience will be valuable in this critical process.”

Rep. Ron Peters, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Human Services, said he is appreciative of the work the group plans to do.

“I am thrilled to see my colleagues and DHS working together on solutions. It’s the right thing to do and I commend them for it,” said Peters, R-Tulsa. “I stand ready to assist in any way.”

“As a state, we must all work together to prevent the abuse and neglect of our most vulnerable citizens,” Fallin said. That’s especially true when it comes to child abuse and the heart-breaking deaths of children in state custody. We have, unfortunately, seen too many instances of both recently, and the current results are unacceptable. Today’s announcement puts us on a path to reform our systems of child welfare and better protect vulnerable Oklahomans.”

UPDATED ADVISORY: Speaker DHS announcement WEDNESDAY

WHO: House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, House members who are reviewing the state Department of Human Services, DHS leaders, incoming DHS Commission Chairman Brad Yarbrough, and an Oklahoma Public Employees Association representative.

WHAT: Press conference to discuss strategies the House will use to improve DHS.

WHEN: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19

WHERE: Governor's Blue Room, 2nd Floor Broadcast Press Room, Room 432-B, State Capitol

Speaker Steele and other House members will unveil the House’s strategy to produce better outcomes for those who come into contact with DHS, particularly children in state custody. The representatives will unveil an aggressive, four-pronged strategy to improve DHS through significant reforms to governance structure, agency structure, personnel policy and resource allocation. Steele will outline plans to work with DHS officials, commissioners and others in effort to improve the agency and increase accountability.


STATEMENT: Speaker comments on Ahonesty Hicks

According to a report by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, 17-month-old Ahonesty Hicks died May 3 from abuse. In the weeks preceding Ahonesty’s death, DHS officials decided against removing Ahonesty from her mother’s custody despite knowing her mother had recently tested positive for PCP and been involved in a domestic dispute with her boyfriend. Ahonesty’s mother’s boyfriend has been charged with Ahonesty’s murder.

“Ahonesty’s tragic and untimely death is another indication of the need to reform the policy, infrastructure and delivery of services at DHS. These outcomes must end. The House has been and will remain fully engaged in working with DHS officials at every level of the agency to identify better methods to protect our children and all our vulnerable citizens.” – House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee

State Senator Andrew Rice Resigning Senate Seat

Oklahoma City - Today Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, submitted letters to the Secretary of the Senate, President Pro Tempore Bingman, and Governor Fallin informing them that he is resigning his duties as State Senator effective Jan. 15th, 2012.

“I am supporting my wife in her pursuit of a career opportunity outside of the state of Oklahoma,” Rice said in a statement. “She has made immense sacrifices for me in her support of my political career and public service, and I am honored to be able to reciprocate that for her now.” 

The move would prevent Rice, currently the Democratic leader in the Senate, from completing his four year term, which ends in November, 2014. 

President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Supulpa, today released a statement wishing Rice and his family well.

"Though we may not have always seen eye-to-eye on every issue, I have nothing but respect for Senator Rice and his service to the state of Oklahoma,” Bingman said. “He is compassionate, intellectually honest, and relentless in the defense of his constituents. I could not have asked for a better Senate colleague and Minority Leader counterpart.”

By law, Gov. Fallin will call a special election for Senate District 46 within 30 days of the effective date of resignation. The Senate Democratic Caucus will hold an internal election in the coming months to choose a new Senate Democratic Leader. 

“It has been an immense honor and privilege to serve the people of Senate District 46,” Rice said. “I will miss the many friendships that I have formed with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the senate staff. We are sad that this change will take us away from Oklahoma, but this is the best decision for our family at this time.”

“I'm honored to count Andrew and his wife, Apple, as friends,” Bingman said. “I wish their family the very best as they embark on the next chapter in their lives."


This afternoon state Rep. Al McAffrey, D-Oklahoma City, announced his intentions to seek Senate District 46 in the special election.  

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb Hosts Nelson Fundraiser Tuesday, Oct. 25

House Speaker-designate elected

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. T.W. Shannon has been elected House Speaker-designate for the 54th Oklahoma Legislature.

Rep. T.W. Shannon
R-Lawton

The House Republican Caucus elected Shannon, R-Lawton, as Speaker-designate during a caucus meeting Monday morning at the Capitol.

Should Republicans maintain their majority in the House following next year’s election cycle, Shannon will be next in line to serve as Speaker of the House beginning in November 2012, when current House Speaker Kris Steele leaves office due to term limits.

“The House will be in good hands under Representative Shannon’s leadership,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “T.W. is a dynamic and capable leader who will continue to work hard for the state of Oklahoma. I look forward to begin working with him to ensure a smooth leadership transition next year.”

Shannon and Reps. Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview, and Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, were the candidates for Speaker-designate.

“The three candidates who made themselves available to fill this position are fine public servants and are to be commended for their enthusiastic desire to be leaders in Oklahoma’s effort to grow as a state,” Steele said.

Shannon, 33, said he looks forward to working with Steele and the rest of the House in the coming months.

“I was extremely humbled by the support shown by my colleagues today,” Shannon said. “I am excited and ready to stand behind Speaker Steele to help grow our majority in the coming election and assist in advancing a conservative agenda that will make Oklahoma a destination to live, work and raise a family.”

House Democratic Leader Scott Inman also congratulated Rep. Shannon on his election as House Speaker-designate.

“On behalf of the House Democratic Caucus, I would like to congratulate Representative T.W. Shannon,” Inman (D-Del City) said. “I look forward to working with him to find common-sense, middle-of-the-road solutions to Oklahoma’s problems. Together, we must reject overtly partisan agendas, stand up to the fringe elements of the political process and, in a bipartisan manner, focus on ensuring Oklahoma’s economy remains strong and attracts new jobs, improving public education and protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”

Shannon, an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, is a sixth generation Oklahoman and third generation Lawtonian. He has served in the Legislature since 2006, representing House District 62. Shannon previously served as a congressional staffer for U.S. Reps. J.C. Watts and Tom Cole.

Shannon and his wife, Devon, also a Lawton native, are the parents of a daughter, Audrey Grace, and a son, Tahrohon Wayne II.

Shannon holds a bachelor of arts in communications from Cameron University and a juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University.

8046 Campaign Teams Faith Communities with Children in Foster Care

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An 8046 Conference will be held on Oct. 27 in Tulsa. The conference will provide resources and tools for faith communities statewide to help Oklahoma children in foster care, and increase the number of Bridge foster families.

The 8046 Campaign is named for the number of Oklahoma children that were in state custody on Jan. 2, 2011. The Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives has partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Arrow Child and Family Ministries, and area foster care and adoption ministries to reach a common goal of being the difference in the lives of Oklahoma children.

The 8046 Conference will be held from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at The Church at Battlecreek, 3025 North Aspen Avenue, Broken Arrow. The training will focus on starting and maintaining a foster care/adoption ministry, addressing obstacles, and training local congregations how to become invested in this significant ministry opportunity. Topics include, "A Child's Journey Through the System: How a Church Could Have Helped," "A Call to Action: How Churches can Minister to Foster and Adoptive Kids," "Who Are These Kids?", and "Proven Methods for Ministering to Adoptive and Foster Families."

Advanced registration for this free statewide conference is required by Oct. 21. Visit http://www.faithlinksok.org/ (link opens in new window) to register. Lunch is provided.

Chiefs for Change Comment on ESEA Legislation Introduced by the Senate Education Committee

San Francisco, CA – Representing more than 11 million students in our states, the Chiefs for Change commend Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) for forging a bipartisan agreement for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). 

Congressional action on this critical piece of legislation is needed and long overdue.  It must, however, be done thoughtfully and in a way that supports State reforms that hold schools accountable for student performance, support teacher effectiveness, and broaden options available to students.
 

Supt. Janet Barresi

Chiefs for Change is a coalition of state school chiefs and leaders that share a zeal for education reform. Together, they provide a strong voice for bold reform on the federal, state and local level. Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi is a member of Chiefs for Change.

