Oklahoma’s accountability plan under the federal government’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was rated as strong according to a report released by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. ESSA required every state to draw up a consolidated plan for public education.
“ESSA provided us with a golden opportunity to return to the drawing board to craft a new, more reliable, valid and meaningful vision for school accountability in Oklahoma,” said Joy Hofmeister, state superintendent of public instruction. “I am thrilled that the Fordham Institute has recognized our state plan as one that will lead to higher academic outcomes for all Oklahoma schools and students.”
Only seven states scored a strong rating across all three metrics. Those states are Oklahoma, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, and Washington. The Oklahoma ESSA plan was praised for its straightforward rating system that will immediately convey to parents and the community how their local school districts are performing. Oklahoma’s system also emphasizes performance for all students, not just those with special needs or circumstances.
“Oklahoma proves that when states are empowered to lead on education, the needs of students and their families are put first,” said Mike Petrilli, president of the Fordham Institute. “Oklahoma’s accountability system is clear, fair and signals that all kids count. Here’s hoping that other states follow its lead.”
You can review the Fordham Institute’s report, Rating the Ratings: An Analysis of the 51 ESSA Accountability Plans, here.
It’s too bad there is very little fiscal accountability in our higher ed system.