Governor Mary Fallin proclaims ‘School Choice Week’ in Oklahoma


OKLAHOMA CITY – National School Choice Week began Sunday in Oklahoma and across the country. There are 122 events planned in the Sooner State to raise awareness about K-12 school choice, as well as 16,140 events nationwide.

The events in Oklahoma, independently planned and funded, include information sessions and open houses at schools, rallies, policy discussions, and movie screenings, organized by a wide range of community groups.

Governor Mary Fallin’s proclamation officially recognized January 24-30, 2016, as “School Choice Week.” 
“School Choice Week provides families in Oklahoma with the opportunity to research and evaluate the K-12 school choices available for their children in advance of the 2016-2017 school year, said Andrew R. Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. 

“The week also raises awareness of the importance of providing every child with effective educational options.” 

With a goal of raising awareness of such options for children, National School Choice Week this year will be the largest celebration of education options in U.S. history, organizers say.

Supporters of choice say families in Oklahoma can use the week to look for K-12 schools suitable for them in the 2016-17 school year. Parents can choose from these options: traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, online academies, private schools and homeschooling.

In some parts of the state, open enrollment policies allow parents to select the best traditional public school, regardless of where it is located.

The state also has a program allowing qualifying children, in some cases, to receive scholarships to attend private schools. 

National School Choice Week runs from January 24-30, 2016. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com .
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