The annual “Quality Counts” survey published by Education Week magazine earlier this month had some good news for Oklahoma: our state’s system of education showed improvements in publication’s annual rankings.
Much more work remains to be done, of course, but that shouldn’t overshadow the considerable progress we have made in giving Oklahoma children the world-class education they deserve. We should celebrate our success while planning and preparing to move further ahead in the coming years.
Oklahoma scored very well in several areas. In Standards, Assessments and Accountability, Oklahoma moved from 13th to 9th in the nation. Oklahoma also ranked 9th in teaching profession, up one spot from last year.
Some of that success can be linked to the Achieving Classroom Excellence (ACE) Initiative, which strengthened standards and accountability in Oklahoma schools. In fact, Oklahoma scored 100 percent for our state academic standards and school accountability rating system, and for our stellar CareerTech system.
I am working with former Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and State Superintendent Sandy Garrett to submit Oklahoma’s application for federal Race to the Top grant funds. With our recent progress, Oklahoma is well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity to continue improving educational outcomes for our students.
That’s important, because declining state revenues have forced budget reductions in all areas of government, including education. What we must not do is make cuts that reverse the gains we have made.
I am working with legislative leaders to craft a balanced budget that preserves and protects our successes in education and other vital areas of government.
The challenges ahead are great, but so is the success we have made in a few short years. Even with decreased revenues, we must work to keep Oklahoma moving forward.
That all begins in the classroom by giving Oklahoma’s children the education they need and deserve.
If you have questions or comments, please write me at the Office of the Governor, Room 212, Oklahoma City OK 73105 or visit the “Contact the Governor” section of my website,
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The annual “Quality Counts” survey published by Education Week magazine earlier this month had some good news for Oklahoma: our state’s system of education showed improvements in publication’s annual rankings.
Much more work remains to be done, of course, but that shouldn’t overshadow the considerable progress we have made in giving Oklahoma children the world-class education they deserve. We should celebrate our success while planning and preparing to move further ahead in the coming years.
Oklahoma scored very well in several areas. In Standards, Assessments and Accountability, Oklahoma moved from 13th to 9th in the nation. Oklahoma also ranked 9th in teaching profession, up one spot from last year.
Some of that success can be linked to the Achieving Classroom Excellence (ACE) Initiative, which strengthened standards and accountability in Oklahoma schools. In fact, Oklahoma scored 100 percent for our state academic standards and school accountability rating system, and for our stellar CareerTech system.
I am working with former Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and State Superintendent Sandy Garrett to submit Oklahoma’s application for federal Race to the Top grant funds. With our recent progress, Oklahoma is well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity to continue improving educational outcomes for our students.
That’s important, because declining state revenues have forced budget reductions in all areas of government, including education. What we must not do is make cuts that reverse the gains we have made.
I am working with legislative leaders to craft a balanced budget that preserves and protects our successes in education and other vital areas of government.
The challenges ahead are great, but so is the success we have made in a few short years. Even with decreased revenues, we must work to keep Oklahoma moving forward.
That all begins in the classroom by giving Oklahoma’s children the education they need and deserve.
If you have questions or comments, please write me at the Office of the Governor, Room 212, Oklahoma City OK 73105 or visit the “Contact the Governor” section of my website,
