Two major events recently placed Oklahoma’s schools in the national spotlight. The first involved the suicide of Nex Benedict – a 16-year-old non-binary Owasso student who had had an altercation with three female students in a school restroom the day before her death. Benedict’s suicide sparked widespread debate and even prompted an official statement from the Biden Administration. The US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights subsequently opened an investigation of Owosso Public Schools over its handling of the incident.

The second major event gaining national attention was a video of Deer Creek students in Edmond licking the toes of other students at a school fundraiser. Video of the event went viral, and left many questioning how such an event was allowed on school grounds. Deer Creek officials later apologized, claiming that the event was student-organized and did not involve teachers or staff. Oklahoma’s State Department of Education has since initiated an investigation into this incident.

Amid these national news stories, lawmakers have been considering several consequential bills. One of them is Senate Bill 1768, which aims to restrict the use of virtual school days. Proponents of the bill argue that students are losing out on vital instructional time in districts that hold regular virtual days. The Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition is opposing the bill along with a number of rural districts. Additionally, lawmakers are seeking to require school board elections to occur during general elections under House Bill 3563. The bill would end off-cycle school board elections that are known for having very low voter turnout.

Features in This Issue

A fair amount of activity is occurring in education right now, but what are Oklahoman’s views? In this third issue of OEJ, our first-ever Oklahoma Education Poll provides insight into Oklahoman’s views on major education issues. This new annual poll comes from a random sample of over 600 Oklahomans.

In this issue, OSU professor Katherine Curry reflects on her tenure as State Secretary of Education. This issue also features Liz Kolb from the University of Michigan and retired OKC public school teacher John Thompson who debate the merits of school cell phone bans—an issue that is currently being discussed by our state’s lawmakers. OU’s Corey Peltier offers an authoritative review of research on Explicit Instruction for students with disabilities while Diane Horm presents the results of her multi-year study of Tulsa Educare. Finally, OSU’s Olajumoke Adigun reviews the book “The Two-parent Privilege” by economist Melissa Kearney. The book has made many headlines this year and Adigun provides a thoughtful perspective on it.

Journal Content

The Oklahoma Education Journal spans the boundaries of research, policy, and practice through a mix of different features. In Relevant Evidence features, the journal highlights studies based in Oklahoma while in Research Review articles, we present neutral syntheses of national research on education issues affecting Oklahoma’s schools. In each issue, we profile leaders in the state by exploring innovative programs and approaches to leadership. In Point-Counterpoint features, contributors present well-reasoned arguments on opposing sides of a policy debate. Journal contributors also produce legal analyses, book reviews, school health and wellness features, and updates on state education news, events, and resources.

Our Commitment to Readers

The editorial team is unwavering in its commitment to presenting accurate information to the greatest extent possible. We aim for neutrality and balance. The journal does not advocate for any political groups, ideologies, or programs. These promises to the readership guide the work of the editorial team and staff.

Author Bio

Daniel Hamlin is Professor of Education Policy and Research Director of the Leadership and Policy Center for Thriving Schools and Communities (THRIVE) at the University of Oklahoma.