State Education Secretary Nellie Sanders of Kingfisher will chair a new task force designed to help students discover their talents and use technology to develop those skills.

Governor Kevin Stitt last Friday issued an executive order forming the Human Potential for Future Industries Task Force.

It will combine state leaders in both education and workforce development with the goal of driv- ing “major innovation in education that empowers Oklahoma students to discover their unique talents, develop essential skills and deploy them effectively in a rapidly evolving, technologically driven world,” according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“We’re building the best workforce in the nation and that means reimagining education to focus more on real-world experience and individual strengths of students in preparation for tomorrow’s industry needs,” said Stitt. “Investing in Oklahomans always pays off, because it’s Oklahomans who make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I am grateful for Secretary Sanders’ incredible vision and dedication to education and to the future of the Oklahoma workforce.”

The Task Force is charged with:

• Identifying tools to develop student talents early and align them with workforce opportunities.

• Researching and recommending ways to individualize and tailor curricula to the strength of the student while utilizing holistic teaching methodologies.

• Collaborating with industries, community organizations, and educational institutions for students to gain practical experiences and define essential soft skills students need for future success.

• Expanding learning models by leaning into apprenticeships, internships and other experiential learning opportunities.

• Evaluating teacher preparation by identifying upskilling needs within the teacher pipeline from K-12 through higher education.

“The current educational model isn’t built for the future, it’s barely built for the present,” said Sanders.

“Our system isn’t tapping into the potential of every student, that’s what we’re setting out to change. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies can offer Oklahoma students a learning advantage. We’re going to explore ways to personalize curricula to interest, expand apprenticeship programs and define universal soft skills so our students are ready to lead us into the future.”

The task force will provide recommendations to the governor, legislators, schools and educational agencies that promote individualized learning and growth within academics.

The task force will focus on three core pillars:

• Discovery of Individual Potential: Launch initiatives to identify and cultivate the distinctive strengths and passions of every student statewide.

• Development of Essential Skills: Arm students with critical abilities such as creativity, critical thinking, resilience and technological literacy, vital for success in future industries.

• Deployment of Talent: Forge pathways for students to apply their skills through immersive learning experiences, apprenticeships and career-focused, strategic industry partnerships.

According to the executive order, the task force will consist of 17 members. Among those joining Sanders will be the lieutenant governor, sate higher education chancellor, state schools superintendent, executive director of CareerTech, executive director of the Statewide Charter School Board, director of Office of Economic Development, Growth and Expansion, the chief executive officers of the Regional University System of Oklahoma and the state Employment Security Commission, the executive director of the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, the chair of the state Senate Education Committee, the chair of the state House Common Education Committee and two members appointed by the governor.

The first meeting for the task force has not been set, though it will update the governor, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and the president pro tempore of the Senate on a quarterly basis.

The executive order states the task force will last until Jan. 1, 2027.