The draft legislation addresses a number of important issues, including support for high college and career ready standards, assessments to help measure student progress, and more effective systems to measure student progress.

We are concerned, however, about unintended consequences that could result from the proposed accountability framework.  For example, the school turnaround options are too prescriptive, and, more importantly, do not empower states to strategically intervene in their persistently low performing schools. State chiefs should have the option to use all the resources and interventions available to them under state law.  These tend to be more appropriate and vigorous than the six federal models.

We are also concerned that the legislation does not go far enough in addressing the changes needed to the highly qualified teacher requirements under current law.  We believe that while qualifications and credentials are important, we must quickly shift to teacher and principal evaluation systems that recognize and reward the value added by teachers and administrators to student achievement. These evaluations should be used to provide teachers targeted professional development, guide hiring and firing decisions, and inform licensure, tenure, compensation, and teacher assignment. Nothing is more important than ensuring that we have an effective teacher in every classroom.

We look forward to working with members of Congress to strengthen these legislative proposals so that a reauthorized ESEA will deliver the results that our students need and are worthy of this great nation.

AG Pruitt Hosts Children's Poster Exhibit to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence

Artwork from children around the state will be on display at the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office throughout October to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The 2011 “A Home for Hope” poster project provides an opportunity for children in domestic violence shelters to draw their ideas of “A Home for Hope.”

"Completing the Circle" Workshop Designed to teach Native American Children in Foster Care

OKLAHOMA CITY -- “Completing the Circle,” a workshop designed for Native American children in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) foster care, will be held from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Camp DaKaNi, 3309 Hefner Road in Oklahoma City.

“Completing the Circle” is a program that helps foster children, their foster and biological families and their tribal families travel a path together toward healing.  The program teaches Native American culture, practices and heritage to Native American foster children in central Oklahoma who are placed in non-Native American foster homes.

In Native American culture, the circle is especially sacred, as it symbolizes the Sun, Moon, and the Earth.  Perhaps more importantly it represents a symbol for the circle of life, which is forever evolving and teaching new lessons.

"'Completing the Circle' helps Native American children in foster care feel good about who they are, where they came from, who their ancestors were, and that they can draw strength through their mind, body and spirit," said Deloris Ferguson, OKDHS Rockwell County Director.

The workshop is free, but registration is required.  Additional information may be found by visiting http://events.oucpm.org/area3ctc/ (link opens in new window) or by phoning (405) 470-6221.

Barresi Welcomes New Director of American Indian Education

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 13, 2011) — Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi recently welcomed Dwight Pickering as the new Director of American Indian Education at the state Department of Education.

“We are so excited to have Mr. Pickering fill this position,” Barresi said. “We have been looking for ways to develop strategies at the state level to effectively educate American Indian children and to infuse this rich part of our state culture and heritage into our curriculum.”

Pickering, of Sapulpa, is a member of the Caddo, Otoe, and Kaw Tribes and worked most recently as the Education Director for the Caddo Nation. In that position, he was responsible for all education programs, including development, implementation and evaluation of higher education, adult education and job placement and training programs as well as some supervision of the nation’s Head Start Program.

"I am very excited about this position, and the opportunity it provides to work with not only the education of Indian children but all children in the State of Oklahoma," Pickering said.

Pickering has a general education degree from Haskell Indian Jr. College in Lawrence, Kan., and a Bachelor’s of education from Tarkio College in Tarkio, Mo.

In his duties at the state Department of Education, Pickering will work with American Indian tribes in implementing a proposed new state plan of education for American Indian children. He also will direct the planning and development of statewide technical assistance and professional development programs to improve the learning environment for American Indian children enrolled in Oklahoma public schools.

Desa Dawson, director of World Language Education at the state Department of Education, said the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education (OACIE), a relatively new council of advisors established by the state Legislature, participated in the director’s selection process by serving on the interview panel along with agency staff.

“We very much appreciated their willingness to offer their expertise in this matter,” Dawson said.

Pickering fills the vacancy left by the department’s much beloved Valeria Littlecreek, a long-time advocate for Indian education issues. Littlecreek retired from her position but remains active in Indian affairs.

