Oklahoma
Oklahoma has implemented several literacy policies aimed at improving reading proficiency among its students. The state's approach to literacy education focuses on evidence-based instruction, early intervention, and support for struggling readers. One key policy is the Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts, which outlines the skills and knowledge that students need to develop in order to be successful readers, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
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Oklahoma provides training and support for educators in evidence-based literacy practices, such as explicit instruction, phonics instruction, and the use of data to inform instruction. The state has established the Oklahoma State Department of Education's Office of Instruction to provide guidance and support to educators and promote evidence-based literacy practices.
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Oklahoma uses a statewide assessment, the Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP), to monitor student progress in reading and identify areas where additional support is needed. The state's Response to Intervention (RTI) framework provides a systematic approach to identifying and supporting struggling readers, with tiered levels of intervention based on student needs.
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The Oklahoma State Department of Education also partners with local organizations and agencies to promote literacy development through initiatives such as the Oklahoma Reading Sufficiency Act and the Oklahoma Early Childhood Four-Year-Old Program. These programs aim to support literacy development among students and families, particularly those in low-income communities. Additionally, the state has established the Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines, which focuses on promoting early literacy development among young children in the state.
Oklahoma Student Score Gaps:
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This represents a decline from the 2019 percentage of 4th grade students not reading at the proficient level which was 71%.
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In 2022, Black students had an average score that was 22 points lower than that of White students. This performance gap was not significantly different from that in 1998 (30 points).
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In 2022, Hispanic students had an average score that was 20 points lower than that of White students. This performance gap was not significantly different from that in 1998 (21 points).
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In 2022, male students in Oklahoma had an average score that was lower than that of female students by 11 points. This performance gap was wider than that in 1998 (2 points).
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In 2022, students who were eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) had an average score that was 22 points lower than that for students who were not eligible. This performance gap was not significantly different from that in 1998 (23 points).
Information from the NAEP website for 2022 4th grade reading scores.
OK EVIDENCE-BASED CHAMPIONS
OKLAHOMA'S EVIDENCE-BASED ORGANIZATIONS
These organizations are committed to promoting evidence-based reading practices, providing professional development opportunities for educators, and supporting students in developing strong reading skills.
Oklahoma State Department of Education
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Oklahoma Literacy Association
https://www.oklahomaliteracy.org
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Oklahoma Council of Teachers of English
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Decoding Dyslexia - Oklahoma
https://decodingdyslexiaok.org
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The Reading League - Oklahoma