Oklahoma’s Schools Rank Second To Last In The Nation

Another year, another study confirms that Oklahoma schools are struggling. In a study that compares test scores, teacher-to-student ratios and more, they determined that Oklahoma ranks 50th in the nation, second to last on their list. The study evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

It might surprise you to see where Oklahoma's schools don't come in last place, which isn't by much, but it's something.

Oklahoma can be better in a variety of ways. How would you recommend we improve our school systems?

WalletHub study confirms Oklahoma scores lowest in Media ACT Scores & Reading Test Scores.

While Oklahoma ranks highest in many economic programs, schooling for public schools is routinely among the lowest in the nation each year. This year, WalletHub experts studied 32 different metrics to determine which states were best and worst in the United States.

Some of their metrics were:

• High School Graduation Rate Among Low-Income Students
• Dropout Rate
• Math, Reading and Median SAT and ACT Scores
• Share of Threatened/Injured High School Students
• Share of High School Students Not Attending School Due to Safety Concerns
• Share of High School Students Participating in Violence
• Share of Armed High School Students

According to their studies, Oklahoma ranked among the lowest in test scores, specifically Reading and Media ACT scores.

However, one pro for Oklahoma schools is the safety we have here in the state. Although we don't rank among the highest, we ranked 35 in the country, rather than dead last like Missouri.

One of the reasons our school system suffers so greatly could be due to the lack of spending on the school systems. In the study, Wallethub found that many of the schools that ranked lowest in a strong system spent the least on their school systems in total.

Tips for making it through the school year in Oklahoma.

While the school systems aren't the best, there are ways that parents can try to navigate the school year.

A few tips to help could be:

• Communicate with your students often and be involved in their lives.
• Review school calendars and activity schedules.
• Make an effort to assist your students with their work, hire a tutor or check for educational resources on platforms like YouTube, Quizlet, Khan Academy and others. You can find out from other parents what helps their students by joining related Facebook groups and classroom groups if available.