OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin's office issued a release Friday in which the governor shows support for the controversial A-F grading system for Oklahoma's schools.
The 2016 A through F report cards for all public schools in Oklahoma were released Thursday.
Fallin said the system is an important measure of each school's performance which allows parents to know how their child's schools are being rated.
“I remain committed to having a robust assessment of the schools in Oklahoma. I strongly support the continuation of this program, especially the easy-to-understand designation of A-F that provides parents with a clear understanding of how a school is performing." the governor said in the release.
The release of the report cards was met with criticism from Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Deborah Gist, who said the system "does not accurately measure school and student performance."
“We are interested in growth measures that reflect not only understanding of content and concepts, but also the pace at which students are learning and improving. It’s also important that we consider progress in critical areas such as school climate and culture, graduation rates, and attendance,” said Gist.
Tulsa Public Schools has four “A” schools, six “B” schools, eight “C” schools, thirteen “D” schools, and 45 schools with an “F” grade.
Gov. Fallin's statement:
“Oklahoma’s A-F grading system is an important measure of school performance for parents as well as school administrators and teachers. The A-F school grades provide a mechanism for teachers and administrators to compare their schools with others, while providing insight on how they can improve. The grades also let parents know how the schools are performing, while showing other school patrons what supports are needed to help their schools prosper.
“It is not easy to see significant academic gains in academic performance. It takes hard work and leadership from all levels. It is very important to recognize the efforts of numerous schools in the state that continue to demonstrate academic excellence and improved educational outcomes for students as well as identify schools that need improvement. It is especially important to highlight the service our teachers provide. The daily contributions they make and the role they play in educating the future generations of this great state are honorable.
“I remain committed to having a robust assessment of the schools in Oklahoma. I strongly support the continuation of this program, especially the easy-to-understand designation of A-F that provides parents with a clear understanding of how a school is performing. Just as students are graded on the A-F scale, it is important to have a similar designation for parents to understand school performance.”
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