Paraprofessional Degree Program will Address Oklahoma’s Teacher Shortage
Oklahoma faces a shortage of more than 1,000 teachers, according to the Oklahoma State School Boards Association. To help bridge this gap, Fuel OKC has launched the Paraprofessional Degree Program, providing a pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with an education emphasis through Oklahoma Christian University, preparing them for teacher certification.
Quality Seats Update: 2023-2024 Oklahoma School Report Card Data
The Oklahoma State Department of Education released the 2023-2024 School Report Card Grade data last December. Based upon 2023-2024 enrollment data, the percentage of quality seats has increased in Oklahoma City from 17.52% on the 2023 school report cards to 20.33% on the 2024 school report cards.
It is encouraging to see this number grow as we hope this is a trend of increasing the number of schools providing high quality options to families. Fuel OKC's focus will remain on identifying strategies to increase this number including making investments in schools to increase the number of schools achieving an A or B on the report card and supporting programs that will support quality schools across the city.
Deadline Approaching: EnrollOKC.org Helps Families Explore Public School Options Before Feb. 21
As the February 21 priority application deadline approaches for Oklahoma City public charter and application schools, families now have an easier way to explore their options. EnrollOKC.org is a bilingual and user-friendly website where families can research all of their free public school options in Oklahoma City, including charter, application and neighborhood schools.
Dove Science Academy High School: A Launchpad for Student Success
At Dove Science Academy High School in Oklahoma City, the Drone Club is more than just a hobby; it's a launchpad for future STEM leaders.
Thriving on teamwork and innovation, students dedicate hundreds of hours to perfecting their piloting skills, programming autonomous flights and navigating intricate obstacle courses – all leading to the regional championship competition, where the school took home the top award for two years in a row and is aiming for a three-peat this spring.
The Belief Gap: A Call for High Expectations in Oklahoma City Schools
By Brent Bushey, Fuel OKC CEO
Oklahoma City Public Schools' 2022-23 State Report Cards tell a troubling story. Of the 75 district and charter schools that participated in state testing, a staggering 49 Oklahoma City schools have alarmingly low English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rates, with more than 80% of students at these schools not reading at grade level.
The data is concerning, especially considering countless studies suggest a key factor in a student’s overall success is their ability to read proficiently.