Tulsa School Board Office 6: Jerry Griffin questionnaire responses

1. Educational philosophy: Modern, faddish, technology-driven approaches to instruction are failing to deliver the promised educational results. An increasing number of families are opting for a traditional approach to learning known as the classical trivium -- grammar, logic, and rhetoric -- described in Dorothy Sayers' essay, "The Lost Tools of Learning." In elementary years, known as the grammar stage, the classical approach emphasizes memorization of facts and methods, which gives children a sense of mastery and accomplishment and provides a solid foundation for subsequent learning. This type of curriculum is used in traditional public schools (e.g., Chicago Public Schools), in public charter schools (e.g., Great Hearts in Arizona and Texas), in private schools, and by homeschool families. As a school board member, would you support introducing a classical curriculum in schools where modern methods are failing? Do you believe the School Board has the authority and responsibility to direct the curriculum and educational philosophy of TPS, or do you believe the board should always defer to the Superintendent on those issues?

Oklahoma Statutes (Title 70-Section 38) gives the board of education the power to; (1) Make rules, not inconsistent with the law or rules of the State Board of Education, governing the board and the school system of the district. (2) Maintain and operate a complete public-school system of such character as the board of education shall deem best suited to the needs of the school district, and (3) Perform all functions necessary to the administration of a school district in Oklahoma as specified in the Oklahoma School Code, and in addition thereto, those powers necessarily implied but not delegated by law to any other agency or official.

This gives the board a legal duty and responsibility to manage all aspects of the Tulsa Public School System. This legal duty implies an ethical, legal and moral duty to be responsible for the education of all the children attending Tulsa Public Schools.
The Board should make a public statement of the Educational Philosophy of TPS and direct the Superintendent to develop a curriculum-focus, based on the stated Philosophy and present, for board approval, the curriculum focus.

Over the decades, school-systems (including Tulsa Public Schools) had experimented with what I call the 'fad-of the year' teaching methods. One failed experiment in the late '70s and early '80s was the 'open-classroom.' This was a model where everyone worked at their own speed - and if a student was not grasping (failing) a subject it was not a problem. The teacher would pass them to the next grade - with the hope that 'they would eventually learn 'what they needed to know.' The result was students graduating with no basic knowledge skills.

As a college professor for the last 20 years, I have seen students enter college - without the basic skills of reading comprehension or basic writing skills. This trend (from my observation - and test scores) gets worse each year.

At its base, 'Curriculum' is the process used to create positive improvements in courses. The curriculum should not be confused with the delivery method used to present the curriculum to students (active learning, blended learning, etc.). It is my firm belief without the basic skills of reading - writing and math students are unable to develop to the higher-level skills needed to be successful in future learning experiences - such as logic and critical thinking.

While the writing of Sayers is dated, it outlines the basics of learning the basics before moving on to higher-order thinking. When students know facts that can then be shown how to challenge those facts and make new discoveries. Knowing the facts of a subject gives' students confidence in their ability to take charge of their learning as they move from one grade to the next.

My Philosophy of Education explains my attitudes towards learning and curriculum.

(1) Learning is a Lifelong Process (From preschool to forever): Its basis is that we never stop learning, regardless of age, and that the more you are involved in being a learner, the better student or community member you will be. This must be taught at all levels of education. If younger students don't learn this, they will never adopt this principle as something that applies to their life. By making this an 'emotion' and 'value' to younger students when they become older, they truly will continue their learning journey.

(2) Learning Must Be Active: While you can 'learn' something in a passive state, the highest learning takes place in an active state. A student should be 'actively' involved in learning both through his or her emotions and by doing. I believe that students need to be actively involved in the learning process - especially adult students. By becoming participants and 'actors' in learning, what students learn will not only have more meaning but will help them as they apply their learning to new learning situations.

(3) Learning Must Be A Value: Inherent in the first principle of 'Learning Is a Lifelong Process' is the fact that learning is a value. Most values are learned at an early age. Research shows that many of our core values are with us by age five. However, I believe that through education and environment, even core values can be molded. It is important that students in all age groups adopt learning as a core value. The basis of this must come from family, but through an enhanced educational system and teachers with that same value can assist in instilling it in his or her students.

