Waurika News Democrat

Local News

January 9, 2012

2012 brings changes to education

David Laughlin Waurika News-Democrat

WAURIKA — Roxie Terry, superintendent of Waurika Public Schools, is optimistic about the new year.

“Right now it’s a tough time for education,” Terry noted. “I think we are on the brink of seeing this entire thing turn around, though. The last several months the state has seen its income increase. I think we, as a state, are exceeding our expectations. I think the economic structure is going to be a bit better. The legislature is lined up to make some big decisions regarding education. I think it will be really interesting to see what they do. From my standpoint, as an administrator, it’s an exciting time.”

Terry acknowledged that many aren’t as positive about the future, but he said Oklahoma is poised  to improve.

“I’m definitely not a doom and gloom kind of guy. I think we are on the way up,” Terry added. “The overall outlook is good.”

One of the biggest changes, Terry said, is the new testing rules in place for high school students. High school students eligible for graduation must pass four out of the six end of instruction tests.

“In order for them to get there diplomas, they must pass four out of six of the EOI tests,” Terry said. “It really is an interesting challenge to our secondary students. It’s forcing them to reevaluate how they approach the test. Kids are taking it a lot more serious than they did in the past. The kids are now being held accountable for themselves. It’s a good teaching point, it really is. It will change the scope of education in Oklahoma.”

With the addition of stringent testing in high school, Terry said even more pressure is being place on education in elementary school.

“The elementary school is really doing some good things,” Terry noted. “We can do everything we want in secondary school, but if we don’t get a good, well-rounded education in elementary school, it means nothing. Our elementary school constantly ranks in the top 10 in reading. They are always finding new ways to challenge themselves. I couldn’t be more proud of that staff or how well they work.

“All around, they do a great job trying to keep up with the constantly changing leadership in education. The federal government has tried to mandate so many things. They need to change control of education back to the local boards. Over the next three years we will see a lot of things returning to the community and local board.”

One of the most apparent changes for WPS and the school board will be the addition of Brad Scott to the board. Scott is replacing Kristie Gaines, who’s term was up this year. Gaines did not seek reelection.

“Mrs. Gaines has been one of our strongest members on the board,” Terry said. “She’s probably one of the best school board members I have ever worked for. She had a close beat on the pulse of the community. She will definitely be missed and we appreciate the work she’s done. She’s definitely given back.”

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