By Emma Murphy | Reporter
“This should not be a competition over who can send the other government the largest bill.” - Monroe Nichols of the state warning it will try to recover costs for a state operation clearing homeless camps on state property in Tulsa and Oklahoma City
Families enter Adelaide Lee Elementary on Tuesday, the first day of school, in Oklahoma City Public Schools. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)
By Nuria Martinez-Keel
Hundreds of thousands of Oklahoma children returned to school this week for their first academic year under strict new literacy laws. It will be their final school year before reading scores carry even higher stakes.
More than 21,100 Oklahoma third graders, or 44%, scored below a basic level on statewide reading tests this past spring, according to state Department of Education data. Future third graders, starting in the 2027-28 school year, would risk being held back a year for scoring below basic, which the state defines as failing to demonstrate even partial mastery of grade-level expectations.
District leaders are pouring over students’ literacy data as state laws now require extra help for low-scoring readers. Some schools have increased class time spent on reading instruction, knowing the gravity third-grade reading tests will have in the near future.
Crews use a front loader to clean up a former homeless camp on state property in Tulsa. (Screenshot of Operation SAFE video footage)
By Emma Murphy
The state spent nearly $900,000 to clear homeless encampments in Oklahoma’s largest cities last year, according to letters sent by the state’s chief operating officer.
Marty Quinn, left, and Bob Sullivan, who are vying for the Republican nomination for Insurance Commissioner, are pictured. (Provided photos)
By Janelle Stecklein
The two candidates hoping to secure the Republican nomination for insurance commissioner are vowing to address Oklahoma’s soaring property insurance rates, but differ on how to approach the issue.
ICYMI
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