OEA Educators and Clergy Conference

The 2nd annual Educators and Clergy Conference was held earlier this spring and more than 100 people -- teachers, administrators and clergy -- attended. The Conference topic was how schools and churches can work together to battle the dropout problem.

Some faith-based organizations have programs for kids while other groups and schools are looking for help and direction in this area. The speakers shared successes and challenges of their programs and also heard from representatives from the First Amendment Center about how programs can legally assist schools.

Speakers pictured above are of OEA Vice-President Becky Felts, Reverend George Young, Tulsa Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard, Charles Haynes, Senior Scholar at the First Amendment Center, Patrick McPherson of Lawton, Howard Hendricks the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Richard Klinge of Catholic Charities, Julie Roberson of St. Luke's Methodist Church and Officer Wayland Cubit of the Oklahoma City Police.

Reducing the Dropout Rate

The Oklahoma Education Association has been actively involved in a variety of programs that will reduce the drop out rate. This column was in the Oklahoman today or you can read it below.

In recent days, The Oklahoman has featured the importance of addressing the dropout rate. While there may be a variety of reasons kids drop out, it is important for them, and for Oklahoma and our nation, that they remain in school. The Oklahoma Education Association is committed to addressing those needs.

The OEA has initiated and participated in "community conversations” projects, which seek input and ideas from the community served by schools so the school can better understand and address the issues and concerns important to that community.

The first project involves Putnam City West High School and the Hispanic community. Listening to the concerns of parents and using bilingual communication allows for the opportunity to address needs in a non-intimidating fashion. Because of these conversations, parents and teachers more fully understand the barriers that language can play in impeding parental involvement. Parents want to be involved and want help because they want the best for their children and that means keeping them in school.

In Weatherford, the OEA joined an already-formed task force addressing the needs of American Indian students that includes the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribe. Understanding the Native American culture and having those conversations with parents and tribal leaders will give everyone involved in education a greater opportunity to keep students in school.

On March 30, the featured topic at the second annual OEA Educator’s and Clergy Conference will be the dropout issue and how we can focus on ways in which schools can work with the faith community to have an impact on the dropout rates.

The ability to read is essential for kids to be successful and stay in school; not being able to read contributes greatly to the increase in the dropout rate. The OEA Read Across America program not only promotes the love and joy of reading, but also the positive impact being able to read has on students’ lives. In the past 12 years, tens of thousands of kids have participated in the program and been exposed to positive reading experiences.

It is extremely important for students and parents to understand the economic impact on the dropout. According to U.S. Census Bureau, a high school dropout will annually earn approximately $19,169 as compared with $28,645 for someone with a diploma or $51,554 for an individual with a bachelor’s degree.

No matter what the reasons for dropping out, quality teachers make all the difference in the world. OEA members mentor kids and provide a variety of opportunities for them to be successful and stay in school. There are also many times where students unburden themselves to caring teachers and counselors and the bonds formed between student and teacher keeps kids in school as well.

The OEA is serious about lowering the dropout rate. Losing even one child is unacceptable. We all need to work together to address this issue. Dropout rates aren’t statistics; they’re kids Oklahoma can’t afford to lose.

Highly Qualified, ESEA and Native-American Student Issues

They called it the "lame duck" session of Congress, but there was still business being conducted at the Capitol. I mentioned in an earlier post that NEA Directors and State Presidents will lobby Congress on educational issues.

At this last NEA meeting, Carolyn Crowder, NEA Executive Committee member from Mustang, Linda Hampton, from Pleasant Grove and I met with Matt Blackburn, a staff member of Senator Tom Coburn.

This is the second time this year that we've met with Mr. Blackburn and he has told us that Senator Coburn understands the problems with the "Highly Qualified" issue for Special Education Teachers. In fact, Senator Coburn met with a parent, teacher, and others in Edmond to talk about this issue and said he would work hard to see that it's changed.

We also presented Matt with the NEA's postive agenda for changing ESEA. (aka No Child Left Behind). Matt said that he would share the information with Senator Coburn.

A third issue that we discussed with Matt dealt with H.R. 4766 and the issues concerning Native-American students.

Many people wonder what can get accomplished if you only get a chance to talk to a staff member instead of a Senator or Congressman. To be honest, a great deal can occur. The elected official will often have such great time restraints placed upon them, that if they do get to see you, it will be for a very limited time. Meeting with a staffer who can give you more time allows you the opportunity to explain your issue in even greater detail. They will be able to share your concerns and issues with the leader.

Sometimes you do get the chance to meet with your Congressman. In September, OEA members Becky Munholland from Healdton, Cheryl Dowell from Comanche, Janice Stotts, a retired member from McCloud, Linda Hampton and I met with Congressman Cole to discuss some of the same issues that we did with Senator Coburn's staff.

If you would like to help us make more of an impact on these issues, you can email Senator Coburn, and any of the Oklahoma Congressional team, through the OEA web page at www.okea.org or by going to www.nea.org/lac/index.html and entering your zip code in the box in the upper right corner. A drop down list will be given for those who represent your district.