Some Oklahoma Schools Resist State Plan For Low-Performing Schools

State school board members learned Thursday more about partnerships between the Oklahoma Department of Education and low-performing schools.

A team of reviewers analyzed information about a number of under-performing schools to intensify college, citizen, and career – also known as C3 -- readiness. The state will then partner with the schools to help them improve their performance.

The State Board of Education identified seven schools as C3 schools.

The seven are: Keyes Elementary; Farris K-8; Santa Fe South Middle School, in Oklahoma City; Okay High School; and Shidler Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School, both in Oklahoma City; and McLain High School in Tulsa.

Not all schools are happy about being included on the list. Santa Fe South Superintendent Chris Brewster told board members he feels the method for determining low-performing schools is incorrect.

"The process was flawed from the onset," Brewster told board members.

Brewster doesn't believe his school should be on the priority list. He argued Santa Fe South has consistent growth in performance and one of the highest attendance rates in the state.

State Superintendent Janet Barresi said there were two other schools that were angry about their placement on the list.

"We stand by the selection process used," Barresi said.

Barresi said their purpose is not to close or take over schools. Their intention is to build a positive partnership and do what is best for kids.

Barresi added the state will work with schools to find their strengths and weaknesses. The models will look different in each and every school. A community and parent advisory board will be a part of process.

3/29/2012 Related Story: State Education Board May Soon Give Schools Grades A Through F