Disrupting Disruption

Over the past two decades, the Union, Oklahoma School District transformed from serving a predominantly white, well-off student population to one that is racially diverse, with many students hailing from families in poverty. Yet, the graduation rate rose considerably even while the district operates on a dime. The district's success can be attributed to its culture of inclusion, designed to enfold and lift up each individual student. The district has made STEM a key feature of the curriculum, from kindergarten through high school. It operates community schools that offer a wide array of services, including after-school activities and health care, in every elementary school. It embraces an everyone participates" philosophy in the arts and athletics. Andit eases the transition to higher education by offering college classes at the high school"--