Rep. Dan Sullivan accepts new job at GRDA

House Floor Leader Dan Sullivan today accepted a job as chief executive of the Grand River Dam Authority. Sullivan, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement on his new position:



“I have been humbled and honored to represent the voters of District 71 these past seven years. We have accomplished so much together in our effort to improve Oklahoma's business climate, most notably this year's historic reforms to our lawsuit and workers' compensation systems. I'm so proud of what we have done. Moving forward, I am excited for this new challenge and new opportunity with the GRDA and will always fondly remember the pleasure I have had serving in our Legislature.” – Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa


House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, today issued the following statement on Sullivan’s new position:


“The positive impact Floor Leader Sullivan has had on our Legislature and state is immeasurable. He is an extremely talented, effective public servant whose legal background and expertise are natural fits for GRDA. I know he will serve the mission of the organization well and continue to do great things for Oklahoma. I wish him all the best as he makes this transition and thank him for his wonderful contributions to our state.” – House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee

Fallin, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma Honor House Speaker Kris Steele

OKLAHOMA CITY – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma (BBBSOK) and Governor Mary Fallin presented the first-ever Big Brothers Big Sisters Governor’s Award to House Speaker Kris Steele during an event Wednesday, Oct. 12 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Steele has served as a Big in the organization since 2010 and is a major supporter of the BBBSOK Amachi program, which provides mentoring to children of incarcerated parents.

“I am very thankful for the influential, positive role models in my life as a child. Unfortunately, not every Oklahoma child experiences such blessings. I became a Big because I believe it is important to help children who, by no fault of their own, have been left without a steady, positive presence in their lives,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of everyone who devotes time to serving Oklahoma’s children through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Every child has the potential to succeed if given the chance.”

The Amachi program is designed to break the intergenerational cycle of crime among incarcerated parents and their children. Statistics show that children with incarcerated parents are five times more likely to become incarcerated themselves at some point in their lives. Children matched through the Amachi program show significant outcomes after being matched one year with a Big Brother or Big Sister. Reports show that 68 percent show improvement in their classroom behavior, and 73 percent report a better sense of the future.

“At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, we work hard to change the lives of these children and provide them with the support they need to be successful,” said Sharla Owens, CEO of BBBSOK. “We could not provide that support without the help of dedicated volunteers like Speaker Steele, and we are so grateful to him.”

Gov. Mary Fallin said programs like Amachi make a difference in the lives of Oklahoma children and encouraged citizens to get involved in their communities.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma and their volunteers are making a difference by providing friendship, positive role models and support to young children across the state. I want to thank BBBSOK and all the Bigs across Oklahoma for all you do to support our families and our communities,” Fallin said. “I can think of no better recipient of the first annual Governor’s Award than Speaker Kris Steele.  Speaker Steele serves as a Big in his hometown of Shawnee. I appreciate his commitment to his community and the Amachi program and congratulate him on this award.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma is a donor-supported volunteer organization that provides vulnerable children with a caring adult mentor and friend who, through a professionally supported relationship, stand in the gap to change their lives. In 2009, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma served approximately 2,500 children. Independent research shows that the positive relationships between youth in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct, measurable and lasting impact on children’s lives. The program is proven to improve children’s odds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol and breaking negative cycles. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters and how you can change how our children grow up in Oklahoma, visit www.bbbsok.org.

Lawmakers Examine Possible Higher Education Savings

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 11, 2011) – If Oklahoma’s institutions of higher education and state government simply streamlined processes it could result in significant savings on behalf of the taxpayers, presenters told members of the House Higher Education Committee today.

The legislative study on Oklahoma’s colleges was requested by state Reps. Corey Holland and Jason Murphey after higher education institutions were successful in winning exemptions from several government modernization reform initiatives.

Of particular interest to the legislators is higher education’s ongoing exemption from the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act. A 2006 consultant report from IBM found that the state could save millions of dollars by reforming its central purchasing system and by working with state colleges to leverage spending power.

