The Tulsa Public School Board approved a proposal dubbed the “five-year strategic plan” Tuesday evening.
The plan revealed this year,also called “Destination Excellence,” was put together by the minds of the TPS Board of Education, Superintendent Gist as well as leaders and community members.
Inside the plan, there are some quick facts that highlight information regarding the 2015-2016 school year. Below is the current amount of schools for each age category.
Overall, there are a total of 6,747 employees, 2,865 teachers and 146 principals and assistant principals.
According to the document, there are 79 different languages spoken among 39,451 students attending TPS schools from early childhood to high school ages.
In the plan, it says that the schools will “address and support the needs of all students,” including English language learners and students with disabilities. It also mentions that school teams will “facilitate and implement” ways to promote acceptance and learning environments that are “culturally responsive.”
The plan says there will be “school support teams,” including school leaders, staff members and outside partners that will help students who are struggling in areas related to academics, behavior and attendance.
It says that businesses will partner with schools to provide “brief yet powerful” work experiences related to their field of study.
Inside the plan, it shows information from last year, during the 2014-2015 school year. The data indicates the number of students, ages from incoming kindergarten to tenth graders, and their progress in regards to being college or career ready. The percentages below were based on testing given to each student based on their age and grade.
The proposal states that they plan to have community service organizations work with the school district to help families know what type of resources are offered for assistance.
Several surveys taken among students, teachers and administration from the 2014-2015 school year show that 61 percent of students found that teachers made learning interesting but only 19 percent of teachers thought the district administration showed concern for the needs of their school. In relation to that statistic, only 31 percent of principals thought that thought the district administration showed concern for the needs of their school.
In relation to that information, the new plan goes on to say that teachers will have support from district staff by providing teachers with “deep, broad, inter-disciplinary” curricula that ultimately will help students prepare for college and careers at an early age. A “district-wide structure” will be created in order to build and sustain a positive culture in the classrooms.
Recently, Tulsa Public Schools announced a $2.1 million reduction in its budget for the upcoming year.
“Destination Excellence” maps out the 2015-2016 school year budget expenditures as well as the general fund expenditures by function.
Towards the end of the proposal, it states that if approved those involved will "hold ourselves accountable and will communicate transparently to all Tulsans about our progress." As part of this plan, it cites developing an "annual action plan aligned with the strategic plan and publicly sharing[ing] them prior to the start of the school year."
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
