Joy Hofmeister Reflects On First 100 Days As State Superintendent

Teacher shortages, budget shortfalls, and state testing continued to bookmark this year's legislative issues when it comes to education. Tuesday marks 100 days since new State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister took over. Monday she said her priorities remain the teacher shortage and standardized tests.

“Upon taking office I wanted to make changes,” said Hofmeister on Monday.

She has already eliminated fifth and eighth grade writing field tests, and was able to spare eighth graders from being tested twice in advanced math. She is still trying to convince the legislature to replace end-of-instruction exams with something like the ACT.

Dealing with the teacher shortage, however, may be more difficult. Hofmeister said Monday there are currently 1,000 teacher openings in Oklahoma. Which means students are being taught by teachers who haven't been certified or substitutes.

“Imagine if that is your child in first grade trying to learn to read and it is a different teacher every six weeks or three months.”

Hofmeister's five-year plan calls for an increase of five teaching days per year and a pay increase of $5,000.

Legislators, however, may have a hard time finding the money because a $611 million budget shortfall this year. Still the State Superintendent said she's not giving up hope.

“We must make it a priority, we must find a way,” she said. “But I am looking in my own budget, what we can control here in the state department to find a way to start that plan.”