EXECUTIVE ORDER 2024-24
WHEREAS, children born today will enter into careers from which they will retire in the year 2090; and
WHEREAS, Oklahoma's education system must ensure that every student is equipped to lead, innovate, and adapt in an unpredictable and rapidly evolving world, thereby safeguarding the skills needed for the industries of tomorrow; and
WHEREAS, the rapid advancements in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence ("AI"), machine learning, and automation are transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, requiring continuous adaptation from our workforce; and
WHEREAS, Oklahoma stands at a pivotal moment to shape its educational and economic future by unleashing the untapped potential of its youth; and
WHEREAS, the foundation of Oklahoma's future prosperity lies in nurturing the innate talents and capabilities of every student across the state; and
WHEREAS, Oklahoma's transformation hinges on our ability to align our education system with these technological advancements, ensuring that our students are not only prepared for the future but are also the innovators driving these changes; and
WHEREAS, it is our solemn duty to equip our youth with the skills and resilience needed to lead and innovate in an ever-evolving global landscape and workplace; and
WHEREAS, human potential refers to the innate abilities, talents, and capacities that individuals possess, which can be developed to achieve personal and career-minded goals; and
WHEREAS, we are living on the frontier of AI, human capital, business capital, data, and data infrastructure and must invest in the workforce of the future to ensure the prosperity and advancement of our state; and
WHEREAS, industries including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance, among others play a crucial role in driving economic growth, providing employment opportunities, and contributing to the overall development of the State of Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, future automation may threaten to displace workers of the 21st century, necessitating the development of new learning and cognitive skills for the future; and
WHEREAS, Oklahoma has an unprecedented opportunity to lead the nation by focusing on personalized learning that supports and nurtures all students, equipping them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
NOW THEREFORE, I, J. Kevin Stitt, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, pursuant to the power and authority vested in me by Sections 1 and 2 of Article VI of the Oklahoma Constitution, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, hereby order as follows:
1. There is hereby created the Governor's Task Force on Human Potential for Future Industries ("Task Force") until January 1, 2027.2. The mission of the taskforce is: a. Drive major innovation in education that empowers Oklahoma's youth to discover their unique talents, develop essential skills, and deploy them effectively in a rapidly evolving, technologically driven world.i. Discovery of Individual Potential: Launch initiatives to identify and cultivate the distinctive strengths and passions of every student statewide.ii. Development of Essential Skills: Arm students with critical abilities such as creativity, critical thinking, resilience, and technological literacy, vital for success in future industries.iii. Deployment of Talent: Forge pathways for students to apply their skills through immersive learning experiences, apprenticeships, and career-focused, strategic industry partnerships.3. The Task Force shall: a. Examine and Assess: Explore comprehensive tools and strategies to uncover and develop student talents from an early age, matching them with workforce opportunities.b. Innovate Education: Research and recommend individualized curricula, holistic teaching methodologies, and industry-driven matched talent content to cultivate skills aligned with the evolving needs of future industries.c. Forge Partnerships: Identify and establish collaboration opportunities with industries, community organizations, advanced technology companies, and higher education institutions to provide students with hands-on experiences and career pathways for their cultivated abilities.d. Collaborate with Experts: Work with leading experts to establish soft skills that will define Oklahoma's future industries, equipping all students with these essential skills, and ensuring lifelong professional success for our students.e. Align Education with Industry: Continuously evaluate and align curriculum, teacher training, student outcomes, and data infrastructure with the rapidly transforming needs of the workforce.f. Expand Opportunities: Explore and develop internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning models for students at all levels.g. Develop Strategic Frameworks: Create frameworks that personalize educational outcomes to match each student's strengths with industry demands, ensuring every student is prepared to contribute to lead in the future economy.h. Utilize Data: Connect and leverage data from multiple sources to make informed decisions and enhance the effectiveness of educational initiatives.i. Provide Recommendations: Offer permanent recommendations to the Governor, legislators, schools, and educational agencies that promote individualized student learning, innovation, and growth within academics and the workforce.j. Evaluate Teacher Preparation: Assess teacher preparation programs within higher education institutions to determine effectiveness and identify upskilling needs within the teacher pipeline.k. The Task Force shall quarterly electronically submit to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro Tempore of the Senate a report detailing the Task Force's policy recommendations and progress in executing its duties under this Order.4. The Task Force shall consist of seventeen (17) members:a. The Secretary of Education will serve as Chair of the Task Force;b. The Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma or designee;c. The Chancellor of Higher Education or designee;d. The Superintendent of Public Instruction or designee;e. The Executive Director of the Department of Career and Technology Education or designee;f. The Executive Director of the Statewide Charter School Board or designee;g. The Director of the Office of Economic Development, Growth, and Expansion or designee;h. The Chief Executive Officer of the Regional University System of Oklahoma or designee;i. The Chief Executive Officer of the Employment Security Commission or designee;j. The Executive Director of the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability or designee;k. The Chairman of the Senate Education Committee or designee;l. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Common Education Committee or designee;m. The Governor shall appoint two (2) at-large members currently serving or having formerly served on an education or workforce related board, and three (3) community leaders to serve as at-large members.The Office of Management and Enterprise Services ("OMES") shall provide staff and administrative support for the Task Force. The Chair of the Task force shall have the authority to create committees and name committee chairs to facilitate the work of the Task Force and shall have the authority to appoint Task Force members and/or non-member subject matter experts to serve on committees. The Task Force shall meet as often as deemed necessary by the Chair to allow for timely completion of its work. The Task Force shall have the authority to establish its own bylaws. Nine (9) or more members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting the business of the Task Force. Task Force members and non-members appointed to serve on committees shall serve without compensation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma to be affixed at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this 5th day of September, 2024.
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA
J. Kevin Stitt
ATTEST:
Josh Cockroft
Secretary of State
Okla. Admin. Code § 1:2024-24
Adopted by Oklahoma Register, Volume 42, Issue 2, October 1, 2024, eff. 9/5/2024