'Move the state forward': State Supt. Ryan Walters highlights three new OSDE rules

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Following Thursday's meeting, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) will now implement several new rules. Some of which affect accreditation, foundational values and teaching certificates.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters says he felt like he had to create several measures to move the state forward.

Walters says he's looking forward to implementing three new rules. One of which will tie academics to accreditation.

"We've got to move to an education system that is focused on student results," Walters said.

According to Walters, the measure will target students who are the furthest behind in their studies.

"We have got to move students into being able to read and do math on a grade level. It starts with being at that basic level. I think that's a big one. I think it completely shifts our education system to being more focused on outcomes."

He also is prioritizing a rule that will enforce foundational values in the classroom.

"We want our education system focused on truth, focused on ensuring they are teaching about foundational values of this country. So you're going to continue to hear us focus on that as we move forward to get a focus back on understanding what makes America great."

Another measure Walters has circled: suspending and/or revoking teaching certificates.

"We have got to protect our kids. That comes with an assurance that sexual predators are out of the classroom. The State Department can get all the information necessary to move on certificates. Unfortunately, we have instances of teachers that leave a district and then they go to another district and do the same thing."

Walters says it's important that no child gets hurt while a teacher is being investigated.