INITIATIVES
The Oklahoma Shift
The Oklahoma Shift starts now! 👈 The Shift starts with you! 👈 When Oklahomans rally, we win!
Building Strong Foundations Together
The Oklahoma Shift is about coming together around something we all share — our education system. No matter where we come from or what we believe, education touches every family, every community, and every future in this state.
This is a collective movement. It’s an invitation for all Oklahomans to take part — educators, parents, students, community members, businesses, higher education, and leaders — because schools cannot carry this work alone, and they shouldn’t have to.
Strong foundations are built when people show up for one another. When communities step in to support classrooms. When resources are shared. When educators are respected, equipped, and backed by the people they serve. When we focus less on blame and more on solutions.
The Oklahoma Shift is about doing the work together — filling gaps, creating real supports, and strengthening what already exists — so every student has a fair chance to succeed. When we invest in education together, we invest in Oklahoma’s future.
Why it Matters
Education shapes everything that comes after it — from a child’s confidence, to their opportunities, to the strength of our communities and workforce. When students struggle, it’s rarely because of a lack of effort from educators. More often, it’s because schools are carrying challenges they were never meant to handle alone.
Teachers are being asked to do more with less, students are navigating growing academic and mental health pressures, and families are trying to support learning without enough tools. When literacy and foundational skills fall behind, the effects ripple far beyond the classroom.
That’s why this work matters. Not as a talking point, and not as a political issue, but as a shared responsibility. If we want a stronger future for Oklahoma, we have to show up for education together — with real support, practical resources, and a commitment to the people doing the work every day.
How it Works
We listen first
We start by hearing directly from educators, students, and school leaders to understand what’s working, what’s not, and where support is needed most.
We bring people together
Through nonpartisan town halls and community conversations, we connect educators, families, community members, higher education, and policymakers around shared goals.
We build and share real resources
We create and curate practical tools, training, and materials that support classrooms, families, and communities — all in one place.
We promote literacy and strong foundations
Literacy is the starting point. From early readers to adult learners, we focus on the skills that unlock opportunity across every subject.
We turn conversation into action
Insights from educators and communities help shape programs, partnerships, and next steps that move the work forward.
Have you heard about The Oklahoma Shift Bookmark Design Contest?
Do you know an Oklahoma student who has what it takes to design the 2026 bookmark? Winner will receive an all expense paid pizza party and learning supplies for their classroom! All K-12 Oklahoma students are eligible. Submission must be postmarked by February 8th.
Design Theme
Oklahoma Stories. From Jim Thorpe to tumbleweeds. All things Oklahoma and Reading!
The artwork must be the original work of the student, whether computer generated or hand drawn.
Entries must be submitted on an official entry form to maintain correct sizing for printing. Entries should
be decorated with color, and be created on white paper. Bookmarks can incorporate text if desired.
Deadline:
Postmark your entries by February 8th, 2026
Please mail your entries to:
OCE
Attn: Bookmark Contest
3300 Robin Ridge Rd
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
The Oklahoma Shift is coming...
