The letter grades are based on student performance. Fifty percent of the grade is based on the average score students receive on standardized tests in subjects like English and math. The other half of the grade is based on student improvement on these tests — meaning a school with relatively low scores still can receive a decent grade if student performance is moving in the right direction.

The roll-out of this new system has been difficult. There have been glitches and setbacks. But the system as it stands today is simple to understand and fair. There should be little doubt in anyone's mind that a school scored as an "A" is exceeding expectations; an "F" school is failing and in need of immediate correction.

This is an accountability and transparency measure that the education community can and should support. As a state, we should recognize and reward success. We should also find and correct problem spots.

Identifying problem areas is not about blaming teachers. No one has ever argued that a school with an "F" or a "D" is necessarily plagued by bad teachers or bureaucratic mismanagement. But we do know that schools with these grades need help, attention and a change in strategy so that they can get back on track.

This week, the state Department of Education will release the final letter grades assigned for all Oklahoma schools.

As these results come in, there will be some educators and school districts justifiably thrilled with the recognition of their success. To them, I offer my congratulations.

There also will be superintendents and teachers who are disappointed, even angry, at grades they feel are too low.

Here is my message to these individuals: Work with me, with each other, with parents and with students to improve our schools.

The A-F grading system is not going away. It was authored and passed by democratically elected legislators, signed by me, and is now being implemented by an elected superintendent of public instruction.

It is not a new or untested idea. It is being adopted in more than a dozen states, where it is supported by Democrat and Republican lawmakers.

The full-fledged effort by some to sabotage the goals of the A-F system has created the kind of distasteful and unproductive atmosphere of obstruction and gridlock we are used to seeing in Washington, D.C. It has turned a conversation about improving our schools into a partisan spectacle that is not becoming of Oklahoma.

Worst of all, it has taken the focus off our children and what we can do to help them.

Let's put a stop to that.

This week, we will finally be given a system that allows us to evaluate accurately the quality of our schools. We know the results will be mixed. Oklahoma has good schools. Like all states, it has schools that are desperately in need of help.

Let's work together — as educators, lawmakers, parents and citizens — to deliver that help, to improve education and to take care of our kids.

The time for theatrics is over. This is where the real work starts.

Mary Fallin is the governor of Oklahoma.