While the Legislature acted on this report and enacted purchasing system reforms that are saving millions of dollars, the state’s centralized purchasing system has yet to include higher education institutions. It appears that millions more could be saved if state purchasing officials collaborated with Oklahoma’s universities and colleges.

Rep. Jason Murphey
R-Guthrie

Committee members were also told that another important savings opportunity could be realized if higher education’s OneNet fiber network would be consolidated under the state’s centralized technology infrastructure. This network could be used to lower to cost of bandwidth to state agencies and provide a solution to the state’s public safety interoperability challenges.

“As the government modernization effort continues to demonstrate tangible savings on behalf of the taxpayers, it becomes very important for Oklahoma’s policy makers to provide institutions of higher education with access to these money saving processes,” said Murphey R-Guthrie.

Rep. Corey Holland
R-Marlow

“At a time when Oklahoma families struggle to pay the ever-increasing cost of tuition and fees, it makes no sense for our state not to consider real cost savings,” said Holland, R-Marlow. “If by the colleges making some modernization reforms the cost of government for the taxpayers can be reduced, then I believe these reforms should be seriously considered.”

Barresi Welcomes New Deputy Superintendent

OKLAHOMA CITY — Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi this month will welcome new Deputy State Superintendent of Academic Affairs Chris Caram to the state Department of Education.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Caram join us,” Barresi said. “She brings such well-rounded leadership skills to our team with her background stretching from being a classroom teacher to helping lead several school districts across the nation.

“She also brings a great deal of technology knowledge that will help propel us further into our 21^st Century learning model as we strive to make every student in the state college, career and citizen-ready.” 

Caram said she feels her combination of public school leadership, university experiences, as well as experience in educational organizations, has given her opportunities in leading educational change.

“High expectations, restructuring organizations for optimal performance, a collaborative leadership style, and a strong commitment to excellence have been hallmark in my administrative practices,” she said.

Caram is from Oklahoma, graduating from Putnam City High School, and receiving her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and her Master’s in School Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Oklahoma.

She is certified as a superintendent and secondary and elementary principal in the state and also holds a technology center administrator credential from the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

Since 2009, Caram has been the director of education for the Arkansas Educational Television Network, working with the Arkansas Department of Education. There, she led the ArkansasIDEAS initiative - the only statewide, high-quality, comprehensive online professional development portal in the nation.

Caram has previously worked as an associate professor of educational leadership at Western Carolina University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She served in several states in central office positions including deputy superintendent for instruction with Gaston County Schools in North Carolina and assistant superintendent and director of elementary education in Arkansas districts. Caram began her career and worked as a teacher and principal in the Mid-Del School District.

“I am very excited to be returning home,” Caram said.

Fortunately, Jenks & Union Administrators Are Not Representative of All Educators

By state Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City, author of the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship Act, printed in the Journal Record today.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Recently, defenders of administrators in Jenks and Union schools have claimed any criticism of them is somehow an attack on all educators.

Sorry, but that dog won’t hunt. The core issue is too easy to understand and the administrators are clearly in the wrong.

In a nutshell, these two districts are suing parents for doing what is best for their kids.

These parents are using the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship Act, which allows students with a disability on an individualized education program (IEP) to receive state-funded scholarships to attend private school. The scholarships are funded with money already designated for the child’s education.

Jenks and Union administrators don’t like the law. However, rather than properly challenging it in court, they chose to sue parents of special-needs children seeking scholarships.

It is inexcusable that district administrators would sue parents for being too involved in the education of their own children.

The proper way for them to challenge the law is to sue the state.

There’s an Oklahoma City attorney who routinely challenges state laws in court with some success.

If a private citizen can do it, surely these two administrators (and their expensive law firm) can figure it out.

They could have challenged the scholarship law in court before it went into effect more than a year ago. They didn’t.

The schools’ boards eventually voted to sue the state attorney general to challenge the law, but never did.

These administrators continue to reject legitimate avenues to challenge the law.

Instead, they are suing parents of children with very real special needs in an attempt to punish these families and intimidate others. Rather than work to provide quality educational opportunities for each child, Jenks and Union are attempting to “make an example” of families who already face significant challenges.