(4) The Most Important Thing About Learning is Learning How to Learn: While learning of subject matter is vital, the subject matter is more easily learned if a teacher can help students learn how to learn. This is done by not only exposing students to the lifelong value of learning but by teaching them active and passive learning methods that they can adapt to all their learning situations. This is especially true of adult learners.

2. Patriotism: For earlier generations, patriotism was a common theme of public education, uniting students without respect to race, class, religion, or ethnic heritage. Should TPS seek to encourage a sense of pride and gratitude in American history and a special love of country? Do you personally consider the existence of the United States of America as a blessing to be celebrated or a tragedy to be mourned?

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door." These masses came seeking a better life and a country in which they could experience freedom and achieve their dream. Being an American means, it does not matter your race, class, religion or ethnic heritage - you are first and foremost an American. The schools have a definite role in teaching and developing a sense of patriotism in our youth. This does not mean teaching an ideological or party focus but a pure love for America - that is celebrated daily.

3. Oklahoma history and the Land Run: Re-enactments of the 1889 Land Run every April are a fun tradition to help elementary students connect with the history of our state. But activists have claimed, contrary to the historical record, that the Land Run was an act of genocide, and have persuaded Oklahoma City Public Schools to ban re-enactments of the event that created Oklahoma City itself. Do you support or oppose holding 1889 Land Run re-enactments in Tulsa schools?

The Oklahoma land run of 1889 (and it wasn't the first land run) was initiated to begin the disposal of the federal land to the public domain. Participating in the land run were people from many different ethnic groups. While this was indeed an encroachment on Indian homelands and there were miscarriages of fairness by David Payne, Elias Boundinot, and others the 'Land Run" did happen and is a piece of our shared history. Certainly, different viewpoints exist considering the land run - but I believe the historical Land Run can be 're-enacted' by school children while at the same time teaching and respecting the different 'view-points' of the event.

4. Music in schools: Numerous studies establish the developmental and behavioral benefits of singing and making music in early childhood. Do you support or oppose making music a standard part of elementary education?

Without a doubt, music should be a standard part of elementary education. An article by Daniel Blanco published June 24, 2019 (Students who take music classes also do better Academically) discussed a study that was published in the Journal of Educational Psychology which reported that high school students who play musical instruments score significantly higher in science, math and English exams than their non-musical peers. Other studies have previously reported that better students are more inclined to take music lessons, so they are more likely to outperform their peers regardless of music participation. But Gouzouasis argues his team's findings suggest "a music phenomenon" -- that there is something special about music itself that benefits students.

A student does not have to be a musical virtuoso to reap the rewards that music gives a student who participates in musical experiences. It is not an 'add-on' to a curriculum, but a necessity

5. Protecting female spaces: Superintendent Gist has decreed that transgender students "have the right to use restrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities that are consistent with their gender identity." But girls and young women across the country have expressed a preference for female-only spaces and feel vulnerable if forced to share private spaces with males. Gender self-identification opens the door for males to feign transgender identity to gain access to private female spaces. Female athletes are being pushed out of opportunities for victories and scholarships by stronger and faster males who claim to be transgender. How would you change TPS policy to protect female-only spaces and female athletic opportunity?

As reported by FindLaw, A recent issue involving Title IX concerns its application to transgender students. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Education began to weigh in on the issue, and in 2014, the Department issued guidelines asserting that transgender students are protected from gender discrimination under Title IX (backed by a 2016 statement by the Justice Dept.). In 2017, however, the Trump administration issued a new set of guidelines, effectively withdrawing Obama-era protections that allowed transgender students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity.

The new guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Education can be found at (https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-secretary-education-betsy-devos-issues-statement-new-title-ix-guidance). In essence the new guidance does not require that a student be allowed to use a restroom or locker room, opposite that of his 'biological sex.'

Importantly the guidance notes, "Please note that this withdrawal of these guidance documents does not leave students without protections from discrimination, bullying, or harassment. All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment. The Department of Education Office for Civil Rights will continue its duty under law to hear all claims of discrimination and will explore every appropriate opportunity to protect all students and to encourage civility in our classrooms. The Department of Education and the Department of Justice are committed to the application of Title IX and other federal laws to ensure such protection.

