Oklahoma's Request To Suspend State Testing Approved

The federal government approved Oklahoma's request to suspend state testing for the 2019-20 school year.

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister requested the waivers on behalf of the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which led to school closures across the state through at least April 6.

"Our schools have the unprecedented challenge this school year of educating students while absolutely guarding their health and well being, as well as that of our educators and communities," said Hofmeister. "These waivers provide some measure of stability and flexibility for our schools to move forward during this period of uncertainty."

In addition to no testing, the OSDE will also not issue school report cards.

The state Board of Education will meet next Wednesday to determine whether to return to school or to extend the current closure.