UPDATE: State delays new grading system for schools

UPDATE:  The State School Board has voted unanimously to delay the release of grades until October 25.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is contemplating a new system to grade the state's schools.

The system evaluates schools on an A-to-F grading scale.

The new system was approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2011 as a way to provide easy-to-understand information to parents.

But the rules for the new grading system have been opposed by hundreds of school superintendents and lawmakers who say they're concerned about the way the grades are determined and a lack of input in the rulemaking process.

Board members agreed to delay the vote to further review the average state growth calculation.

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard applauds the Board's decision.

"There's a huge impact on students. There's a huge impact on teachers and a huge impact on principals and parents once those grades are calculated."

Supporters of the new system say they the new report cards are designed give schools a tool to encourage more parental and community involvement.

"We all understand A through F. What we don't understand is a system that is very complicated that takes a ten page technical guide and a 28 page manual to understand where that grade comes from," Ballard said.

Schools will still be examined for helping their children meet grade-level performance standards, but the proposed grading system also adds the dimension of allowing a school to show academic growth.

Board of Education voted to delay the release until its next meeting on Oct. 25.