May 2025
To the wonderful elementary teachers of Oklahoma, the dedication and heartfelt care you pour into your students each day create ripples of impact that go far beyond what others see. Your commitment and the sacrifices you make truly matter. The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is so grateful for your tireless efforts, this week and every week.
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The OSDE is taking a transformative leap to ensure Oklahoma students are ready for the future by establishing the state's first Office of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Learning. Recognizing the growing importance of AI literacy, the OSDE is committed to ensuring all students develop these crucial skills as they learn with innovative AI tools such as Grok, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and CoPilot. This new office will guide Oklahoma's K-12 education system in thoughtfully incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital advancements, ultimately supporting teachers, empowering students, and engaging families so that every Oklahoma learner is prepared to excel in a rapidly changing technological world.
As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into our world, it is essential for Oklahoma educators and students to have a foundational understanding of this powerful technology. This infographic from the OSDE clarifies key aspects of AI and highlights its potential as a tool while emphasizing the importance of responsible and ethical use in learning.
Each month, this newsletter will focus on questions posed by educators, administrators, families, and students about the use of AI in K-12 classrooms.
Why is AI currently a significant topic in education?
AI technologies have rapidly advanced in capability and accessibility. Educational institutions are recognizing AI's potential to enhance personalized learning experiences, increase administrative efficiency, and prepare students for future career landscapes where technology literacy will be essential. As digital tools become increasingly integrated into society, educational systems must thoughtfully incorporate these technologies into instructional practices.
How are educators currently implementing AI?
Educators are utilizing AI for various instructional purposes, including:
- Generating differentiated practice materials
- Providing timely assessment feedback
- Developing comprehensive lesson plans
- Enhancing family communication
- Supporting student brainstorming and ideation processes
Some teachers use tools such as ChatGPT to clarify complex concepts or provide additional support for struggling learners. AI applications can also modify instructional content to accommodate diverse learning preferences and translate materials for multilingual environments.
This fall, the OSDE will be traveling across the state to lead half-day workshops focused on using AI. These sessions will provide a hands-on opportunity to explore AI tools and strategies. While registration is not open yet, you may want to mark your calendars in advance!
- September 22 – Enid
- September 25 – Chickasha
- September 30 – Atoka
- October 7 – OKC
- October 23 - Muskogee
Hosted by the OSDE, InspireOK 2025 is a premier professional development conference dedicated to empowering educators across Oklahoma. This event provides teachers with essential tools, resources, and training to enhance student learning outcomes and prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
inspireOK 2025 brings together education professionals, thought leaders, and organizations that share a commitment to strengthening the future of education. Through engaging sessions, innovative workshops, and collaborative networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable insights to support their professional growth and instructional effectiveness.
- NCED Conference Center & Hotel (Norman, OK)
- Friday, June 27, 2025
- 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Register today! https://events.bizzabo.com/712704
The State Board of Education is authorized to award one or more grants annually to classroom teachers from funds available in the Public School Classroom Support Revolving Fund established pursuant to 70 O.S. § 1-123. A grant awarded under this section shall be used by the grantee teacher for the purpose of purchasing supplies, materials, or equipment for their class or classes.
A public school classroom teacher in Oklahoma is eligible to apply for a Public School Classroom Support Grant.
The award amount can range from $1,000-$5,000.
The grant must meet the following criteria:
- An articulated purpose for the requested grant that is intended to promote student learning in one or more content areas or skills.
- A specific plan for incorporating supplies, materials, and/or equipment funded by the requested grant into the applying teacher's course(s) for the stated purpose.
- Alignment of the purpose and plan for the requested grant with the Oklahoma Academic Standards.
The deadline to apply is June 30, 2025.
Last year, 610 teachers applied, and 26 were awarded a grant. Two of the grants were specifically related to secondary ELA--one from Jay High School regarding decodable text sets for secondary students and one from Elk City High School regarding an elective course entitled Mystery and True Crime Literature.
Learn more about CLASS grants and download your application today.
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