Education Reform

In July 1997, under the guidelines established by the legislature in House Bill 1549, the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation (OCTP) assumed responsibility for ensuring quality teacher preparation. OCTP is committed to providing all Oklahoma children access to qualified, caring, and competent teachers.

This landmark educational reform legislation set the stage for significant change through the following requirements:

1. Establishing OCTP as an independent professional standards board.
   
2. Requiring OCTP to develop a competency-based teacher preparation system.
   
3. Create a new assessment system for teacher candidates consisting of general education, professional education, and subject areas.
   
4. Establish a system of professional development institutes for teachers to enhance their subject matter knowledge and teaching competencies throughout their careers.

The three-tiered approach to lifelong teacher education (preparation, assessment, and professional development) is the focus of the Commission's work.