TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma continues to rank near the bottom in the nation for math and reading scores, prompting educators to call for stronger support and investment in the state’s schools.
“Oklahoma faces major challenges in its education system—from underfunded early care programs to struggling K–12 schools,” said Dr. AJ Griffin, CEO of the Potts Family Foundation. “Kids are really having a tough time.”
The 2024 Nation’s Report Card, released in January, revealed troubling test results for 4th and 8th graders in both math and reading.
Griffin, a former educator and lawmaker, pointed to several factors contributing to Oklahoma’s low rankings.
“Educators across the board in Oklahoma are underpaid and undervalued. We need strong, qualified teachers,” she said.
According to the report, Oklahoma ranks 47th in both 4th and 8th grade reading, 40th in 4th grade math, and is tied for 45th in 8th grade math. All four categories have shown a steady decline over the past 20 years.
“It’s more than a shortage—it’s a teacher exodus,” said Shawna Mott-Wright, President of the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association.
While she’s critical of standardized testing, Mott-Wright acknowledged that student performance in core subjects like math and reading is clearly slipping.
“What makes it worse is how teachers are being vilified,” she said. “They’re doing everything they can for students—often at the expense of their own families.”
When asked about the poor academic performance, the office of State Superintendent Ryan Walters issued a statement saying, “We’re done accepting failure in Oklahoma schools. This year, we’re expanding tutoring, kicking union politics out of the classroom, and giving parents real school choice.”
Mott-Wright responded by questioning what Walters meant by “union politics.”
“I’m not sure what he means, but I’d love to see him take politics out of education instead of labeling everything he disagrees with as liberal or leftist,” she said.
To help retain experienced educators, the governor recently signed a law extending teacher pay raises through year 35, aiming to keep high-quality teachers in the classroom longer.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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