In magnet schools, a specialized focus within that school draws students, Hofmeister says. “This is a term recognized federally,” she says. “It’s something that has been a very successful model, particularly in Tulsa Public Schools.” Federal law defines a magnet school as a public school that offers a special curriculum that can attract students from diverse backgrounds. Booker T. Washington within TPS is one example. Magnet schools are administered by the school district, and acceptance is funneled through district channels. Robles says the majority of the TPS’ schools are traditional neighborhood schools from pre-K to 12th grade. However, the district also has lottery magnet schools ranging from the elementary to high schools. These district schools require student application and acceptance. “There is no guarantee that you will be accepted because you live in that neighborhood or any other reason,” Robles says. “There’s a lottery for applicants to get into that school based on that.” Seven schools fall in that lottery category: Eisenhower Elementary, Zarrow International Elementary, Mayo Demonstration Academy, Dual Language Academy, Thoreau Demonstration Academy, and Will Rogers College junior high and high schools. TPS also has five schools that are criteriabased: Carver Middle School, Edison middle and high schools, Booker T. Washington High School and Will Rogers College High School. “Essentially, families apply to transfer to those schools … but there is a criteria that applicants need to meet that is academic related,” Robles says.
DIFFERENT PHILOSOPHIES, FORMATS Families might want to consider the learning approach of a school. The Montessori method, for example, is based on a child-centered approach. Students using the Montessori method are self-directed and self-
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paced, though they are guided and supported by teachers, according to the nonprofit American Montessori Society. “Individual students follow their own curiosity at their own pace, taking the time they need to fully understand each concept and meet individualized learning goals,” according to the group’s website. The Montessori method has several core components, including child-directed work and uninterrupted work periods. The philosophy is named for Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian educator, physician and scientist. TPS has one Montessori school, Emerson Elementary, a neighborhood school. There are several private Montessori options: Undercroft Montessori School, Christian Montessori Academy, Rainbow Montessori School and Montessori Academy of Owasso. Another teaching philosophy is Lasaillan, which centers on Catholic values. It’s based on the vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, according to the Office of the Lasallian Region of North America. Two private schools in Tulsa follow the method: Bishop Kelley High School and San Miguel Middle School. TPS has a partnership school called Greenwood Leadership Academy. It’s authorized by the district but has some independent aspects, Robles says, and is a partnership between TPS and the Met Cares Foundation, an organization committed to transforming social and academic outcomes for north Tulsa students. “They (MET) have a board that is a subsidiary of our the TPS Board,” Robles says. “From the parents’ perspective, you access the school and apply in the regular enrollment system for Tulsa Public Schools, and as Tulsa Public Schools we support enrollment and provide access to kids to get there.” When it comes to language-focused education, Robles says TPS has 10 elementary schools that offer language enrichment programs. Five of those are neighborhood schools that offer dual language in Spanish. Th ree magnet schools offer dual language in Spanish or French. Two neighborhood schools offer Mandarin language
enrichment opportunities. Th ree magnet middle schools offer dual language literacy courses for students continuing from elementary dual-language experiences. Virtual schools are an online educational option growing in popularity in Oklahoma and the Tulsa area. Epic Charter Schools is one of the most wellknown. The virtual charter school is free for students, but has recently come under intense scrutiny. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation recently investigated Epic for embezzlement of state funds. At press time, no charges had been fi led. Within TPS, Tulsa Learning Academy is a blended model that offers online and in-person instruction. “We believe it is important for students to have access to support and do work in collaborative spaces with other students and create a model that allows the flexibility to work virtually,” Robles says, “but it also creates strong opportunities for them to interact with other human beings in a setting and do work that will help them develop those critical skills.”
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS As the new school year approaches, Hofmeister says the state education system is still reeling from the economic downturn the state experienced several years ago. There was a loss of teachers, and salaries stagnated. Fortunately, “we are now seeing meaningful growth,” she says. Two years of teacher pay raises and more than 1,100 new positions to the teacher workforce last year, as well as a new school accountability system, are just some of the strides, according to Hofmeister. When considering schooling options, Hofmeister says a family should consider what a particular school can offer to provide their child CONTINUED ON P. 42
Union Public Schools recently announced that it will have a fully virtual school starting with the 2019-2020 school year. The pilot program will allow students in grades 6-12 to take their courses online, says Chris Payne, district spokesman. The students also will have the option to take one elective course — like fine arts or athletics — in a face-to-face setting. “Many students have interests or personal circumstances that make it difficult to attend school on a traditional schedule,” Payne says. “We have had a number of students who travel internationally who participate in dance or athletics that require a more flexible schedule, and virtual has proven to be a great alternative for them.” To be considered “in attendance,” students must meet a required pace for course completion: five to six hours online each day completing coursework, according to Payne. “There is no penalty for working ahead, but the minimum completion standards must be met for continued enrollment,” he says. “Students not completing the minimum requirements will receive the appropriate interventions to resume their coursework.” Students must apply to take part in the pilot program and must meet the same graduation requirements as those in a traditional setting. To be eligible for the virtual school, students in grades 6-12 must live in the district, be enrolled full time with Union Public Schools and may not be enrolled in any other program or school such as private, online or home school, Payne says.
