Alva Review-Courier -

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma education leaders say new testing standards have led to the decline in students' scores.

According to statewide scores released Wednesday, most students lacked the basic subject-level knowledge Oklahoma now requires.

An average of 63 percent of the state's students scored below proficient last school year in the 18 state-required tests in third through eighth grade, and 10th grade, The Oklahoman reported.

District-level scores aren't expected to be released for at least another week.

The scores are based on a student's performance on a single end-of-the-year test, which some educators say is just one measure of academic success. Students will receive their individual scores in November.

Education leaders said the drop isn't due to a decline in teaching or student knowledge. They said the drop is due to the stricter standards.

"As school districts begin to study their scores, every stakeholder must understand that our new assessment system is not only a total reset but a testament to the commitment and hard work of our teachers," said state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.

The state's new proficiency rates come as Oklahoma decreased its end-of-the-year testing requirements.

"This kind of difficult, from-the-ground-up change requires adequate resources for education, the most important of which, research shows, is a highly effective teacher in every classroom," Hofmeister said.

High school students will be required to take either the ACT or SAT this year, instead of the seven exams that were previously required.

___

Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com