Reckless School Chief Vows Major Overhaul

Oklahoma’s Plan to Replace Statewide Tests with District-Chosen Assessments Sparks Debate

Oklahoma is making a bold move that could change the landscape of standardized testing in the United States. The state’s top education official, Superintendent Ryan Walters, has announced that the administration will not conduct statewide reading and math tests this school year. Instead, the plan proposes using data from benchmark assessments chosen by individual school districts. If approved, Oklahoma would become the first state in the nation to replace its standardized exams with a system where each district selects its own tests.

This proposal requires approval from the U.S. Department of Education. Walters said he expects a quick response from the Trump administration, though the final decision remains uncertain. The Oklahoma State Department of Education is currently accepting public comments on the idea until September 8 before submitting its formal request to the federal government.

Walters emphasized that his goal is to implement changes that reflect what voters want. He stated, “I was elected to make changes, serious changes.” He argued that the current education system has failed students and that the new approach would provide more timely and useful data for parents and educators.

Experts have mixed reactions to the proposal. Dale Chu, a school policy expert at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, noted that if Oklahoma’s plan is approved, it could inspire other states to follow suit. For example, Texas is also considering replacing its state testing system. However, Chu pointed out that the trade-off between local control and consistency is significant.

Federal law mandates that all states test students in reading and math from grades 3 through 8 and once in high school. These tests are designed to ensure accountability and provide families with information about their children’s academic progress. Oklahoma law also requires the state Board of Education to adopt a statewide assessment system that complies with federal regulations.

Walters, however, claims that the decision does not require a vote from the state board. He argues that the Education Department has the authority to choose testing vendors and schedules, allowing the plan to move forward without additional approvals.

For years, Oklahoma’s state tests have shown that most students perform below grade level. Even after lowering the standards last year, test scores remained low. This year, scores are expected to decline further as expectations for student performance have been raised again.

Walters maintains that eliminating the tests is not about avoiding accountability. Instead, he believes that benchmark assessments—used by many districts already—could offer more helpful and up-to-date information. These assessments are taken multiple times a year and are comparable to those used in other states.

However, experts warn that there are challenges to this approach. Chu highlighted that benchmark assessments may not be aligned with Oklahoma’s academic standards, which dictate what students should learn. Without alignment, the data may not accurately reflect students’ mastery of the curriculum.

Maria D’Brot, a former state testing official, added that using multiple testing vendors could complicate comparisons between districts. Fairness issues could arise if some students don’t have equal access to certain test formats or accommodations for disabilities.

Despite these concerns, Walters claims that the necessary infrastructure is already in place to ensure that scores from different benchmark tests can be compared fairly. His plan has drawn criticism from both political parties.

Nellie Tayloe Sanders, Oklahoma’s education secretary, expressed skepticism about the timing and feasibility of the plan. She emphasized the need for careful planning and collaboration to ensure that students receive the support they need.

State lawmakers also voiced concerns. Rep. Dell Kerbs, who leads the House Education Oversight Committee, stressed the importance of aligning any changes with state law and providing actionable information for students. Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt criticized the timing of the announcement, saying it was “reckless” given that many districts are already preparing for the school year.

As the debate continues, Oklahoma’s plan highlights the growing tension between local control and standardized accountability in education. Whether this approach will succeed depends on how well the state can address the challenges of implementation and maintain the integrity of its assessment system.