While public schools across Oklahoma fail to meet national education standards, Americans for Prosperity Foundation-Oklahoma is educating the public on the benefits of every family having the freedom to choose the best education option for their children.

As part of National School Choice Week, AFP Foundation-Oklahoma is hosting “Restoring American Exceptionalism – Oklahoma Townhall,” an event featuring former Congressman J.C. Watts, The Wall Street Journal’s John Fund, Oklahoma State Schools Superintendent Dr. Janet Barresi, State Senator Gary Stanislawski and the Friedman Foundation’s Jeff Reed. This event will discuss doing more to support the teachers and the schools that are succeeding, and hold those that are failing firmly accountable.
“It’s time to put children first in the education policy debate, not the adults and not the unions,” said Stuart Jolly, AFP Foundation-Oklahoma State Director. “Oklahoma spends $7,430 to educate each child in the public school system, and yet 76 percent of eighth graders are not proficient in math and 74 percent are not proficient in reading.” (NCES & NAEP 2009)

One of 40 events taking place across the country during the week of January 22-28, the Oklahoma school choice event will kick off at 7pm on Tuesday, January 24 at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Constitution Hall, located in the Nigh University Center. Visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com for more information.

What: Restoring American Exceptionalism – Oklahoma Townhall
Who: Americans for Prosperity Foundation
Where: University of Central Oklahoma’s Constitution Hall
Located in the Nigh University Center
700 E. Main Street, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034
When: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Speakers: Congressman JC Watts
The Wall Street Journal’s John Fund
State Schools Superintendent Dr Janet Barresi
State Senator Gary Stanislawski
Friedman Foundation’s Jeff Reed

Last year, National School Choice Week hosted over 150 events in 40 states and the District of Columbia, with the governors of 10 states officially recognizing the week.

National School Choice Week is planned by a diverse and nonpartisan coalition of individuals and organizations with over 220 partner organizations. A complete list of partners can be found here: http://www.schoolchoiceweek.com/who_s_in.

For more information on the Oklahoma event, please contact Stuart Jolly at sjolly@afphq.org.

For more information on the national initiative, please contact Andrew Campanella at Andrew@schoolchoiceweek.com or visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com.