English Language Arts Standards Review Process
Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts
Review Process, 2020-2021
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is seeking feedback on the revised Draft of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts, which are up for review and revision in 2020-2021. English language arts--sometimes shortened to English, sometimes abbreviated to ELA--is the combined study of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In English language arts, students receive information through reading and listening and distribute information through writing and speaking. The OSDE facilitates a revision of academic subject matter standards every six years in accordance with 70 O.S. § 11-103.6a.
"The subject matter standards shall be thoroughly reviewed by the State Board every six (6) years according to and in coordination with the existing subject area textbook adoption cycle. After review, the State Board shall adopt any revisions in such subject matter standards deemed necessary to achieve further improvements in the quality of education for the standards of this state.”
Academic subject matter standards are concise, written descriptions of what students are expected to know and be able to do at a specific stage of their education. Academic standards describe educational objectives (i.e., what students should have learned by the end of a course, grade level, or grade span), but they do not describe a particular teaching practice, curriculum, or assessment method.
The Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts were last reviewed and revised in 2016. As a result of the newly revised textbook adoption cycle, the standards are being revised in 2020-2021. OSDE asks that all interested stakeholders provide feedback on the standards and suggests the following process below:
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Gather a team of stakeholders and set aside approximately one hour to complete a review for each grade you choose.
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Download the Draft Standards for ELA.
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Submit typed feedback (as specific or as broad you like) by December 3, 2020, to [email protected].
All feedback received during the public comment period will be reviewed by the OSDE and ELA writing committee for consideration in the revision process.
For more information about the standards review process, contact Jason Stephenson, Director of Secondary English Language Arts, at [email protected] and Deb Wade, Director of Elementary English Language Arts, at [email protected].
Review and Revision Process for the Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts
Vision and Guiding Principles
The Oklahoma Standards for English language arts are designed to support all Oklahoma students in their right to become literate citizens. According to the Oklahoma Comprehensive Literacy Plan, “Literacy is the channel through which students communicate ideas and understandings of the present, reflections on the past, and visions of the future.” In order for students to be ready for college, career, and citizenship, they need the literacy skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking that they learn and refine in English language arts. English language arts classes must provide a literacy-rich environment and exposure to a wide variety of texts and experiences including reading, writing, listening and speaking, word and language study, and research. In order to accomplish this task, the individuals involved in the revision of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts were asked to create standards that:
- are clear, concise, and grade-level appropriate;
- represent a rigorous learning goal;
- lead to instruction that is interesting and relevant to a diverse student population;
- help students become lifelong readers and writers.
Advisory Committee
An advisory committee was established in early 2020 to examine the 2016 Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts and recommend the level of revisions needed for each of the eight overarching standards. The committee was comprised of educators with experience in the theory and practice of English language arts and who are committed to enacting the English language arts standards with fidelity:
- Tamee Daniel
- Misty Eidson
- Lacy Fullbright
- Dr. Priscilla Griffith
- Terri Guthridge
- Sandi Hebert
- Carey Hollingshead
- Kristen Jones
- Brooke Lee
- Devin Martinez
- Jena Nelson
- Dr. Lara Searcy
Executive Committee
An executive committee was established to assist in planning the revision process for the Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts. Executive committee members also serve as members of the Writing Committee. OSDE extends a special thanks to the following executive committee members who are giving their time, service, and expertise to the revision process:
- Misty Eidson - Elementary English Language Arts & Social Studies Coordinator, Mustang Public Schools
- Ginger Howe - Secondary English Language Arts & World Language Coordinator, Moore Public Schools
- Brooke Lee - 8th Grade Teacher, Claremore Public Schools
- Audra Plummer - Principal, Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy
- Dr. Suz Tyrrell - Cameron University Professor, English Ed. Department
Writing & Draft Review Committees
Through an application process, the writing committee was selected to revise the Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts. The committee of 30 representatives from PK-12 education and higher education from across the state met virtually in June, July, August, and September.
Through an application process, the draft review committee was selected to review draft standards developed by the Writing Committee and provide feedback. The committee of 47 representatives from PK-12 education and higher education from across the state conducted their work asynchronously and also met in July and September.
Standards Revision Timeline
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March 12, 2020: Standards committee applications opened
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April 17, 2020: Standards committee applications closed
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May – September 2020: Writing committee met to draft standards
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June 18, 2020: Writing committee meeting
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July 23, 2020: Writing committee meeting
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August 2020: Writing grade band committee meetings
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September 3, 2020: Writing committee meeting
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September 24, 2020: Writing committee meeting
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June-September 2020: Draft review committee virtual meetings to review and provide feedback on the standards
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July - December 2020: Focus groups held
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October 27 - December 3, 2020: Public comment period
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January 2021: Writing committee met virtually to address public comment feedback
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February 25, 2021: The Oklahoma State Board of Education unanimously approved the standards
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March 2021: The Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts were submitted to the Oklahoma State Legislature for consideration
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will these standards be officially adopted?
The standards will be presented to the Oklahoma State Board of Education for consideration at the February 2021 Board meeting. Pending approval, they will then be submitted to the Oklahoma legislature for consideration of approval.
2. When should these standards be implemented in Oklahoma schools and when will they be assessed at a state level?
Upon approval of standards from the Oklahoma legislature during the 2021 Legislative Session, Oklahoma schools can begin implementation during the 2021-22 school year. Guidance regarding implementation will be provided upon the adoption of revised standards. Support structures, resources, and professional development opportunities will be provided to support school districts with the implementation of changes represented in the 2021 standards.
3. Will the English Language Arts Curriculum Framework be updated?
Upon approval of standards from the Oklahoma Legislature during the 2021 Legislative Session, the Oklahoma State Department of Education will begin the process of working with Oklahoma educators to revise the Oklahoma English Language Arts Curriculum Framework to support educators with the implementation of the new standards. The current English Language Arts Curriculum Framework can be viewed here.
4. When will school districts be able to purchase new textbooks for English language arts?
Since the state textbook adoption cycle was recently revised, schools can adopt reading and writing textbooks for elementary (PK-5) in 2021-2022 and for secondary (6-12) in 2022-2023.
