Oklahoma Academic Standards

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The standards establish guidelines for English language arts (ELA) and literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects. Because students must learn to read, write, speak, listen, and use language effectively in various content areas, the standards promote the literacy skills and concepts required for college and career readiness in multiple disciplines.

For more than a decade, research studies of mathematics education in high-performing countries have concluded that mathematics education in the United States must become substantially more focused and coherent to improve mathematics achievement in this country. To deliver on this promise, the mathematics standards are designed to address the problem of a curriculum “a mile wide and an inch deep.”

These standards are designed to stimulate students' interest in science and set the expectations for what they should know and be able to do throughout their K-12 science education to prepare them for college, careers, and citizenship.

The aim of social studies is the promotion of civic competence—the knowledge, intellectual processes, and democratic dispositions required of students to be active and engaged participants in public life. Although civic competence is not the only responsibility of social studies, nor is it exclusive to the field, it is more central to social studies than to any other subject area in schools.  Civic competence rests on this commitment to democratic values. It requires the ability to use knowledge about one’s community, nation, and world, apply inquiry processes, and employ data collection and analysis skills, collaboration, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Young people who are knowledgeable, skillful, and committed to democracy are necessary to sustain and improve our democratic way of life and participate as members of a global community.

Research has shown that planned, sequential instruction in physical education promotes lifelong physical activity. A comprehensive physical education program is designed to develop fundamental movement skills, sports skills, and physical fitness, as well as to enhance mental, social, and emotional activities. Further research has shown that physical activity among adolescents is consistently related to higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of anxiety and stress. Physical activity is also positively associated with academic performance. Students who participate in school physical education programs do not experience any harmful effects on their standardized test scores, though less time is available for other academic subjects.

Standards are developed to establish, promote, and support health-enhancing behaviors for students in all grade levels—from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.