Supt. Barresi comments

On U.S. Chamber's 'Leaders & Laggards' report

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 11, 2014) – Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi issued the following statement today after the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released its "Leaders & Laggards" report, an annual state-by-state report card on educational effectiveness. 

“The Leaders & Laggards report is yet another indicator that Oklahoma’s public education system is in dire trouble. It would be tempting to label this a ‘wake-up call,’ except that alarm bells have been going off for many years.

“Oklahoma is among a handful of states that received an F in both academic achievement and academic achievement in low-income and minority students. It is clear, then, that we are doing a disservice to far too many students regardless of their socioeconomic status. This is a problem that affects us all.

“Unfortunately, many of our reforms have been watered down or weather constant attacks from defenders of the status quo. Our parents and students deserve better — much better. That means accountability, school choice and a continued focus on improved academic standards and proficiency in reading by third grade.

“We must not defer to mediocrity. This report is more evidence that PASS fails. It is beyond me why we are taking so much time reviewing the Priority Academic Student Skills, which we left behind in 2010.

“Oklahoma must move on and begin the process of writing rigorous academic standards that our children need and deserve.”

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