Tulsa School Avoids Takeover But Gets Help From State

A low-performing Tulsa high school has avoided a state takeover, but will be getting some help to improve student achievement.

Last year, 69 percent of students at McLain High School and Junior High tested below proficient level on state tests.

State Superintendent Janet Barresi and Tulsa Public Schools announced a partnership to help that school and six others.

The details of this plan are still in the very early stages - but the important thing to take away from this is the word takeover has been replaced with partnership - at least for now.

Students at McClain High School and Junior High are going about their day, just like any other. But there is a cloud hanging over head, especially for Co-Principal Dr. Ebony Johnson.

Her school has been listed in the lowest 5 percent of performing schools in the state.

"It's been a little tough, but it's all going to work out," Johnson said.

McLain is one of seven low-performing schools that are to be part of a new initiative called C3 Partnership Schools.

That means Tulsa Public Schools is teaming up with the state Department of Education to help improve student achievement at the School.

The idea is as TPS works to reform the school the state brings in their resources to help.

"I will emphasize, TPS knows how to do reform and our reform efforts will not be sidetracked by being a partnership school," said TPS Superintendent Keith Ballard.

Ballard learned of the partnership on Tuesday and has since met with school leaders and faculty. Right now the partnership is still developing, and Ballard says that anything regarding job loss or shuffling would be speculation at this point.

"We haven't decided what we're going to do at McClain, that would be the worst possible thing we could do is decide without fully engaging the community and without bring people together," Ballard said.

But Back at McLain, teachers are optimistic and putting all of their effort toward what's really important: their students.

"There'd be a lot of opportunity for us to collaborate and share and help students gain, that's really one of our main goals here is to help our students gain," Sonja Garren, McClain teacher.

There is one other School in our area listed as a partnership school. That is Okay High School in Wagoner County. The State Board will not take any action until a special meeting to be held on April 9, 2012.