For these reasons, I have been an outspoken critic of Jenks and Union administrators. People are free to disagree, but to claim all teachers in Oklahoma should be lumped together with those administrators (as Scott Carter did in a recent column) slanders the reputation of every hard-working teacher in the state.

My criticisms have been directed at the administrators of these two districts and not the educators in my family or educators in general. To say otherwise is simply desperate political spin. I don’t need rhetorical misdirection to make my case. Apparently, defenders of these administrators can’t say the same thing.

Chiefs for Change to Speak at 2011 National Summit on Education Reform

San Francisco, CA – On Thursday, October 14, members of Chiefs for Change will speak at the 2011 National Summit on Education Reform: Education Everywhere. 

Members speaking include: 

• Janet Barresi, Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction; 
• Tony Bennett, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction; 
• Stephen Bowen, Maine Commissioner of Education; 
• Chris Cerf, New Jersey Commissioner of Education; 
• Paul Pastorek, former Louisiana State Superintendent of Education; 
• Gerard Robinson, Florida Commissioner of Education; 
• Hanna Skandera, New Mexico Public Education Department Secretary-Designate; and 
• Eric Smith, former Florida Commissioner of Education, 

The Chiefs' Roundtable will discuss the education reform movement in their states on October 14, 2011, at 9:15 am (PST), at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

Hear these state leaders share lessons via live webcast. Click here for your front row seat at this session and to view the live webcast schedule for the event's keynote speakers and general sessions. Note: webcast will be available a few minutes before session begins and will run on Pacific Standard Time.

Teachers' Retirement System Responding Positively to Pension Reform Efforts

Sen. Mike Mazzei
R-Tulsa

The chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Pensions said he was encouraged that the solvency of the state’s largest retirement system has dramatically improved in recent months. Dr. James Wilbanks, Executive Director of the Teachers’ Retirement System, announced the decrease in unfunded liability in the pension fund late last month.

“Our committee’s goal was to reduce the unfunded liability in TRS which was more than $10 billion this past session. Thursday’s (Sept. 29) announcement shows we were right on target,” said Sen. Mike Mazzei, who chairs the Select Committee on Pensions. “It now stands at $7.6 billion, meaning we are on track to ensuring long-term stability. This will protect the retirements of dedicated educators throughout Oklahoma.”

According to Wilbanks, the estimated time needed to fully fund the pension plan has virtually been cut in half. Previously, it was projected that it would take nearly 40 years or more to fully fund the plan—now it could be 100 percent funded within 22 years.

“For too many years, legislators refused to acknowledge or address the fact that left unchecked, the Teachers’ Retirement System was facing insolvency,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman. “Sen. Mazzei has worked tirelessly on this issue for years, and now we are already seeing the results of our legislative efforts. In terms of protecting our state’s financial future, we cannot understate the importance of these new laws.”

Parents Urge Passage of “Tim Tebow” Law for Home-Schoolers

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two panhandle families last week urged lawmakers to allow home-school students to participate in sports, noting those families’ taxes already support those programs even as they save taxpayer money through their educational decisions.

Rep. Gus Blackwell
R-Laverne

“If these families sent students to the local school, those kids would be allowed to participate in sports programs, so in reality there is no extra cost to granting home-school students access,” said state Rep. Gus Blackwell, a Laverne Republican who requested a legislative study on the issue. “By home-schooling, these families are freeing up tax dollars for educational uses and should not be discriminated against when it comes to participating in sports.”

Members of the Fischer and Arthaud families from the panhandle urged lawmakers to pass a “Tim Tebow” law named for the former University of Florida quarterback. As a child, Tebow was home-schooled, but under Florida law he was allowed to participate in sports activities at his local school. Tebow led the Neese High School to the 2005 state championship and later went on to earn a Heisman Trophy in college and played on two national championship teams.

Under Florida law, a home-school student is eligible to participate in sports at the public school he or she would be assigned if attending public school. Participating students must demonstrate educational progress by a method of evaluation agreed upon by the parents and the school principal, which can include review of the student’s work by a certified teacher chosen by the parent.

