Only 27% of Oklahoma students scored proficient or better in reading, math and science on the 2025-26 state report cards. The state earned a D in academic achievement for the second straight year.

For Norman families sorting through their own schools' latest grades, the statewide data adds context. The Norman Transcript reported Friday, Nov. 6, that four Norman schools improved and four declined in their report card grades.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) released the results Thursday, Nov. 5, grading 1,750 public schools on an A-F scale. The grades cover test scores, academic growth, absenteeism, graduation rates, college and career readiness, and progress of English learners, Oklahoma Voice reported.

Proficiency stays flat

On state assessments, 26% of students tested proficient or better in English language arts, 25% in math and 30% in science, according to the OSDE news release. The state measures those results against a long-term goal of 50% proficiency.

The state earned a C for academic growth, which tracks how much individual students' reading and math scores improved year over year. Students earned 56% of possible points for yearly progress, a dip of 0.46 percentage points from the prior year, the OSDE reported.

The department said it expects gains from investments in early-identification assessments, literacy coaches, tutoring programs and reading instruction. Senate Bill 1778, signed in April, strengthens the Strong Readers Act. Beginning in 2027–28, third graders who score below basic on state reading tests and fail a second state-approved literacy assessment will be retained unless they qualify for an exemption.

Graduation rate drops under new federal rule

The statewide four-year graduation rate fell to 77.6% for the class of 2025, down from 82.2% for the class of 2024. The state earned a D.

Much of the decline stems from a federal requirement that students earning a CORE Curriculum diploma no longer count in the graduation rate, the OSDE reported. The CORE Curriculum diploma lets students substitute a math and science credit with a career technology course. A small percentage of students opt into the program, which requires parental consent.

The U.S. Department of Education notified Oklahoma two years ago that it considers the CORE diploma a "lesser credential" than a traditional high school diploma, according to Oklahoma Voice's reporting.

Chronic absenteeism still a challenge

Oklahoma earned a D for chronic absenteeism. In 2025-26, 84.1% of students maintained good attendance, just short of the state's 85% benchmark. Good attendance rose 3.2 percentage points over the prior year, the OSDE reported.

Dennis Williams, senior director of data and accountability for the OSDE, told News 9 the report cards are required under federal law and help identify schools needing additional support.

The Oklahoma Legislature passed SB 711 in 2025 to convert chronic absenteeism from a grading penalty into a bonus-point category. The OSDE is still waiting for federal approval. If approved, the shift would take effect with the 2026-27 school year.

Bright spots

Sixty-four percent of Oklahoma schools earned A's, B's or C's. Compared with 2025, 24 fewer schools received a D and 10 fewer received an F, the OSDE reported.

The state earned B's in two categories. English learners received a B, with 34% of the state's 74,500 English learners meeting growth targets for language acquisition. Post-secondary opportunities also earned a B. The OSDE press release reported 58% of 11th and 12th graders participated in early college and career experiences, though Oklahoma Voice reported a lower figure of 54% for the same measure.

Norman families can view individual school results at oklaschools.com. The OSDE said it expects federal approval on the chronic absenteeism change in the coming weeks.