Starting Nov. 1, a new task force will study how Oklahoma delivers early childhood services and look for solutions to improve Oklahoma children’s care, health and education rankings.

Governor Kevin Stitt signed HB 1979 into law on May 11.

The task force will also look at how early childcare, health, and education agencies can work collaboratively so families can navigate these services more easily.

After two years, the task force could recommend a new governance structure to existing agencies into an agency that solely focuses on early childhood care, health, and education services.

Currently, 26 other states have implemented similar measures and are seeing positive results.

“Other states have found when they consolidate government services for early childhood, they are able to make targeted investments that actually improve outcomes for children,” said bill author Rep. Trish Ranson. “Right now, Oklahoma families have to navigate through 19 different programs through six different agencies to get the help they need. This taskforce looks at ways to better streamline this process so families are able to easily navigate the system and get the care they need. We will look at ways to fix the child care crisis long term, better prepare our children for school, and promote healthy living for families so Oklahoma children can grow strong and have the best opportunities for success.”

The Western Conference Finals are at a stalemate thanks to chronic turnovers by the San Antonio Spurs. On top of that, Chet Holmgren finally showed up to the series, and OKC’s bench scored an abundance of relief points, which included Alex Caruso shooting like prime Klay Thompson. The series will now shift to San Antonio.

The Spurs never fell into a big crater (only 13 points), yet that deficit might as well be twice that with how desperate and physical the Thunder were playing. Victor Wembanyama was not the leading scorer this time (21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists) but his rim protection had opposing players seeing ghosts, rushing shots and trying to sell calls. But despite valiant efforts and multiple moments in which the deficit was cut to one possession, there wasn’t enough enough disruption at the arc, and the offense wasn’t flowing the same after Dylan Harper left with a leg injury in the third quarter.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education has launched the Oklahoma Educator Launch & Mentorship Initiative, a statewide effort aimed at improving teacher recruitment and retention through training, mentorship and financial support for educators.

Oklahoma Teacher Initiative

The program includes a five-day Summer Launch Institute scheduled for July 27–31, 2026, followed by year-long mentorship support for first-year teachers.

OSDE said new teachers will be paired with experienced educators throughout the school year to help strengthen classroom readiness and long-term retention.

“Participating first-year teachers may earn up to $2,000 in stipends, while mentors may receive up to $10,000 for supporting new educators,” said Autumn Kouba, OSDE’s senior director of teacher recruitment and retention.

Focus On Teacher Recruitment and Retention

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Lindel Fields said the initiative is designed to support teachers early in their careers while recognizing experienced educators who serve as mentors.

“Recruiting great teachers is only part of the equation,” Fields said in a release. “We also have to ensure they feel supported, prepared, and encouraged to remain in the profession.”

Program Details

• Summer Launch Institute runs July 27–31, 2026
• First-year teachers can receive up to $2,000 in stipends
• Mentors may earn up to $10,000
• Retired educators and experienced teachers can apply as mentors

What happens next?

Applications are open now, and the Summer Launch Institute begins July 27, 2026.