Elevating Parent Voice in Oklahoma Public Charter Schools
Parents know firsthand the impact a quality school can have on their children. Our Oklahoma Students is a new, independent organization that was launched to bring parents, educators and school leaders together to ensure their experiences and perspectives are part of the conversations shaping Oklahoma’s public charter schools.
Parents bring an important perspective to conversations about education. They can speak personally about their children’s experiences, the opportunities their schools have provided and what their families need to thrive. Our Oklahoma Students is designed to give parents the knowledge, tools and confidence to share those experiences effectively.
At the center of the group’s effort is the Parent Fellowship, a year-long program bringing together two cohorts of parents from Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Through monthly sessions, fellows will learn how public charter schools are governed and funded, how education policy decisions are made, how to effectively share their family’s story and how to engage with elected officials and community leaders.
The fellowship will culminate in a parent- and student-led advocacy day at the State Capitol, along with a capstone project at each fellow’s school supported by a mini-grant.
Importantly, the work is being built with school leaders, not around them. The goal is to strengthen relationships among families, schools, board members, policymakers and community partners and create more opportunities to work together on behalf of students.
You can help us reach more families. Follow Our Oklahoma Students on Facebook and Instagram and share its content with your school community. Schools can also feature the initiative in family newsletters and other communications and encourage parents who want to become more engaged to participate.
When families, educators and school leaders work together, we can strengthen public charter schools and continue expanding quality public school opportunities for Oklahoma students.