Oklahoma Education: The Ranking in 2008 That Sparked a Movement

In 2008, Oklahoma's education system received a dismal ranking, placing 47th among the 50 states in terms of education quality. This low ranking sparked a movement, prompting Oklahoma lawmakers and education officials to re-examine the state's education system and implement sweeping reforms. This article will examine the reasons behind Oklahoma's low ranking, the impact of the reforms, and the current state of education in Oklahoma.

The 2008 Education Week ranking, which assessed the quality of education in each state, placed Oklahoma near the bottom of the list. The state's low ranking was due in part to high dropout rates, struggling math and reading scores, and a lack of college and career readiness. Greg Foraker, the then-Superintendent of Oklahoma State Department of Education, acknowledged the state's education struggles, stating, "We've got a problem, and we need to fix it."

One area where Oklahoma struggled was in math education. According to a 2008 report by the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), Oklahoma students scored significantly lower than the national average in math. In fourth-grade math, Oklahoma students scored an average of 236 points, compared to the national average of 247 points. The state's middle school students also fared poorly, scoring an average of 239 points, compared to the national average of 252 points.

Reforms and Improvements

In response to the state's low ranking, Oklahoma officials implemented a range of reforms aimed at improving education quality. Some of the key reforms included:

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Increased focus on math and reading instruction

This reform aimed to improve students' proficiency in math and reading, areas where Oklahoma students consistently struggled. Schools received additional resources, including professional development for teachers and new instructional materials.

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Expanded early childhood education

Oklahoma began investing in early childhood education, providing financial support for parents to enroll their children in preschool programs. This initiative aimed to improve kindergarten readiness and reduce dropout rates.

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Mentorship programs

Oklahoma launched mentorship programs, pairing students with experienced professionals who could provide guidance and support throughout their academic careers.

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Holistic education approach

The state promoted a holistic approach to education, emphasizing not only academics but also arts, physical education, and community service.

The reforms implemented by Oklahoma officials appear to be bearing fruit. Math and reading scores have improved, and dropout rates have decreased. In 2018, Oklahoma students scored significantly higher in math and reading on the NAEP. Fourth-grade math scores improved by 10 points from 2015 to 2018, and middle school math scores improved by 14 points during the same period.

However, progress remains slow. While Oklahoma has made significant strides, the state still lags behind other states in terms of education quality. In a 2020 report by the National Education Association, Oklahoma ranked 32nd among the 50 states in terms of education quality, a significant improvement from its #47 ranking in 2008.

Current State of Education in Oklahoma

Today, Oklahoma continues to work towards improving its education system. In 2020, the state launched a new initiative aimed at increasing teacher pay and providing more resources for schools. The initiative, which includes a 10% increase in teacher pay and a $300 million investment in schools, aims to improve education quality and attract more teachers to the state.

Oklahoma's education system has come a long way since its dismal 2008 ranking. While significant challenges remain, the state's progress provides hope for a brighter future. By continuing to implement reforms, investing in education, and promoting a holistic approach to learning, Oklahoma can achieve its goal of becoming a top-performing state education system.

Moving Forward

The story of Oklahoma's education reforms offers valuable lessons for other states struggling with similar issues. By prioritizing math and reading instruction, investing in early childhood education, and promoting a holistic approach to learning, Oklahoma has made significant strides towards improving its education system.

While challenges persist, Oklahoma's progress provides encouragement for educators, policymakers, and community leaders. As the state continues to move forward, its focus on education quality will ultimately benefit the students, teachers, and communities that call Oklahoma home.

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