Oklahoma ranks 49th in education, 47th in spending per student
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Knowledge is priceless, but education is not.
When it comes to education in Oklahoma, the data shows there's lots of room for improvement.
A 2021 EdWeek report shows the state ranks 49th.
"It is time to see education as a workforce as one of the largest industries in our state. In many of our communities, the public school is the largest employer," said Katherine Bishop.
Back in August, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister told NewsChannel 8 the state's investment in education dropped by 25% over the past decade.
How much does money actually have to do with student success?
"It's an enduring question, right? Does money matter in education? And yes, the answer, the short answer is, money matters," Hofmeister said.
Dr. Tim Ford, who is an associate professor of educational leadership at OU-Tulsa said education funding in Oklahoma is not up to speed.
"Over the last couple years, funding has increased slightly to public education in Oklahoma, however, it's not keeping pace with increasing needs and also need for special services, like special education and English language. And so we're still not, we're still not would say it's flat, but we're really just not keeping pace with the needs of Oklahoma schools," said Ford.
According to USA Facts, Oklahoma spends on average $9,446 per student. That's significantly lower than all our neighboring states.
Katherine Bishop, president of the Oklahoma Education Association, told us in August this is a problem.
"We're 47th in the nation on what we spend per pupil funding, what we spend on students in the classroom," said Bishop. "That has a direct correlation and a direct impact on our students' learning."
The nation's report card shows Oklahoma had steep declines in reading and math scores for fourth and eighth graders.
Do you think that the amount of money spent per pupil has anything to do with test scores?
"It certainly does, as I said, there's a there's a positive generally a positive correlation between per pupil spending and outcomes," Ford said.
Ford says it's not just about how much money is spent but how smart it's being spent.
"Evidence shows that actually when those funds are more concentrated and directed towards low-income families and students, that those gains can be even high," he said.
Ford says the relatively low spending per student could have a much bigger impact outside of the classroom.
"Until we can, you know, ensure that we're looking competitive to businesses looking for an educated labor, and workforce, then I think we're, we're going to struggle to attract businesses. we most want to come here," he said.