Therefore, TPS should not allow students to use restrooms that do not conform to their biological gender. It might be possible to maintain some single-use restrooms if needed.

6. Foundations: The George Kaiser Family Foundation has been a generous donor to many initiatives around Tulsa, but many citizens are concerned that GKFF's generosity has come with strings attached, not only for non-profit beneficiaries, but for government entities as well. GKFF-affiliated donors are often found on the campaign disclosure forms of candidates for local office. Should the Tulsa School Board always defer to the wishes of GKFF and other generous benefactors? Are there any situations where the school board have refused a request of GKFF or other foundations or refused a grant?

The Tulsa School Board should never defer to any benefactor (small or large). However, the school board should be appreciative of those who give, to benefit students and teachers".

I believe it is necessary for the school board to develop a long-term strategic plan (Vision 2040) that communicates to the public and potential donors what a model TPS School System will look like, and the various stages of development (5, 10, 15, 20 years). This plan would forecast any school closings or consolidations, the Educational Philosophy of TPS, major programs to be implemented, staffing projections, and capital budget needs.

This Plan (Vision 2040) would then be a tool to communicate with donors - 'Here are our needs - and this is where we need your assistance.' Currently, foundations try to guess what the needs of TPS are and then provide those needs. By communicating with others - through VISION 2040 - we become 'leaders' in improving the Tulsa Public School System

7. Federal grants: Federal grants also come with strings attached. Would you support a review of all TPS federal grants to determine whether the benefit of the grant is greater than the cost of compliance and loss of control?

Every grant (federal or another form) at TPS should be not only reviewed but should be audited to make sure the terms are being complied with. An open discussion by the board, with public input, should be held before any grant is approved - with a complete cost-benefit analysis.

8. Oversight and accountability: As a member of the Tulsa School Board, you would be part of the Legislative Branch of school government, with a duty to act as a check and balance on the Executive Branch: Superintendent Gist and her administration. What recent actions or policies of the Superintendent and her administration have received strong pushback from the School Board? On what sorts of issues would you, as a School Board member, seek to exercise oversight of the TPS administration?

The oversight of the administration is the primary duty of the school board. I have not observed much public-discussion or pushback from anything the administration proposes. Generally, the votes are 7-0 to approve any proposal with little to no discussion or open debate. To address this issue, I have pledged to the community to provide competent oversight and fulfill my duties and responsibilities as a school board member by:

(1) Holding others accountable when decisions are made that contain errors or omissions. (2) To advocate for laws at the state and federal levels that will benefit students, parents, teachers & staff of the Tulsa Public School System. (3) To work with school board members to reach a consensus on policy development and other issues coming before the board. (4) To think creatively about solutions to problems. (5) To ask critical questions to administration officials in order to develop alternative solutions to problems. (6) To be considerate of anyone appearing before the school board. Actively listen to the ideas of citizens, other board members, and administration officials. (7) To provide competent oversight of the Tulsa Public School System and fulfill my legal and fiduciary duties to manage the school system. (8) To build on 'Destination Excellence' by developing a strategic plan (Vision 2040) that forecasts future changes within Tulsa Public Schools and provides for improved student learning. (9) To probe decision-makers to look deeper at issues coming before the board. (10) To present plans to the board that are reasonable, rational, and supported by data. And (11) To be respectful to others when debating and discussing the issues facing Tulsa Public Schools.

Feel free to add any information that you'd like to pass along to the voters:

One proposal I would like to present to the board to consider is to have a 'Ceremonial Prayer' at the opening of school board meetings. Currently, meetings begin with the presenting of the colors and the pledge of allegiance.

The question I would ask the board to consider is: "Can our school board open our meetings with a prayer - and if so, what specific steps should we take to make sure we are assuring that the prayer is Constitutional."

