Oklahoma education news in brief

An Oklahoma State University researcher won the 2013 Young Investigator Award from Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Michael Tobler was honored for his scientific achievements, interdisciplinary research and communicating with the public. He won a $5,000 prize. Tobler studies how animals adapt in extreme environments. He joined the OSU staff in 2010 and teaches courses in evolution and introduction to fish biology to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students.

Foundation adds to board

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Board of Trustees has new members. They are: Jari Askins, Duncan; Chief Bill John Baker, Tahlequah; Stan Brownlee, Enid; Randy Beutler, Weatherford; Marlo Chip Carter, Oklahoma City; Patrice Douglas, Edmond; Beth Stigler Johnson, Lawton; John Gaberino, Tulsa; Sanjay Meshri, Tulsa; Paul Meyer, Oklahoma City; Steven R. Mitchell, Tulsa; Kathy Taylor, Tulsa; Duffy Turner, Jenks and Elizabeth White, Jenks. The foundation honors academic excellence in Oklahoma public schools.

State chooses testing company

The state Board of Education voted to hire CTB/McGraw Hill as the provider for state tests for all Oklahoma students in third through eighth grades, as well as benchmark exams in reading, math and writing. The company will receive $8.9 million for the first year and $28 million total over four years. The contract must still be approved by the state Central Services Department.