Welcome to the fourth issue of the Oklahoma Education Journal. Since our first issue was released in March of 2023, we have seen OEJ’s readership grow and have received over 10,000 unique visitors to our website. As we have extended our reach, we continue to be committed to our mission to provide credible and timely information on education policy and leadership issues in Oklahoma. I also want to remind readers that OEJ encourages your feedback on the journal as well as your comments on our articles (Email: Daniel_Hamlin@ou.edu). We also accept unsolicited articles that will receive full consideration for publication in OEJ.
In this issue, we take up a subject that has been grabbing national headlines this fall – Oklahoma’s new directive that requires public schools to incorporate the Bible as an instructional support. A coalition of parents and teachers has recently filed a lawsuit with the Oklahoma Supreme Court to block the mandate. We present views on both sides of this issue in our Point-Counterpoint article. As a proponent of the mandate, Professor William Jeynes argues that many American students are “paying too high of an academic price” for not having a working knowledge of the Bible while Luke Anderson of Americans for the Separation of Church and State contends that the new mandate is akin to “religious coercion” and is unlawful.
In our Relevant Evidence feature, Deven Carlson describes the results of his data looking at whether districts are complying with Senate Bill 783. The bill requires districts to post available seat capacity on their websites as a way of helping families navigate interdistrict school choice options. We also introduce a new feature in this issue – Innovations in Professional Learning. OU Professor Richard Velasco and his colleagues discuss how they are helping emergency certified teachers gain standard certification through OU’s FAST program.
In this issue, I am particularly excited about our Leaders in Focus feature. Dr. Jamie Polk lays out her policy priorities for OKC public schools as she settles into her role as superintendent of the district. I am also very pleased to announce OEJ’s inaugural “Dissertation of the Year” award. This award recognizes excellent Oklahoma-based dissertation research. Our first awardee is Principal Seth Meier of Moore Public Schools. For OEJ’s readers, he synthesizes the results of his dissertation work investigating the relationship between fiscal expenditures and principal turnover in Oklahoma.
Finally, Spanish researcher Lidia Altamura of the University of Valencia presents the results of two meta-analyses comparing differences in reading outcomes for print vs digital reading. It is no secret that schools have invested heavily in educational technology. Oklahoma’s students are increasingly using screens for reading and other educational tasks that were traditionally done with printed materials. Altamura’s meta-analytic work raises some important considerations when it comes to digital reading and instruction in schools.
Journal Content
The Oklahoma Education Journal spans the boundaries of research, policy, and practice through a variety of features. In Relevant Evidence articles, the journal spotlights empirical studies performed in Oklahoma while Research Review pieces offer unbiased syntheses of national research on education issues affecting Oklahoma’s schools. Each issue includes profiles of state leaders, exploring innovative programs and approaches to school leadership. In Point-Counterpoint features, contributors present well-reasoned arguments on opposing sides of a policy debate. Additionally, journal contributors produce legal analyses, book reviews, school health and wellness features, dissertation research, professional learning initiatives, 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.
