Studies continue to surface a disheartening fact: while research shows that teachers are key to closing achievement gaps, poor and minority students as well as those in low-performing schools are far less likely to have access to the most experienced and qualified teachers. For instance, although National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) are…

This booklet presents a plan for improving Oklahoma's K-12 education. Section 1, "Getting Serious about Standards for Both Students and Teachers," includes: developing high quality student standards linked to high quality teacher standards; establishing state professional standards boards; professionally accrediting all schools of…

This booklet provides an overview of Oklahoma's educational policy, highlighting historical efforts, current initiatives, future plans, and existing challenges to educational reform. It begins with a brief description of the demographics, economic status, and educational system of the state. A narrative is then provided that is organized around…