New W.K. Jackson Leader Prioritizes Literacy Through Statewide Initiative
Dr. Vicki Nighswonger began the 2026–27 school year with a new role and a clear priority: helping every student at W.K. Jackson Leadership Academy build the strong reading foundation needed for future success.
Nighswonger joined W.K. Jackson as executive director this school year, bringing extensive experience in Oklahoma public education. Originally from Alva, she previously served as principal of Alva High School and Duncan Elementary and has also worked for Enid Public Schools.
One of the opportunities she is particularly excited about in her first year is W.K. Jackson’s participation in the new Oklahoma Literacy Initiative (OLI), a statewide pilot designed to strengthen early literacy instruction and help more students become confident, successful readers.
The Oklahoma State Chamber Research Foundation launched OLI to provide comprehensive early childhood reading training and coaching across the state. The initiative brings together PK–12 schools, higher education institutions and the business community with the goal of driving measurable improvements in reading proficiency among Oklahoma’s youngest learners.
W.K. Jackson joined the pilot at the beginning of the 2026–27 school year and will receive literacy training and coaching throughout the year.
“We are very excited to be part of the Oklahoma Literacy Initiative because it gives our teachers additional tools and support to help every student become a stronger reader,” Nighswonger said. “Our ultimate goal is student success, and a strong foundation in reading is one of the most important things we can give our students.”
The work began before students even returned to the classroom. An OLI literacy consultant spent a full day with W.K. Jackson teachers exploring the science of reading and helping educators think intentionally about how students learn to read. The consultant has since met one-on-one with teachers and spent time in classrooms providing individualized coaching and support.
W.K. Jackson has also strengthened the phonemic awareness component of its reading curriculum, giving teachers additional tools to intentionally teach phonics, sounds and other foundational reading skills.
For Nighswonger, success will be measured not only by improved reading scores, but also by students becoming more capable and confident readers.
“We want to improve our reading scores, but even more importantly, we want to improve our students’ ability and confidence as readers,” she said. “This is about making sure they are prepared for the next level. The first step toward long-term success is making sure they are strong readers.”
W.K. Jackson currently serves 166 students in pre-K through fifth grade from across the Oklahoma City area. While the school has a strong STEAM focus encompassing science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, Nighswonger sees literacy and communication skills as essential to preparing students for whatever path they pursue.
“No matter what career a student chooses, they are going to have to communicate,” she said. “They need to be able to speak, write and read well. We want to give our students the skills to present themselves well, communicate effectively and ultimately succeed in whatever career path they choose.”
As W.K. Jackson continues the year-long pilot, Nighswonger sees the potential for the initiative to benefit students far beyond the school’s classrooms.
“I think the Literacy Initiative is going to make a huge difference for the state of Oklahoma,” she said. “It has the potential to be fantastic not just for W.K. Jackson, but for students and schools across the state. We are very excited to be part of it and grateful for the opportunity.”