OKPOLICY.ORG
In The Know is a daily synopsis of Oklahoma policy-related news and blogs. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.
Today In The News
Why Obama’s Clean Power Plan could mean opportunity for some industries in Oklahoma: President Obama’s Clean Power Plan enraged many top officials in Oklahoma, who argued the rules were an expensive, unnecessary overreach by the federal government. But the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could create opportunities in Oklahoma, researchers and officials say [StateImpact Oklahoma]. In fact, such projects are already in place or in the process of being implemented [OK Policy].
For special-needs students, a ration of corporal punishment: At dozens of Oklahoma schools, special-needs students received corporal punishment – generally paddling – at much higher rates than their peers. Proponents of the practice say it is needed to ensure order in the classroom. Opponents say paddling has no long-term benefit and can traumatize students, especially special-needs children, who have conditions such as hyperactive attention deficit disorder or learning disabilities [Oklahoma Watch].
Join us for the Fall Policy Institute! Do you want a better understanding of the issues and challenges facing Oklahoma and how you can have a greater impact on policy decisions? If so, you’ll want to attend the 1st OK Policy Fall Policy Boot Camp (FallPol) on October 3rd, 2015 at Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond [OK Policy].
State board of education approves record number of emergency teaching certificates, sees latest test results: The Oklahoma State Board of Education continued its response to the statewide teacher shortage on Thursday by approving 503 more requests for emergency teaching certificates to allow applicants who haven’t completed basic higher education and training requirements to enter the classroom right away. The board already approved 182 emergency certificates in July [Tulsa World].
Federal agency highlights Mental Health Association Oklahoma for peer-based recovery model: The agency’s peer support model is the focus of a video being shot this week by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration because of the success it has shown in integrating those with mental health and substance abuse issues into the workforce. About 58 percent of the agency’s staff has a diagnosis [Tulsa World].
Ten Commandments case returns to judge after ruling to remove monument: The Oklahoma Supreme Court, which reversed Oklahoma County Judge Thomas Prince’s ruling and ordered removal of a Ten Commandments monument at the state Capitol grounds, returned the case to him on Thursday. Prince now is required to formally order the monument to be carted away [NewsOK].
Efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Oklahoma move forward: Supporters of an effort to legalize medical marijuana hope to begin gathering signatures in early September. Last week, members of Green the Vote filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office indicating their intent [Tulsa World].
Oklahoma City traffic congestion takes toll on commuters: Traffic congestion in the Oklahoma City area last year cost commuters 49 hours of their lives, 23 gallons of gasoline and more than $1,100, according to a study released Wednesday [NewsOK]. Scorecards for both Oklahoma City and Tulsa are available here.
Quote of the Day
“You can’t beat the disability out of a kid. These are the most fragile, innocent students in our society. If we turn our backs on them, that says a lot about our society.”
– Attorney George McCaffrey, a special education attorney who represents parents and children, on data showing that students with disabilities receive corporal punishment at higher rates than their peers (Source)
Number of the Day
39.10%
The percentage of adolescents ages 12-17 in Oklahoma in 2012–2013 who perceived no great risk from smoking one or more packs of cigarettes a day, versus 35% nationwide.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
See previous Numbers of the Day here.
Policy Note
Prison Born Over the past four decades, as the inmate population in the United States has grown into the largest in the world, the number of children with a parent in custody has risen to nearly 3 million. For corrections officials and policy makers, those relationships can fade into the background. But not when a child is born on the inside. [The Atlantic].
You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.
