Even through a tough session, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister feels a lot of good came out of it for education in Oklahoma. That includes several measures reforming education and flat funding despite a $1.3 billion shortfall.
The Legislature approved the academic standards which were created to take the place of Common Core standards. Additionally, several bills were passed which were recommended by the Red Tape Task Force and the Teacher Shortage Task Force.
The number of required end-of-instruction (EOI) tests were cut as well.
“We are going to see a change in the focus of schools from an over-testing culture to one that focuses our attention more on instruction and personalized learning,” Hofmeister said. “This law represents a fundamental reform in how we think about testing, graduation and accountability. It allows us to develop a high-value assessment tool for students. I am confident it will enable us to lift student outcomes and better prepare our kids for college and career.”
Another bill signed into law changes the Teacher and Leader Effectiveness (TLE) evaluation system. It removes the controversial value-added measures that tie a teacher’s evaluation to student test scores and gives districts the option to consider quantitative measures. It is projected the changes will save school districts millions of dollars.
Hofmeister also praised the Legislature for finding a way not to cut appropriations to Pre K – 12.
“It was imperative that, while our state faced a truly historic budget shortfall, we fund kids first,” said Hofmeister. “It took tremendous effort on the part of legislative leaders and the governor to cushion the impact on Oklahoma schoolchildren. Other agencies received gut-wrenching cuts, and despite significant challenges ahead for public schools, we believe this budget represents the best-case scenario under difficult circumstances.”
Seems the teachers union got what they wanted complements of Hofmeister. No teacher accountability or testing of any value. Just give them more money, that will fix everything. Makes me wonder who really is head of the Educators Union, were they hired or elected.