The state superintendent is calling Oklahoma’s school accountability system deeply flawed, and a waste of a million dollars. Three years ago, when it went into effect, proponents hoped it would motivate schools to improve. But instead it’s just been a contentious issue.
By law, schools in Oklahoma are given a grade- A through F- based on student test scores, and other data. But according to state superintendent, Joy Hofmeister, these grades are no good.
"You can have a B, and still have a 60 percent graduation rate in your school. That’s not good. Something is wrong with that picture," she said.
Board of Education members were hesitant to certify the grades on Thursday, but did so, because they’re required to by law. Members requested that Hofmeister publish the grades with a caveat- saying beware, this system is flawed.
Researchers from OU and OSU are currently looking for ways to improve the system, and Hofmeister will make recommendations to the legislature this upcoming session.
The grades can be found at the State Department of Education’s website: http://www.ok.gov/sde/af-grades
