Fallin: Make A-F System Work
Make A-F system work
By GOV. MARY FALLIN
The A-F public school grading system being implemented in Oklahoma is designed to give parents, administrators and teachers an easily understood method of evaluating school success.
The letter grades are based on student performance. Fifty percent of the grade is based on the average score students receive on standardized tests in subjects like English and math. The other half of the grade is based on student improvement on these tests meaning a school with relatively low scores still can receive a decent grade if student performance is moving in the right direction.
The roll-out of this new system has been difficult. There have been glitches and setbacks. But the system as it stands today is simple to understand and fair. There should be little doubt in anyone’s mind that a school scored as an “A” is exceeding expectations; an “F” school is failing and in need of immediate correction.
This is an accountability and transparency measure that the education community can and should support. As a state, we should recognize and reward success. We should also find and correct problem spots.