Barresi Readying Families For Upgraded Standards
Families Gear Up for the Road Ahead
State Department of Education Prepares Families for Transition to Oklahoma Academic Standards
OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 10, 2013) – The Oklahoma State Department of Education hosted a family engagement road rally on Tuesday, September 10, at Central Elementary School in the Putnam City School District.
The rally was designed for parents and community members and provided attendees with ways to support children on their journeys toward college-, career-, and citizen-readiness. The rally was part of the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s larger community engagement effort called For the Road Ahead.
For the Road Ahead road rallies get students, parents and community members excited about and involved with the Oklahoma Academic Standards (OAS). The road rallies explain both what the standards are and why they are beneficial to all Oklahomans. The rally lasted approximately 30 minutes. Families, community members, business partners, teachers, administrators and board members from Putnam City and other school districts from across the state attended.
“I’m excited to have these road rallies for parents,” said Janet Barresi, State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. “Research has proven that the most important factor in student success is parental involvement, so engaging parents is vital as we work to prepare Oklahoma students for the road ahead.”
This community outreach effort was developed with the understanding that each child’s education is an individual journey, and teachers and parents need tools and techniques to help them along the way. The rallies explain the Oklahoma Academic Standards and equip parents with strategies that will assist students by addressing their specific needs in a fun and creative way. Connecting with students in this way helps to better prepare them for their road ahead.
Superintendent Barresi thanked Dr. Fred Rhodes, Superintendent, Putnam City Schools, Barbara Crump, Principal, Central Elementary School, Bren Smith, Putnam City Schools Board of Education, and the teachers and staff rom the school and the district, and others from the community that assisted in hosting the Road Rally.
To fully engage Oklahomans, For the Road Ahead has launched a website and social media pages. The website, www.TheRoadAheadOK.com, provides educators, parents and community members with information and resources to support student achievement. Visitors to the site can also sign up to receive e-newsletters with the latest information about education in Oklahoma and about upcoming events. Social media pages are also being used to share information about the Oklahoma Academic Standard and to provide additional support for educators and parents. For more information, please visit www.Facebook.com/TheRoadAheadOK or www.Twitter.com/TheRoadAheadOK.
To learn more about this outreach effort visit: www.TheRoadAheadOK.com.
The next Road Rally will be a tailgate event before the Ardmore High School vs. Durant High School football game on Friday, September 13 at 7 p.m. in the Ardmore High School stadium parking lot, 701 Veterans Blvd.
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