(Editor’s Note: The following two comments were submitted by readers via the EastWord News’ website.)
I was disappointed to read Dr. Deering’s negative remarks in the Nov. 22 edition of EastWord about the A-F school grading system administered by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Particularly troubling is her belief that the grading system essentially had been discredited through a pair of studies by OU and OSU education researchers. These studies - the first of which was funded by two education-establishment organizations with a stake in the grades --arrived at some curious conclusions. The researchers, who based their findings on a meager 3 percent of graded schools, found that 70 percent of achievement in the classroom is due to factors beyond a school’s control.
There are, of course, stark realities that impact students. Far too many Oklahoma children live in poverty and endure the litany of hardships that go with it. That doesn’t mean schools can or should give up on those kids.
Education is often a way out of poverty. The grading system is about accountability, expectations and academic rigor - traits every bit as important in a school serving poor students as those in affluent suburbs.
Dr. Deering wouldn’t condone a teacher excusing low-income students from a math test. Surely, that same standard should apply to our schools.
The A-F grading system is clear, concise and based on a straightforward formula that is evenly divided between academic performance and student growth. That’s not the "arbitrary" concoction painted by Dr. Deering.
Nor is the grading system designed to embarrass anyone. Rather, it is a tool to bring transparency and accountability to a public education system in which, frankly, many Oklahomans have lost faith. A-F is akin to a visit to the doctor. Not knowing you have a health problem does not make that ailment go away. If you know about it, however, you can treat it and take steps to lead a healthier life.
So it is with A-F. Discrediting its review does no good. Rather, we need to look at the results and strive to improve opportunities for our children.
Moreover, Dr. Deering and the entire Midwest City-Del City communities have much for which to be proud. Mid-Del Public Schools had five A schools and five B schools. Not a single site received an F.
Phil Bacharach,
Director of communication, Oklahoma State Department of Education
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You have written an excellent article voicing the opinion of many educators in the state of Oklahoma. We, too, had our report cards changed numerous times. Our teachers work diligently with our students, assessing often to know the student’’s level of achievement. One test does not accurately reflect student growth.
Thanks for taking time to address this issue.
Karen Lyles,
Hugo
