Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s New State School Report Cards: 5 Takeaways
State school report cards are out, and eight Oklahoma City schools have been graded with an F for the last school year. These report cards look at how public schools are serving Oklahoma students.
1. Oklahoma struggles nationally in education
Oklahoma traditionally ranks near the bottom nationally in education. U.S. News and World Report places Oklahoma second to last in the country for education. The Oklahoma State Report card allows state leaders and educators to learn why the state struggles and potential ways to fix problems.
2. Oklahoma Schools get a C for Academic Achievement
Schools in Oklahoma improved slightly in English and math achievement, according to the State Report Card website. However, the overall grade for academic achievement stayed the same with a C from the previous school year.
3. Oklahoma City Schools had fewer “F” graded schools
An Oklahoman analysis looked at 526 campuses in 10 counties in central Oklahoma. The analysis found 12 schools in Oklahoma County with an F grade and eight of those schools within Oklahoma City Public Schools. However, their analysis found that OKCPS improved by 20 percent from the previous school year.
OKCPS released a statement that said —
“This year, eight schools across our district raised their letter grades, and several others demonstrated remarkable growth, with eight sites increasing their overall scores by more than 10 points. One standout achievement is Classen SAS at Northeast High School regaining its “A” designation, showcasing a continued tradition of academic excellence.
“These milestones highlight the tireless efforts of our educators and staff, our commitment to high-quality instruction, and our focus on leveraging data to drive impactful changes. While challenges remain, with eight schools, including three alternative education sites, receiving an F designation, this represents a reduction from last year. It is a signal that the strategic support and interventions we’ve put in place are working.
“Our dedication to lifting our most underperforming schools remains unwavering because we believe every student deserves a world-class education. At OKCPS, we are building momentum and staying true to our vision of ensuring that every student graduates ready to be employable, enrolled, or enlisted.
“This year’s progress is a testament to what’s possible when we come together with purpose and determination. To our educators, staff, and community: thank you for your partnership and belief in the success and future of our students. The future is bright, and we’re not stopping now.”
4. OKCPS is trying to improve chronic absenteeism
The pandemic changed the education landscape and contributed to more chronic absenteeism – that’s students who miss 10 percent or more of the school year. The Oklahoma State Department of Education gave the state an F grade for attendance for the 2022-2023 school year. Oklahoma City Public Schools superintendent Jamie Polk told News 9 last September they were focused on meeting students who need extra support.
“It’s a high concern I have. We would like to do better,” said Polk, during a September 2024 interview with News 9. “This is a major problem.”
Chronic Absenteeism during the 2023-2024 school year improved to a D grade.
“Each child should be guaranteed one year of growth. That’s our role,” Polk said. “I also have hope. We say we have a seat for every child. That means something to us.”
5. Chronically absent students also face economic disadvantages
Data from the Oklahoma State Report Card shows students who face economic challenges are most likely to miss class time. According to OKCPS’s Statistical Profile report, 92% of the students who attend OKCPS schools face economic disadvantages.
Polk said academic progress hinges on resources for students who don’t have the support to make it to class. Last fall, Polk announced her district is working with Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna’s office to find more solutions to keep students in school.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KSWO) — Oklahoma lawmakers have voted to honor country music artist and Oklahoma native Toby Keith.
House Concurrent Resolution 1019 recognizes Keith’s lasting impact on music and proposes renaming a planned turnpike in his memory.
The concurrent resolution was authored by Rep. Jason Blair, R-Morgan, and Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman.
The planned route will extend from Interstate 44 east to Interstate 35, then continue east and north to I-40 at the Kickapoo Turnpike.
Copyright 2026 KSWO. All rights reserved.
Governor Kevin Stitt has said he wants the State Superintendent of Education to be a governor-elected position instead of an elected one. Political analyst Scott Mitchell examines what this would mean for the state.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is urging lawmakers to send a state question to voters that would make the state superintendent an appointed position, as he named Lindel Fields of Tulsa to the role and announced a turnaround team to help implement his education agenda.
Is the State Superintendent an elected role?
Yes, the State Superintendent of Education is still an elected role. Elections are scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
Cons of making the superintendent an appointed position
Mitchell said making this position appointed could cause distrust among some Oklahomans
“Over the years, we’ve seen that capture of regulatory sort of is easy to do when you have term limits, then lobbies become more powerful, and they have all the history. It’s very complicated.
