Oklahoma bill aims to require standardized tests for private and homeschooled students
KOKH - February 2, 2024 6:30 am
State Rep. Judd Strom
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — An Oklahoma lawmaker is proposing a bill that would mandate standardized testing for private and homeschooled students.
It’s an idea that’s facing some backlash.
Child advocates like Tom Newell with yes. every kid. says this idea defeats the purpose of having school choice in Oklahoma.
State Rep. Judd Strom (R-Copan) is proposing House Bill 3585. It would require private and homeschool students to take standardized tests.
Newell says this idea threatens parental choice.
“What this bill does is it basically says, “Oh, we’re going to give you alternatives, but they’re all going to look the same,” Newell said. “Here’s three red apples, you can pick from one of those three. Well, that’s not real choice. That’s not real alternatives.”
If lawmakers vote to approve the legislation, students would have to take their exams at a state-certified testing building.
Newell argues that would be counterproductive.
“What it means is whether it’s a private school or homeschool, they’re all going to have teach the same test. They’re all going to have to look the same. If this bill were to pass, it would definitely interfere with parents being able to choose what’s best for their children.”
If the bill passes, students who don’t take a mandated test would have to repay their tax credit to the state.
“We will do everything we can to convince the legislature that they’re actually going back on their word last year. They said, ‘Parents know what’s best.’ If they were to pass the bill and sign it into law, they would be saying, ‘Only the state knows what’s best.”
Fox 25 reached out to State Rep. Strom, but our newsroom didn’t hear back.
