Advance Oklahoma's Kids Mission
Advance Oklahoma’s Kids is a statewide coalition of community members, advocates, parents, and educators who believe that our students can’t afford to wait for a quality education. We’re building a movement in support of equitable funding, fair and just discipline, and equitable outcomes in public education so that our public schools are stronger for the benefit of all Oklahomans.
We envision an Oklahoma where every student has access to an excellent public education that meets their needs and prepares them for a successful future. By investing in public schools, keeping public resources focused on the students they serve, and empowering communities to advocate for their children, we can strengthen academic outcomes, provide essential support, and build a more prosperous state. Strong public schools create strong communities—and a stronger future for all Oklahomans.
Our 4 Pillars of Focus
Equity in Outcomes
Advance policies and practices that remove barriers, expand opportunity, and improve academic, social, and long-term outcomes for all Oklahoma students.
Equity in Resources
Promote transparency and public participation in school funding and budgeting; address chronic underfunding; and ensure students across Oklahoma have equitable access to the services, programs, and resources they need.
Community Voices
Elevate the voices of students, families, educators, and local communities; listen to those most affected by the system; recognize local cultures; and reinforce the power of school communities.
Safe & Supportive Schools
Support school experiences that respond to the challenges modern students face, including mental health services, restorative disciplinary practices, student safety, and additional resources for schools serving high-poverty communities.
We Value:
Evidence-backed, Data-driven Solutions: We ground our advocacy in what works, and what creates better outcomes for Oklahoma students. We learn from each other and those in the field, and we’re not afraid to drop what isn’t working in order to deliver better results.
Education Justice: We will hold the education system accountable to make surepublic schools provide students with the meaningful support and resources they need to thrive, including a healthy learning environment that yields positive social, emotional, and academic outcomes. This is especially true for those who have traditionally been denied full access to quality public education.
Restorative Justice: Public schools can foster better outcomes for students by cultivating belonging and mutual care through restorative justice. This approach centers everyone’s needs and values, building trust and respect. When harm occurs, restorative conversations repair relationships, promote understanding and support growth. We advocate for this to be utilized in all Oklahoma schools.
Racial Equity: For too long, quality education experiences and outcomes have varied based on students’ racial and ethnic identity. We strive to build a public school system that acknowledges this reality and takes action to correct inequities for the benefit of all students, no matter their identity.
Community: We understand the power, wisdom and support for this work comes from the communities we represent. We will intentionally uplift the voices and perspectives of young people, parents, families and education practitioners in our work to ensure we are truly addressing the needs and challenges they face.
Inclusivity: Advance Oklahoma’s Kids does not work in service of a single demographic, group or identity, nor will we turn anyone away who shares our values, even if their perspective differs from our own. We want every Oklahoman to see themselves as part of this movement to create stronger public schools and a brighter future for our state.
