Oklahoma Ranks Second-Lowest in ACT Scores

Oklahoma's average ACT score for the Class of 2024 has declined to 17.6, making it the second-lowest in the nation, just above Nevada's score of 17.2. This score is significantly lower than the national average of 19.4 and reflects a continuing trend of declining performance since 2014. Lawmakers attribute this drop to a rise in underqualified teachers, with concerns that the hiring of alternatively certified educators has compromised educational quality. Data shows that only 10% of graduates met all four college readiness benchmarks, with 55% failing to meet any. The state's approach of testing 100% of students, while beneficial in some ways, may skew comparisons with other states where typically only college-bound students are tested. Overall, the decline in ACT scores raises serious concerns about the future educational opportunities for Oklahoma students.