Statement: Oklahoma needs to account for all students as schools move to distance learning

As Oklahoma schools are pivoting to distance learning to complete the spring 2020 semester, education officials need to ensure all students have equal access. 

Media statement from Rebecca Fine, education analyst: 

Education is a civil rights issue. State officials should be exploring all options that provide equitable education solutions to all Oklahoma students, regardless of the resources that they have available.

There are significant concerns that online learning excludes students who do not have access to the internet or technological devices. It also excludes many special education students and English learners who need special accommodations that are currently unavailable remotely. 

Now is not the time to deepen the divide between classmates who have vastly different resources available to them. We need to identify and provide solutions that ensure all of Oklahoma students are able to move forward together.