Oklahoma is strengthening support structures for 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs and Title I family engagement to improve clarity, consistency, and program quality.
The Opportunity
Oklahoma’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grantees and Title I schools serve large numbers of students and families and operate within complex federal requirements. The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), which provides ongoing support, has identified an opportunity to strengthen clarity, consistency, and shared understanding at the start of each program year—particularly around evidence-based practices, implementation expectations, and continuous improvement. Districts and grantees also seek clearer, more usable guidance to strengthen family engagement practices across varied local contexts.
The Support
The Southwest Comprehensive Center is partnering with OSDE to strengthen statewide support structures for 21st CCLC grantees and Title I family engagement implementers. This includes building coherent learning experiences, improving the usability of guidance, and using implementation feedback to refine OSDE’s training and technical assistance. The Southwest Comprehensive Center will support the design of a statewide kickoff experience, revision of family engagement materials, and development of tools that promote consistent, high-quality implementation throughout the year.
Desired Outcomes
As a result of this project, grantees and districts will have increased clarity about federal requirements, program expectations, and effective family engagement practices. In the near term, participants will report a stronger understanding, improved access to practical tools, and increased peer connection. Over time, OSDE will see consistent implementation, strong family engagement practices, and clear feedback loops to inform continuous improvement across programs.