New Supports for Teacher Candidates: Foundations of Reading and Assessment of Professional Knowledge
Oklahoma continues to strengthen teacher preparation through high-quality, evidence-based assessments that support both candidate readiness and classroom success. The Foundations of Reading test and the Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK) are now central components of Oklahoma’s licensure system. Together, they reflect a commitment to strong instructional practice, alignment to research, and consistent expectations for new teachers across the state.
Optional preparation resources are available for both assessments. In addition, scholarship support is available for the Foundations of Reading test.
Foundations of Reading Test
Under Oklahoma law, elementary education, early childhood education, and special education teacher candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the five essential elements of reading instruction: phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This requirement aligns with the science of reading and ensures every new teacher is prepared to deliver high-quality literacy instruction.
In Spring 2025, the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability approved the Foundations of Reading test as the assessment used to meet this requirement. The Oklahoma Reading Test will remain available through June 30, 2026.
The Foundations of Reading test is widely recognized for its strong alignment to evidence-based reading practices. It uses classroom-based scenarios to assess a candidate’s ability to:
- Interpret student assessment data
- Diagnose reading errors and comprehension difficulties
- Plan appropriate, evidence-based reading instruction
The test includes multiple-choice items and open-response tasks that reflect real instructional decisions teachers make every day. Candidates may test at a secure testing center or through online proctoring.
This test also supports implementation of the Strong Readers Act and broader statewide literacy goals.
Please check our FAQs for more information.
Assessment of Professional Knowledge
Beginning June 3, 2025, Oklahoma transitioned to the Assessment of Professional Knowledge as the professional education assessment requirement for teacher certification. The APK is currently available and serves as a core measure of a candidate’s readiness to enter the classroom.
The APK assesses foundational teaching knowledge including instructional strategies, classroom management, assessment practices, professional responsibilities, and student engagement. It is designed to reflect the daily work of educators and to support strong, consistent preparation across programs.
Optional Preparation Support: Right Start Learning Courses
To support candidates in preparing for both the Foundations of Reading test and the Assessment of Professional Knowledge, OEQA is sharing information about the Right Start Learning Courses. These are optional, self-paced preparation resources aligned to the content of each test.
Right Start features include:
- Diagnostic assessments to evaluate current content knowledge
- Self-paced learning modules aligned to test content
- Post-assessments to measure growth and readiness
- A personalized dashboard to track progress and target areas for review
For Foundations of Reading, subscription options include $35 for 30 days or $70 for 90 days.
Right Start is not required. It is an additional support option for candidates who want structured preparation.
Foundations of Reading Scholarship Support
To reduce financial barriers for teacher candidates, OEQA is offering scholarships for the Foundations of Reading test. These scholarships cover the cost of a candidate’s first attempt at the test.
There is no separate scholarship application. Candidates select the scholarship option during test registration and complete required attestations as part of the registration process.
In addition, OEQA is finalizing an opportunity for candidates to receive one month of Right Start at no cost. More details will be shared once arrangements are complete.
Supporting Access Without Lowering Expectations
Both the Foundations of Reading test and the Assessment of Professional Knowledge are designed to be rigorous, relevant, and aligned to best practice. At the same time, Oklahoma has taken intentional steps to:
- Reduce redundant testing
- Offer targeted financial support where allowed
- Provide optional, high-quality preparation resources
- Maintain strong alignment to evidence-based instruction
This approach reflects Oklahoma’s focus on preparing effective teachers while strengthening the teacher pipeline statewide.
What Educator Preparation Providers and Candidates Should Do Now
- Share this information with candidates and faculty
- Encourage eligible candidates to select the scholarship option when registering for the Foundations of Reading test
- Direct candidates to the FAQs and preparation resources
- Begin integrating these expectations into advising and program planning
