State Superintendent To Look Into Mandated Tests

Oklahoma currently ranks 48th in the nation in teacher pay, and while many want to see an increase in salary, the other issue as to why the state has a teacher crisis, too many tests.

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said those tests are her other focus to bring teachers to Oklahoma.

Right now, the state has seven mandated tests, which total carry a $7 million to $8 million price tag.

Hofmeister wants to do away with some and let students take the ACT.

She said that would only cost the state about $2.5 million.

As of right now, the Department of Education is taking a look at what can stay and what needs to go.

"I think it's time to hit the reset button. Make certain the tests we are giving have value for students even after they graduate, and that's an area I'm going to focus because I think it's part of why teachers are leaving," Hofmeister said. "They want to have time to instruct and do what they know how to do because they are professionals."

Hofmeister also said that some districts have seen increased administrative costs because of increased mandates, and the state will look at those factors as well.