OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) – The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has submitted an updated Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science (OAS-S) for public comment through January 21 2025.
The new standards are intended to represent a transformative framework that raises the bar for all Oklahoma students. These standards are designed to prepare students with the essential knowledge and expertise required to excel in higher education and meet the demands of a rapidly changing workforce.
“These improvements are more than an educational upgrade; This is a strategic move to strengthen Oklahoma’s economic future,” said State Superintendent Ryan Walters. “They will provide our students with the tools to think critically, innovate and solve problems – essential skills in today’s academic and professional landscapes.” By adopting these standards, we ensure that every Oklahoma student has the scientific knowledge and expertise they need to thrive, whether they choose to attend college or enter the workforce directly after graduation.
Once finalized, the updated standards will be implemented during the 2026-2027 school year and will include several key improvements:
• Three-Dimensional Learning: Standards integrate science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and cross-cutting concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of how scientific principles are applied in the real world.
• Links to scientific literacy: The new framework emphasizes the importance of scientific reasoning and critical thinking, ensuring that students are prepared to make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives.
• Grade-Specific Innovations: Improved clarity and progression provide educators with clear guidelines for implementing hands-on, inquiry-based learning from kindergarten through high school.
• Focus on workforce preparation: Engineering practices and technology applications are integrated into the standards, aligning with industry needs and preparing students for STEM careers.
“Oklahoma businesses consistently emphasize the need for workers who are not only skilled in STEM fields, but also capable of critical thinking and problem solving,” Walters continued. “These standards directly address these needs, giving businesses confidence that Oklahoma graduates are prepared to excel in the workplace.”
According to the department, the standards also ensure alignment with national benchmarks, allowing Oklahoma to remain competitive by attracting and retaining businesses that rely on a highly skilled workforce.
As the state invests in education, it simultaneously invests in its economic future, creating a cycle of opportunity and growth for generations to come. For Oklahoma students, these standards represent the promise of a better future.
They will enable students to take ownership of their learning and explore the possibilities of science and technology in a way that inspires curiosity and ambition.
For educators, the framework provides available resources and professional development opportunities to deliver appropriate science education.
For more information on Oklahoma’s updated academic standards for science, visit their website.
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