Part of the Oklahoma School Finance for Leaders Series
Module III examines how Oklahoma and the federal government finance educational services for students whose learning costs exceed those of the regular instructional program. Participants explore how federal programs, tribal partnerships, state funding weights, categorical supports, and local resources work together to create educational opportunities for children with diverse needs. Beyond Weights Not all students begin school with identical needs, circumstances, or opportunities. Some students require additional academic interventions, language supports, advanced learning opportunities, specialized therapies, or legally mandated services. Designed for Practicing Leaders Created specifically for busy educational leaders, each learning experience emphasizes practical understanding, reflection, and application. Participants develop a stronger foundation for interpreting finance policies, evaluating funding decisions, and understanding how educational resources support student opportunities Guided by Oklahoma's Core Values Every module is anchored in four enduring education values that serve as recurring themes throughout the suite: • Opportunity • Community • Equity • Accountability Participants learn how these values influence funding systems, governance decisions, resource allocation, and public expectations for schools. A Connected Leadership Journey Participants may complete Module I as a standalone experience or continue through the complete OSFL Series. Future modules examine state aid formulas, budgeting practices, federal programs, school operations, special populations, school choice, and other critical dimensions of educational finance.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Jeffrey Maiden is a professor and former educational leader with a passion for helping leaders navigate the complexity of digital learning. Drawing on experience in leadership, research, and professional learning, he created the Strategic AI Leadership in Education (SAILE) suite to help busy educational leaders better understand systems, strengthen coherence, and take purposeful action. His work is guided by the LEADS Framework and a commitment to practical, meaningful leadership development.
A Welcome Message for Your AI Leadership Journey!
In this introductory video, Dr. Maiden introduces the finance systems designed to support students whose educational needs exceed those addressed through the regular instructional program.
Perspectives about the Series from Educational Leaders
Leadership Perspective: "The experience challenged me to think beyond a district management paradigm toward a leader stewardship approach that frames leadership through relationships, instructional purpose, organizational culture, and professional judgment."
Practical Relevance: "As I transitioned into a district leadership role, I found myself returning to the ideas presented in each video as they closely mirrored the decisions I was making in practice."
Expert Perspective: Dr. Maiden has created eight different learning experiences that are deeply aligned and support educator excellence. Using his values framework allows educators to make decisions that enhance teaching and learning and promote greater depths of student achievement.
Reflection and Professional Growth: "Rather than offering a prescriptive model of leadership, the series encouraged thoughtful reflection."
Overall Experience: "The experience was uplifting"
Understand How Supplemental Funding Follows Student Need
Examine why federal programs, tribal supports, state weights, and categorical funding mechanisms exist.
Connect Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Resources
Explore how multiple funding streams are coordinated and "braided" to support student success.
Apply Principles of Financial Stewardship and Accountability
Develop a working understanding of the accountability systems that accompany supplemental funding.
About the learning experience
Effective educational leaders understand that equity is not synonymous with equal funding. Rather, equity requires directing resources toward areas of greatest need. Module III explores the policy foundations, funding mechanisms, accountability requirements, and leadership implications associated with financing diverse student needs across Oklahoma. Through concise video lessons, guided reflections, practical application activities, and professional dialogue, participants examine how educational systems seek to provide meaningful opportunities for students from differing backgrounds, abilities, circumstances, and learning needs As participants progress through the experience, they complete a series of structured reflections and leadership applications that are compiled into a downloadable reflective journal. The journal serves as an ongoing professional resource, capturing insights, analyses, and leadership actions that can inform future decision-making. Participants conclude the experience with: • A deeper understanding of Oklahoma's education values and their relationship to school finance • An understanding of governance structures and accountability systems in Oklahoma education • A foundational knowledge of state, local, and federal revenue sources • A systems perspective for interpreting future finance topics • A downloadable Professional Development Certificate of Completion • A downloadable reflective learning journal
How the Experience Works
Participants move from understanding to action through a structured process of reflection, analysis, application, and leadership planning. Video → Reflect → Apply → Integrate → Leadership Action → Dialogue
Learn How Resources Meet Student Need
Send purchase orders to: [email protected]
$120.00