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OKC Chamber president: A-F system will improve Oklahoma education

BY ROY WILLIAMS | Published: October 12, 2012 Comment on this article

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Examples of excellence can be found in Oklahoma City with two of the highest-rated high schools in America, Harding Charter Prep and Classen School of Advanced Studies. Oklahoma needs more schools like these. The grading system helps us understand how all of our schools are performing. All schools, not just failing schools, need our attention and our interest.

The new system is a necessary step in improving education in Oklahoma. Improvements may be needed in the formula, but waiting for the perfect model is an opportunity lost. This grading system will create a new conversation about what it takes to have great schools. It would be irresponsible for us to pass off these grades as just more education politics and not use them as a chance to ask better questions about the changes needed to create the excellence we all want, and our children deserve.

Williams is president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.

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