TPS Officials Report Increased Attendance For Virtual Learning

The Tulsa Public School Board of Education held a special meeting about distance learning yesterday and district leaders said they are making a big push to get students logged in for virtual learning.

TPS said nearly 95% of students have logged in to complete their assignments, a big jump from the 80% of kids district officials reported two weeks ago.

Tulsa Public Schools Director of Data Strategy Sean Berkstresser said during the week of September 14th 20% of students were disconnected from online learning. This week the district said that number is down to just 5%.

According to officials it has been difficult to measure distance learning attendance.

Currently, elementary students must complete one assignment per half day, while secondary students must complete one assignment per course, per day for their attendance to be counted.

Deputy Superintendent Paula Shannon said, ""We know that is a challenge. We are juggling how we support teachers in understanding how to take attendance within assignments to reduce burden."

The board also voted six to one last night to extend Superintendent Doctor Deborah Gist's contract into 2024.