RSU Public TV

PROJECT PURPOSE

RSU Public TV requests $1,115,000. These funds will be used to build out broadcast and online infrastructure in support of RSU TV?s Distance Learning Classroom (DLC) and to conduct a pilot DLC engagement project serving 1000 students through December 2026. RSU TV?s DLC launched amid the first COVID-19 infections (2020). The resulting shutdowns found school superintendents seeking at home learning alternatives. RSU TV stepped up to provide ready solutions for northeastern Oklahoma. Subsequently demand has grown for RSU TV?s unique brand of content delivery. College credit classes have been added. Online Career Training modules have been incorporated. The strength of the DLC model is its multi-technology approach, pairing TV broadcast power with growing online capacity. This unique approach circumnavigates many short-term and even long-term barriers to learning in a time of uncertain public health challenges and other socio-economic limitations. The traditional antenna-accessible broadcast feature of the DLC reaches the underserved who have low-speed or even no broadband access. Online delivery options build on available hi-speed broadband especially in schools and publicly accessible libraries. This diversified delivery approach bridges the challenges of broadband accessibility, naturally occurring disasters, even pandemics, and other common barriers such as lack of daycare and/or reliable transportation.

EVIDENCE

When COVID-19 closed schools (March 2020), RSU TV staff worked with classroom teachers, school administrators, nonprofits, and businesses to reimagine K-8th distance learning options for students without or limited broadband. Through a partnership with Cherokee Nation, the metro Tulsa Public Schools and rural Sequoyah Public Schools, RSU TV launched a prototype of the Distance Learning Classroom. Station metrics logged 15,000 viewers taking part in 14 hours of weekly K-8th grade educational content. Website analytics showed 100,000 reached with 39,000 received in a six-week period. DLC educational content is currently being successfully offered as a blended TV/Online concurrent college resource.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

A July 2021 report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows American Indians, African Americans and Latino Americans are three times more likely to require hospitalization after COVID-19 infections and twice as likely to die from the coronavirus than are white Americans. Health and wellness are compounding factors for underserved Oklahomans already beset by educational and economic inequities. For instance, ?one of every four [Oklahoma] students don't have high-speed internet access at home, which limits access to advanced placement courses and concurrent enrollment at universities? (Sourced: Microsoft Airband Initiative, reported by The Oklahoman, July 2021) The State Education Department reports 58% of Oklahoma students are classified ?economically disadvantaged.? (OSDE ?FAST FACTS 2020-21?) The state?s second largest school district, Tulsa, reports 81% of students are economically disadvantaged, 75% falling within the demographically defined underserved populations. ...

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project Performance Data will be based on persistence toward quantitative and qualitative infrastructure build-out objectives and public engagement and student enrollment goals. This will include data found in budget reports, on-site reviews, program inquiries, and participation/outcome surveys. An equitably defined Performance Management Team including the DLC Administrator will review program?s adherence to stated objectives, goals and outcomes. Target population schools (within the 22 counties served) will be selected based on the high numbers of adversely affected individuals qualified as among underserved communities. Corrective recommendations will be implemented as needed to ensure the program?s final success. (See ?Project Metrics?)

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

Education (student-paid tuition-fees), Department of Commerce (WIOA and training funds)

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Not able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma