UPDATE: The Trump administration has just announced that it will not approve Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ controversial plan to replace statewide end-of-year testing with local assessments. This decision leaves Oklahoma schools in a state of uncertainty as the U.S. Department of Education confirms the plan is “nowhere near” approval.
The announcement was made by a senior official from the U.S. Department of Education on October 19, 2023, during a conversation with KGOU. The official emphasized that Oklahoma must first apply for a federal waiver before any changes can be implemented. This lengthy process requires the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to engage in a public comment period, consult with school districts, and demonstrate how the feedback will be incorporated into any new assessment strategy.
“This is in no way approved by the department, and I think that’s really important to clarify for Oklahoma parents and families,” the official stated. This urgent clarification comes just one week after Walters boldly announced his intent to eliminate standardized tests for the 2023 school year and allow districts to adopt their own “benchmark assessments.”
In an earlier media appearance, Walters praised the Trump administration for its support, claiming it would alleviate federal overreach in dictating Oklahoma’s testing protocols. However, the U.S. Department of Education’s latest remarks starkly contrast his assertions, revealing a significant gap between state intentions and federal regulations.
As the situation unfolds, the OSDE has sent a letter to school districts instructing them to select a vendor for the new assessments by December 31. This directive raises questions about compliance with both state and federal regulations, as Senate Education Chair Adam Pugh pointed out. He reminded districts that state law currently mandates end-of-year testing, stating, “Even if the feds were to grant that waiver today, the law does not allow school districts to go through the process of eliminating state testing.”
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated—Oklahoma schools are caught in a legal and bureaucratic crossfire that could impact thousands of students. Parents, educators, and policymakers are now left to navigate the uncertainty surrounding the future of educational assessments in the state.
As it stands, Walters’ office has not yet responded to the latest statements from the Trump administration. With the clock ticking on the December deadline, all eyes are on the OSDE to see how it will proceed in light of both federal and state legal frameworks.
This developing story will continue to unfold as stakeholders await further clarification on the testing landscape in Oklahoma. Stay tuned for updates as this critical issue affects the educational future of countless students across the state.
