Columns

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to remember all of the people from our past that played significant roles in bringing about the end of racial segregation and ensuring the rights of equality for Oklahomans.

As I meet with teachers from across the state, I hear a common theme. I talk with working groups of teachers here at the state department. I've had the opportunity to visit with past and present teachers of the year. I also have roundtable discussions with teachers at the school districts I visit on my Raise the Grade Together tours. I listen to superintendents in my leadership advisory group. These educators tell me they are frustrated with “teaching to the test.”   Parents and community members often mirror these sentiments. I agree!

Last week was full of such promise – graduation celebrations planned for thousands of Oklahoma teens, the start of summer vacation for children and the fun that includes, the end to a busy school year for educators. All of that changed on May 19th and 20th.  Deadly tornadoes killed more than two-dozen people and destroyed many, many homes in Shawnee, Carney, Bethel Acres, Newcastle and South Oklahoma City. However none were more affected than the community of Moore and the Moore Public School District.