LETTER TO THE EDITOR
By Dr. John Cox,
Peggs Public Schools Superintendent and Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
As a lifelong Oklahoma educator, I’m tired of seeing our students and teachers summed up by a “50th place” ranking. We are better than that - and with strong leadership and the right plan, we can Make Education Great Again.
The facts are clear: on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, Oklahoma ranked 47th in 4th-grade reading, 48th in 8th-grade reading, 44th in 4thgrade math, and 45th in 8th-grade math. Only about one in five eighth graders read proficiently.
These numbers represent futures delayed and opportunities lost.
To move from 50th to the Top 25, we must get back to basics. That means strengthening early reading through phonics and structured literacy, building solid math foundations, and replacing outdated end-of-year testing with growth-based benchmarks that give teachers real-time feedback.
We also must support special education students with less bureaucracy and more focus on growth. Teachers need the freedom and respect to teach again - not to be buried in paperwork. And every district must ensure more of its dollars reach classrooms, where they make the greatest impact.
I believe Oklahoma’s children can climb. With clear priorities, responsible spending, and leadership focused on results, we can build schools where 4th graders read confi dently, 8th graders tackle algebra without fear, and every graduate is ready for college, trades, or career.
We are not defined by “50th place.” We are called to close that gap - and give every Oklahoma child the future they deserve. Learn more about my plan at CoxForOK. com.
