In 2002, Achieve also reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of the state's K–12 standards in English language arts and math, comparing them to Achieve's benchmark standards and to the ACT Standards for Transition. We also conducted two different alignment studies: one to determine how well Oklahoma's tests matched its standards in English language arts and math and a second to see how well the ACT tests in English, reading and math matched Oklahoma's standards.

Achieve found that Oklahoma's English language arts and math standards were clear, measurable and comprehensive, containing the essential knowledge and skills necessary for students to become proficient. However, we also raised a concern. Although Oklahoma's tests aligned well with its standards, neither the standards nor the tests were sufficiently rigorous. And while ACT's and Oklahoma's standards were fundamentally compatible, the ACT tests assess middle and high school content and were not strongly aligned to Oklahoma's K–12 standards.

Based on Achieve's detailed recommendations for improvement, Oklahoma revised its standards in reading and math. When Achieve conducted abbreviated reviews of the revised standards, it found the state had succeeded in making them more rigorous.