In late spring of 2023, the ASPIRE Oklahoma Plan was signed into law. ASPIRE arguably strikes a bargain between advocates of greater funding for Oklahoma’s public schools and supporters of universal school choice. In the new law, there are several pieces of legislation, including teacher pay raises of up to $6,000, $150 million for school safety and security, and $625 million in recurring investment in public schools. Shawn Hime, Executive Director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, lauded ASPIRE as the largest general funding increase in our state’s history. In this issue, policy scholar Deven Carlson breaks down ASPIRE and what the law might mean for the state’s schools.

The ASPIRE Plan has also made national news for establishing the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit – an individual refundable tax-credit for private school expenses that largely brings universal school choice to Oklahoma. To consider the potential effects of this change, Joshua Cowen and Patrick Wolf – two of the United States’ most prominent school choice researchers – offer different viewpoints on private school choice programs.

In this issue, we explore four-day school weeks. The practice has mainly expanded among rural districts. But what is known about the effects of four-day schedules? Emily Morton of the American Institutes for Research presents her research on educational outcomes and school finance in four-day districts.

Also in this issue, leadership expert Timothy Ford provides an authoritative review of research-informed strategies that schools can use to strengthen teacher retention. OU’s Elizabeth Zumpe tackles the new book Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania are Ruining Kids’ Sports. And finally, this issue covers the work of Tony Dearman who is the longest serving Director of the federal government’s Bureau of Indian Education.

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.