Skillful administration is required to ask the uncomfortable questions and institute the reforms necessary to bring long-term success for Oklahoma's education system. The real facts now show that Oklahoma spends more money per student for teacher pay in common education than does the ultra liberal state of California. California has nearly 10 times the students that Oklahoma does. But they gather those students into about 1000 school districts. the average California school district serves 5996 students. Oklahoma has over 500 school districts with an average of 1345 students. The other factor causing a severe bleeding of common ed. money is the ultra-small class size. Most baby boomers remember class sizes in excess of 30 students. Today's Oklahoma teachers only educate about 16 students per room. California classrooms average around 21. That 5 extra students is the key to massive savings. It would allow Oklahoma to give a $10,000 pay raise and still cut our current state education budget. Even with San Diego teachers making over $55,000 per year, they spread that over an extra 5 students taught; resulting in an actual teacher cost-per-student of $133 less than Oklahoma. |
If you're a competent teacher who can take on the challenge of educating in the way your parents were taught, then Rep Todd Russ has a deal for you! HB1415 would mandate that school districts pay you thousands more. For every additional student in your classroom (beyond the standard set by your district) you'd be getting $1000 more, in annual compensation. So a 3rd grade teacher who can competently lead a class of 24 instead of the district's standard of 18, would be compensated another $6000 in pay. The bill needs some tweaking, to clarify that the bonus is based upon a full day's worth of educating. So a high school history teacher who teaches during 7 class periods, would have that pay prorated to reflect the appropriate portion in which the classroom exceeded the cap. Baby Boomers generally had class sizes of about 30, during the 60s & 70s. If today's teachers can match this level of performance, They may see their annually salary jump $10,000 without any additional moonlighting needed. |
Sooner Politics
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