Vision Statement for Oklahoma’s Future Education

Under my leadership, the Oklahoma Department of Education and our K–12 schools will be transformed into vibrant, student-centered innovation hubs. Imagine every student meeting a rigorous, standardized curriculum that ensures academic excellence. Then, envision our schools as dynamic centers of individualized learning and hands-on experiences. We will foster an educational ecosystem where safety, innovation, and equity are the foundations, and every educator is empowered to nurture both academic and real-world competencies.

Manifesto

1. Safety as a Non-Negotiable Foundation:
   We commit to creating environments that are physically secure and emotionally supportive. By integrating robust safety measures and comprehensive mental health programs, we ensure that every student can learn in an atmosphere free from bullying and external harm.

2. Innovation Through Competency-Based, AI-Supported Learning:
   We will harness adaptive technology and AI to allow students to progress at their own pace, ensuring that they master each competency before advancing. This approach, coupled with a state-of-the-art digital platform, will tailor instruction to individual learning styles and strengths.

3. Empowered Educators and Community Collaboration:
   Teachers are the heart of our educational system. By reducing administrative burdens with AI tools—such as real-time progress dashboards and adaptive grouping—we free up their time for one-on-one instruction, coaching, and mentorship. We will build cross-district collaboration networks and help establish local partnerships with community organizations and businesses, ensuring that our educators and students have access to the best expertise and resources available.

4. Innovation Centers for Hands-On, In-Depth Learning:
   Our schools will function as innovation centers where, in addition to meeting standardized academic requirements, students have abundant opportunities to engage in project-based learning, seminars, and hands-on workshops.

5. Expanded Curriculum Available for All Students:
   We will implement an online curriculum for credit that is accessible to every student, with teachers actively monitoring and tailoring instruction as needed. This expanded curriculum offers a diverse range of electives—from world languages (including sign, French, German, and Native American languages) to technical and vocational skills (such as HVAC, electrical, STEM, computer coding, and more). This initiative not only ensures that rural schools can match the opportunities available in city, charter, and private institutions but also empowers parents with greater control and influence over the public curriculum offered to their children.

6. Integration of Real-World Skills and Electives:
   We will broaden our curriculum to include critical life skills—financial literacy, trades exploration, public speaking, and leadership—ensuring that our students are prepared not only academically but also for the practical challenges of modern life. Our online adaptive curriculum will support these initiatives by providing targeted content and flexible learning pathways.

7. Ongoing Social-Emotional Learning and Anti-Bullying Initiatives:
   Recognizing that true learning thrives in a supportive community, we will periodically roll out curated, age-appropriate social-emotional learning episodes and anti-bullying programs across all schools. By promoting a culture of respect, teamwork, and fairness, we ensure that every student is not only academically prepared but also emotionally resilient and socially engaged.

8. Commitment to Equity, Respect, and Community Leadership:
   My vision ensures that every student, regardless of location, has access to the best educational resources and teachers. We will lead with community-driven policies that promote responsibility and respect, ensuring that our schools become catalysts for community development and leadership.

Together, these pillars will reimagine Oklahoma’s K–12 education—melding traditional academic excellence with personalized, hands-on, real-world learning. My goal is to create an educational paradigm where safety, innovation, and comprehensive support converge, empowering both teachers and students to thrive in a dynamic, modern world.