Under the proposed law, home-school students would be required to register their intent to participate in sports with the local school prior to the beginning date of the season.

Supporters noted that 24 other states allow some form of equal access for homeschoolers and that 325 home-schooled athletes played NCAA Division I-A sports in 2011.

“This legislation would allow home-school students to participate in sports while protecting their right to educational choice enshrined in the Oklahoma Constitution,” Blackwell said. “Furthermore, safeguards in the legislation would prevent abuses of the system, such as having schools cherry-pick athletes. This is a common-sense reform that deserves serious consideration in the coming legislative session.”

Blackwell said he plans to work with the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) and its member schools to come up with acceptable guidelines to keep the playing field equal for all participants.

Oklahoma Economy Shows Steady Growth in September

Treasurer Miller says external threats to economy were “kept at bay”

Treasurer Ken Miller

OKLAHOMA CITY – More than 18 months after revenues began climbing from the depths of the Great Recession, the Oklahoma economy is again showing steady growth across all sectors, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross revenue report.

September collections were 7.1 percent higher than in September of last year, a more moderate growth rate than what was recorded in June and August of this year when year-over-year growth topped 15 percent each month.

Miller said collections over the past 12 months total $10.43 billion, the highest level in 27 months when12-month collections in June 2009 totaled $10.57 billion.

It’s a good thing

Public Comment Sought on Teacher & Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 6, 2011) — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi, on behalf of the Oklahoma Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Commission, is requesting public comment on the commission’s first set of preliminary evaluation recommendations.

Supt. Janet Barresi

“It is extremely important for us to hear from the public as we move toward implementation of this new evaluation system,” Barresi said. “This is about giving teachers and leaders concrete, meaningful feedback on their performance as they work to improve the academic performance of their students.”

According to state statute (70 O.S. § 6-101.16), Oklahoma's State Board of Education will adopt rules for the new evaluation system by Dec. 15, 2011, based on recommendations from the commission. 

Barresi serves as chair of the commission, which is made up of 19 members representing state legislators, teachers, school district administrators, the Parent Teacher Association and civic leaders. Staff support for the Commission is provided by the State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation.

The law requires the new evaluation system be comprised of multiple measures of teacher and administrator effectiveness: 

Barresi Eager to Put Disabled Student Teaching Grant Money to Work

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 30, 2011) — Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi this week learned that Oklahoma  is one of eight states  to receive part of $7.7 million in grants each year for five years from the U.S. Department of Education for training systems to help students with disabilities.

The state Department of Education will receive the nearly $1.2 million annual Special Education-State Personnel Development Grant to assist in reforming and improving systems for teacher training and professional development in early intervention and Common Core State Standards  to enhance results for children with disabilities.

Supt. Janet Barresi

“I’m very appreciative of the collaborative effort of my team in putting in this strong grant request,” Barresi said. “I’m anxious to start using it for the benefit of children.”

Amy Daugherty, associate state director for Special Education Services with the state Department of Education, said grant money will enhance initiatives already in place in Oklahoma classrooms and will not be used to start new programs or tell schools how they must educate their students.

In some cases, grant money might provide coaches to work with educators to teach them best practices of helping students with disabilities. In other cases, it might provide evaluation of existing programs.

Because so many students with disabilities are in general population classes in Oklahoma, Daugherty said, the grant actually will end up helping all students, and it will bring broader collaboration between special education and regular education teachers.

Programs will include a blended teaching model of response to intervention and positive behavior support and also will include a parent component, she said.

“Our goal is that not one person can do all this,” Daugherty said. “It takes all the adults, including parents.

Daugherty said because an emphasis of the training and services offered as a result of the grant will be on early literacy and meeting Common Core State Standards, it goes well with Superintendent Barresi’s 3R Agenda to Rethink, Restructure, Reform. It also fits with legislation passed earlier this year that will require students to demonstrate reading proficiency before being passed to third grade, she said.

Other winning states: Connecticut, $798,885; Louisiana, $1.2 million; Maine, $501,572; Nebraska, $795,662; New York, almost $1.6 million; Oregon, $996,792; and Wyoming, $653,473.