He also said if the position were to be elected, they would likely have the same agenda as the governor.
“Yes, and I think the governor would be absolutely saying, ‘Yes, they’re going to do what I want them to do.’”
Changing how the superintendent is chosen changes what the founding fathers set.
“Voters are going to have to say yay or nay if it gets to them, is whether or not we want to change the way that the founding fathers set up the way that we make sure that power is not concentrated in Oklahoma,” he said.
Is Ryan Walters’ term the reason Stitt wants to make this position appointed?
Mitchell said he believes the former State Superintendent played a role in the government wanting to appoint this position.
During his time as superintendent, Walters was known to have multiple controversies. He resigned in 2025, allowing Stitt to appoint Lindel Fields.
“His impact on this, even though he’s gone, is certainly evident,” said Mitchell. “Walters left midstream, right? And so the governor had a chance to appoint someone. Well, it wasn’t just an appointment; it was chaos before and relative calm and competency after. And that has given the governor an opening for people to see with their own eyes. Yeah, you can put somebody in, we’re talking about Lindel Fields, that appears to get up every day, not trying to find some, get a click on social media, but rather to do his job. And across the board, for the most part, this guy’s getting thumbs up.
Stitt said electing Fields has already given him some leverage since he has been well perceived so far.
“That allows a governor to say, Look, I’ve got some standing, some leverage to go to the voters and say, let’s put expertise as the main reason that a person’s there, not because they were able to win an election because they had some sort of populist or dramatic ideas.”
Who is running for Oklahoma State Superintendent?
Republican Ballot
- Sen. Adam Pugh
- John Cox
- Rep. Toni Hasenbeck
- Ana Landsaw
Democrat Ballot
- Craig Mcvay
- Jennettie Marshall
Independent
To learn more about each candidate, click here.
A full breakdown of candidates in the 2026 Oklahoma State Superintendent race, including party affiliation, background and key education priorities.
An Oklahoma highway could soon be named after the late country superstar, Toby Keith, pending new legislation.
House Concurrent Resolution 1019 would rename a proposed turnpike project the “Toby Keith Expressway.” This roadway is set to be built from Interstate 44 East to Interstate-35, continuing East and North to Interstate 40. This road is a part of the ACCESS Oklahoma Long-Range Plan, which is meant to update and expand the state’s turnpike system.
This resolution was adopted by the House on Wednesday.
“Toby Keith was more than a country music star. He was a proud Oklahoman who never forgot where he came from,” said Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore. “Naming this turnpike in his honor is a fitting way to recognize a man who represented our state with ultimate patriotism and generosity.”
Keith was born in Clinton, Oklahoma, raised in Moore and resided in Norman. He died on February 5, 2024, in a battle with cancer.
“Over the course of his legendary career, Toby Keith never forgot where he came from or what he stood for,” said Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman. “His Oklahoma roots shaped him, and his love of America defined him. He was a country music superstar and a true patriot. I can think of no better way to honor his memory than by naming this future stretch of Norman turnpike in his honor, creating a lasting tribute to the legacy he leaves behind.”
During his career, Keith sold over 40 million records and more than 20 number-one singles
Legislation authors believe this would commemorate the life and legacy of Toby Keith.
The bill will now head to the Senate.
To read the full House Resolution, click here.
The Best Time To Drink Coffee for Weight Loss and a Faster Metabolism
Video: Prada Peels Back the Layers at Milan Fashion Week
Defense secretary Pete Hegseth designates Anthropic a supply chain risk
UN Human Rights Council chief cuts off speaker criticizing US-sanctioned official
ICE blasts Washington mayor over directive restricting immigration enforcement
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
ICE blasts Washington mayor over directive restricting immigration enforcement
Did the EU bypass Hungary’s veto on Ukraine’s €90 billion loan?
How the federal government is painting immigrants as criminals on social media
Where Iran’s ballistic missiles can reach — and how close they are to the US
Has India’s influence in Afghanistan grown under the Taliban?
-
World2 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts2 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Montana1 week ago2026 MHSA Montana Wrestling State Championship Brackets And Results – FloWrestling
-
Louisiana5 days agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Oklahoma1 week agoWildfires rage in Oklahoma as thousands urged to evacuate a small city
-
Denver, CO2 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Technology7 days agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Technology7 days agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making