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January 9, 2013

A ‘D’ for education reform

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — After handing out grades to school districts around the state, Oklahoma’s public education system got a grade of its own this week. StudentsFirst, the education reform nonprofit that promotes school choice and eliminating teacher tenure, gave the state a “D.”

The organization used three grades to rank the various states on education policy. Oklahoma ranked No. 13 overall. Ten states received an “F.”

Our highest grade, a “C,” was received in the organization’s “Elevate Teaching” category. Oklahoma received praise for making positive strides in hiring, retention and evaluation of educators.

Our lowest grade, a “D-,” was handed out for parent empowerment. StudentsFirst recommended that more information should be given to parents on school and teacher performance and charter school restrictions should be removed.

In the spend wisely and govern well category, StudentsFirst suggested that local mayors be given the ability to assume control of low-performing or mismanaged school districts.

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