In a recent development, Oklahoma’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has raised concerns about the integrity of the state’s reading and math test scores.
Seven months after the release of these scores to families and three months following their inclusion in school performance report cards, Walters has called for an immediate recalibration of the scoring system.
Allegations of Political Interference
Walters has accused Governor Kevin Stitt and the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA) of “political interference” in the test results.
He asserts that the process of setting new cut scores—the benchmarks determining proficiency levels—was mishandled, leading to inflated proficiency rates that do not accurately reflect student performance.
Understanding Cut Scores and Their Impact
Cut scores are predetermined thresholds that categorize student performance into various levels, such as basic, proficient, and advanced.
Adjusting these scores can significantly impact reported proficiency rates. In Oklahoma‘s case, the bar for achieving a proficient score was lowered, a process known as resetting cut scores. This change means students could score lower on assessments yet still be deemed proficient.
Timeline of Events
- July 2024: The Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability (CEQA) approved the new cut scores.
- August 2024: Preliminary test results showed a significant increase in proficiency rates.
- December 2024: The Oklahoma School Report Cards were released, incorporating the new test scores without highlighting the change in scoring methodology.
- March 2025: Walters publicly questioned the integrity of the test scores and called for a recalibration of the scoring system.
Reactions from State Officials
Governor Stitt’s spokesperson, Abegail Cave, responded to Walters’ allegations by stating that the cut scores were established months ago and that no new information has emerged to warrant revisiting them.
She emphasized that the responsibility for releasing the cut scores lies with the state Education Department.
Criticism from Educational Leaders
The abrupt change in scoring has drawn criticism from various educational leaders. Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, observed unexpected improvements in her own child’s test scores, leading her to suspect irregularities.
She emphasized the need for the superintendent to take responsibility for the data and the processes within his agency.
Implications for Oklahoma’s Education System
The controversy surrounding the test scores has significant implications:
- Erosion of Trust: Educators and parents may lose confidence in the state’s assessment system, questioning the validity of reported proficiency rates.
- Policy Revisions: The incident could prompt a reevaluation of the processes used to set performance standards and cut scores, leading to more transparent and rigorous methodologies.
- Student Impact: Inflated proficiency rates might result in students not receiving the necessary support and resources to address actual learning gaps.
The recent developments in Oklahoma’s educational assessment system highlight the complexities and challenges of accurately measuring student performance.
As state officials and educational leaders navigate this controversy, it is imperative to prioritize transparency, accuracy, and the best interests of students to restore trust and ensure the effectiveness of the state’s educational assessments.