I would then present the following argument:

The Constitutional question of offering prayer in a school forum centers around The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;"
What makes the ceremonial prayer different, the Court has allowed that the Nebraska Legislature's practice of beginning each of its sessions with prayer did not violate the Establishment clause. Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783 (1983). The Court noted, "for almost 200 years, ever since the First Congress drafted the First Amendment and a similar practice in Nebraska and many other states." It stated that while history alone does not justify the practice, "historical evidence in the context of this case sheds light not only on what the drafters of the First Amendment intended the Establishment Clause to mean but also on how they thought that Clause applied to the chaplaincy practice authorized by the First Congress. It concluded, "in light of the unambiguous and unbroken history of more than 200 years, there can be no doubt that the practice of opening legislative sessions with prayer has become part of the fabric of our society. To invoke Divine guidance on a public body entrusted with making the laws is not, in these circumstances, an 'establishment of religion or a step toward establishment; it is simply a tolerable acknowledgment of beliefs widely held among the people of this country."

This became known as the "Legislative prayer exception,' and the Court applied this same reasoning in the Town of Greece v. Galloway, 134 S.Ct. 1811 (2014), regarding city council meetings. Here the town followed an informal method for selecting prayer givers, all of whom were unpaid volunteers. The town at no point excluded or denied an opportunity to a would-be prayer giver. Its leaders maintained that a minister or layperson of any persuasion, including an atheist, could give the invocation. "With respect to the prayer in Greece, the District Court concluded that references to Jesus, and the occasional request that the audience stands for the prayer, did not amount to impermissible proselytizing.' Id.

Relevant to the issue was the Court's statement, "From the earliest days of the Nation, these invocations have been addressed to assemblies comprising many different creeds. These ceremonial prayers strive for the idea that people of many faiths may be united in a community of tolerance and devotion. Even those who disagree as to religious doctrine may find common ground in the desire to show respect for the divine in all aspects of their lives and being. Our tradition assumes that adult citizens, firm in their own beliefs, can tolerate and perhaps appreciate a ceremonial prayer delivered by a person of a different faith. See Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams (Sept. 16, 1774)."

Further, the Court stated, "The prayer opportunity, in this case, must be evaluated against the backdrop of historical practice. As a practice that has long endured, legislative prayer has become part of our heritage and tradition, part of our expressive idiom, similar to the Pledge of Allegiance, inaugural prayer, or the recitation of "God save the United States and this honorable Court" at the opening of this Court's sessions."

The Court said, "In the town of Greece, the prayer is delivered during the ceremonial portion of the town's meeting. Board members are not engaged in policymaking at this time, but in more general functions, such as swearing in new police officers, inducting high school athletes into the town hall of fame, and presenting proclamations to volunteers, civic groups, and senior citizens."

My Position

Based on this analysis, the prayer would not violate the Constitution, because the board practice of opening each meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a short prayer, takes place at the ceremonial stage of the meeting. As the Court in Greece vs. Galloway, ibid., said, "Relevant to the issue was the Court's statement, "From the earliest days of the Nation, these invocations have been addressed to assemblies comprising many different creeds. These ceremonial prayers strive for the idea that people of many faiths may be united in a community of tolerance and devotion."
As the Court in Greece vs. Galloway, ibid said, ", "Yet Marsh must not be understood as permitting a practice that would amount to a constitutional violation if not for its historical foundation."

Current Status:

The 9th circuit has ruled that 'prayer at school board meetings was a violation of the Establishment Clause (Chino Valley Unified). There reasoning centered on the fact that at times 'students were present at the school board meeting'. While the district declined to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Orange County Board of Education has taken preliminary steps to allow it to intervene and appeal this far-reaching decision, not only for its benefit but for the benefit of school boards like it, who recognize "that opening their meetings with prayer is part of a longstanding constitutional expression of goodwill, rooted in the historical foundations of this country."

However, the 9th Circuit's decision conflicts with a March 2018 decision by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld invocations before a Texas school board's meetings in March 2018. Oklahoma is in the 10th circuit and is not affected by either of these rulings. At the very least, the actions of Orange County should be followed before deciding on what action should be taken.

As stated in my review, a 'ceremonial prayer' is grounded in history and tradition and has no favor towards any faith, or those without faith. I would ask that the TPS take a position on this question, and either intervene in the Orange County action or institute a ceremonial prayer - which meets constitutional guidelines.