Survey respondents: Addressing problems with testing first priority for Hofmeister

“The survey found that the first priority of parents, teachers, principals and superintendents is addressing problems with testing,” Hofmeister said. “We must stop over-testing our students, and instead reach a balance where assessments are aligned to the goal and inform instruction.”

Increased teacher compensation and overall funding were also mentioned frequently as goals for her first 90 days in office, which begins Jan. 12.

“It is essential that we have a quality teacher in every classroom,” Hofmeister said. “To achieve this goal we must address not only teacher compensation, but also teacher satisfaction. We must equip our teachers with resources and support, and then government needs to get out of the way and let teachers teach.”

The online survey was sent to stakeholder groups, including statewide professional educator associations and parent groups. Although K-12 educators accounted for the largest group of survey participants at more than 7,000, others respondents included parents, people working in the business sector and at Career Technology centers, nonprofit organizations and opinion groups, plus retirees.

Hofmeister said that although the survey was not scientific, the amount of responses provides her with sufficient input to know her first priorities in office. Participants who have contact with the Oklahoma State Department of Education were also asked to provide input on improving the operations of the department, particularly in the areas of communication, organization and functionality.

“We will always be seeking quantifiable data, but this transition survey was an opportunity to listen to anyone who wanted to participate,” said Hofmeister, who noted that the long-form answers to the survey are most helpful “because I have had the opportunity to read the concerns of literally thousands of parents and teachers in their own words.”