OFE News Release

Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Seeking Nominations for 2009 Outstanding Alternative Education Program

December 16, 2008
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a non-profit organization that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools, is seeking nominations for its new Oklahoma Award for Outstanding Achievement in Alternative Education.

The $5,000 award will be presented to a public school alternative education program in recognition of its effectiveness and impact on student learning. Representatives of the winning program will be recognized amongst peers during the State Superintendent’s Alternative Education Summer Institute. Nomination forms are available online at www.ofe.org and must be postmarked on or before March 2, 2009.

“Not all students excel in a traditional classroom setting,” said Emily Stratton, executive director of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. “For many public school students in Oklahoma, alternative education programs offer smaller class sizes, flexible learning options and a supportive environment to help students overcome challenges and reach their potential. The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence salutes such programs and has created this new award to annually recognize an exceptional alternative education program among its peers.”

Nominees must be public school programs in Oklahoma and must have been in operation for at least three full years. Nominations may be made by any individual familiar with the program. Award winners will be eligible to re-apply for the award after five full award cycles. The recipient will be chosen by an independent selection committee.

For more information, visit the foundation’s Web site at www.ofe.org or call (405) 236-0006.