Oklahoma's Reading Crisis and Who Can Fix It | Oklahoma City News

Oklahoma heads to the polls August 25th for a runoff election to choose its next State Superintendent, with two candidates battling over how to fix the state’s dire reading crisis—where just 23% of fourth graders and 20% of eighth graders read proficiently. Dr. Robert Franklin pushes for early childhood investment, data-driven teaching, and professional development in the science of reading. Dr. James Taylor champions school-based solutions: high school mentors, more reading specialists, parental involvement, and corporate volunteerism, crediting phonics for progress. Democrat Jennettie Marshall, set to face the runoff winner in November, warns non-traditional educators may be hurting classrooms and vows to rebuild teacher training and revive proven programs like “Great Expectations.” Voters have three distinct visions for Oklahoma’s future—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c8eaa39c4fc8d4d6