Oklahoma State Department of Education

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is the state education agency of the State of Oklahoma charged with determining the policies and directing the administration and supervision of the public school system of Oklahoma. The [State Board of Education](https://oklahoma.gov/education/state-board-of-education.html) is composed of the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction and six members appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma with the approval of the Oklahoma Senate. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction, in addition to serving as chair of the Board, serves as the chief executive officer of the Department and is elected by the voters of Oklahoma every four years. The current State Superintendent of Public Instruction is [Ryan Walters](https://oklahoma.gov/education/state-board-of-education/superintendent.html). The State Board of Education, and thus the State Department of Education, was created in its current configuration in 1971 during the term of Governor David Hall. The agency maintains its headquarters in the Oliver Hodge Building at 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City. Together with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Department forms the core of Oklahoma's public education system. **Mission** We are dedicated to empowering parents, teachers, students, and all Oklahomans by building the best educational system for the future - one that values academic excellence, transparency, and the voice of every parent. **Vision** Our unwavering commitment is to create an Oklahoma school system that is free from indoctrination, focused on student achievement, and driven by parental choice and empowerment. We aim to foster an environment where every child can reach their full potential, supported by schools that prioritize excellence and accountability. **Core Values** 1. **Parental Empowerment:** We restore the authority of parents in shaping their children's educational journey. 2. **Academic Excellence:** We assert that the primary goal of our schools is academic mastery, ensuring students are prepared for life beyond graduation. 3. **Transparence and Accountability:** We hold our schools and ourselves accountable, providing open access to information and fostering trust with our communities. 4. **Innovation:** We embrace creative and evidence-based solutions to improve the quality of education. 5. **Efficiency and Fiscal Responsibility:** We are responsible stewards of Oklahoma's taxpayer dollars, ensuring resources are used efficiently to maximize student outcomes.