We Know the Rankings — But Not the Root Problem
Oklahoma has heard the rankings for years.
Near the bottom in reading.
Near the bottom in math.
Near the bottom overall.
As an educator of more than 40 years, I’ll say this clearly: our children are not the problem and our teachers are not the problem.
The problem is a system that measures success too late to help students.
The Current System Is Too Late to Help Kids
Right now, Oklahoma relies on end-of-year testing.
Students take exams in the spring. Results come back months later – after the school year is over.
By the time teachers see the data, those students have already moved on. That doesn’t help a child learn. It only reports what already happened.
And it’s one reason we continue to struggle.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only about one in five Oklahoma eighth graders reads at a proficient level, and math scores remain below the national average.
State data tells a similar story. The Oklahoma State Department of Education reports that many Oklahoma students are not meeting grade-level expectations in core subjects, especially in early literacy.
The message is clear: what we’re doing now isn’t working well enough.
What Research and Experience Tell Us
Research shows that timing matters.
The Center for American Progress found that ongoing, real-time assessments help teachers adjust instruction and improve student outcomes.
The Council of Chief State School Officers also supports using a mix of benchmark and end-of-year testing so schools can respond earlier.
In simple terms: When teachers have the right information at the right time, students do better.
I’ve seen that in my own district.
If a student was struggling in reading in October, we didn’t wait until May. We stepped in right away.
That’s how you change outcomes.
This Is About More Than Testing — It’s About Trust
This isn’t just a testing issue. It’s a trust issue.
Too many parents feel disconnected from what’s happening in school.
Too many teachers feel limited by systems that focus on paperwork instead of progress.
Too many students fall behind before anyone can help them.
When we act earlier, everything changes:
- Teachers feel empowered to teach
- Parents stay informed and involved
- Students gain confidence and momentum
That’s how you build trust.
And right now, trust is what we’re missing.
A Better Path Forward for Oklahoma
We don’t need to reinvent education. We need to return to what works and do it consistently.
That means:
- Using growth-based benchmark assessments throughout the year
- Strengthening early reading through phonics and the science of reading
- Reinforcing math basics so students build confidence early
- Giving parents clear, simple updates on their child’s progress
These are proven ideas. And they work when they are done well.
We Can Rise — But We Must Act Sooner
Oklahoma can move from 50th to the Top 25.
But it won’t happen if we keep waiting until the end of the year to act. We need to help students in the moment – not months later.
As State Superintendent, my goal is simple:
Restore trust.
Support teachers.
Give parents clear information.
And help every child succeed when it matters most.
Oklahoma’s children deserve more than a report after the fact. They deserve a system that helps them succeed today.
That’s how we rise.
And that’s how we Make Education Great Again.
By Dr. John Cox, Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction