Meet Debra Herlihy State Superintendent for Public Instruction in Oklahoma
Mission Statement
Every student and district in Oklahoma public and private schools should have access to an education that affirms their identity, tells their history, and prepares them to succeed in a manner that demonstrates responsibility, accountability, and progress (RAP).
Vision Statement
Growing Oklahoma's economy by working with colleges and Vo-Tech schools to help high school concurrent students achieve an Associate's or Bachelor's degree with a scholarship and grant options, along with on-the-job training to help pay tuition, and student loans.
Bibliography
With over 20 years of experience in programming languages and project management, all of my work has been in the field of Education.
I was born in Rochester, NY, where I lived until the age of 15. Upon my father's passing, my mother and I moved to Oklahoma to be next to her family in 1985.
Currently, a Senior Research Analyst at Southern Nazarene University and have expanded my role to serve as an adjunct professor at my alma mater, Rose State College. Teaching Introductions to Computers and Artificial Intelligence to align with their degree programs.
Even though I am dyslexic, I am an entrepreneur with my own business, 508 WebDesign, LLC, helping small businesses make their websites accessible.
Policy Positions
Acknowledging more parents to K-3 virtual learning preschools for children ages 3 & 4. The goal is to start children early, before they reach kindergarten. Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy at K-12 is a wonderful source.
Increasing the use of Artificial Intelligence in Education programs from 45.6% to 85% Including implementing STREAM (reading, writing, and arts) instead of STEM in curriculum instruction.
Raising Oklahoma's Report Card 25% by 2031, implement a rigorous new curriculum, and adopt local policies to cure chronic absenteeism with adaptive learning programs by using the Software Development Life Cycle for implementation.
