New Report Examines Oklahoma's Academic Standards

Today, Achieve released a report outlining its review of Oklahoma’s January 2016 Academic Standards for English language arts (ELA) and mathematics.

As described in detail in this report, in both content areas Oklahoma’s new standards fail to serve students, teachers, or parents well. The standards cover a lot of content, but with very little depth; a phenomena sometimes referred to as “a mile wide and an inch deep” in standards language.

For example, the ELA standards will likely cause confusion for Oklahoma’s teachers because they aren't sufficiently clear, specific, and/or consistent enough to guide their teaching.  In mathematics, key concepts are missing across grades and the standards do not provide an adequate foundation in early grades to ensure students are prepared to study advanced math in high school. 

In short – as summarized in the report and comprehensive side-by-side charts – the proposed standards lack the attributes of quality K-12 standards.

Achieve is concerned that Oklahoma’s students, across the grades, will experience significant gaps in their understanding of ELA and mathematics, making them less prepared for college and careers than their counterparts in other states. Achieve hopes that the constructive feedback offered in this report will support policymakers, educators, and parents as they make decisions about how best to ensure that Oklahoma’s students can pursue the future of their choosing with a solid academic foundation.

MEDIA CONTACT: Chad Colby (202) 419-1570, ccolby@achieve.org