Ryan Walters plans to appoint committee to implement potential education reforms under Trump
Plans for Oklahoma's education system
Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters plans to appoint a committee to implement potential education reforms under the Trump administration. The committee will be tasked with developing a plan to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap between white students and students of color. Walters has said that he wants Oklahoma to be a "top-10 state" in education and that he believes the reforms will help the state achieve that goal.
Committee members and responsibilities
The committee will be made up of educators, business leaders, and parents. Walters has not yet appointed any members to the committee, but he has said that he is looking for people who are "passionate about education" and who have a "proven track record of success." The committee will be responsible for developing a plan to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap. The plan will include recommendations on changes to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The committee will also be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan and evaluating its effectiveness.
Potential reforms
The committee is expected to consider a wide range of reforms, including:
- Expanding school choice
- Increasing teacher pay
- Improving teacher training
- Raising academic standards
- Expanding access to early childhood education
Walters has said that he is open to considering any reforms that will help improve student achievement. He has also said that he believes the committee will be able to develop a plan that will help Oklahoma achieve its goal of becoming a top-10 state in education.
Timeline
The committee is expected to begin its work in the fall of 2023. The committee will have one year to develop a plan and submit it to Walters. Walters will then have 60 days to review the plan and make a decision on whether to implement it.
Reaction
The announcement of the committee has been met with mixed reactions. Some educators have expressed concern that the committee will be used to push a conservative agenda in Oklahoma's public schools. Others have said that they are hopeful that the committee will be able to develop a plan that will improve student achievement.
