Any Oklahoma public school district serving middle and/or high school students is eligible to apply if it has a board-adopted policy prohibiting student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices from bell to bell during the school day, and commits to maintaining that policy for three consecutive school years starting in 2025–2026.
FAQs
Cellphone-Free Schools Grant
No. Virtual schools are not eligible for this grant.
Yes. Charter schools are public schools.
Districts may receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the per-student cost, with a maximum reimbursement of $20 per student and a maximum total award of $50,000 per district.
Grant funds may be used to purchase secure storage equipment for middle and high school students, including:
- Security pouches (i.e. Yondr)
- Lockers or secured storage cabinets
- Other lockable solutions that meet the intent of the policy
Yes. While the districts are free to choose whichever provider they wish, OEQA has negotiated a statewide discounted rate for all Oklahoma school districts of $25.50/Yondr pouch. For more information review this info sheet and/or contact Yondr's Oklahoma Team.
Yes. Haskell Education (SW0070) provides 15-door, 25-door and 36-door cell phone lockers. Here's a link to access those products. For additional info about their offerings or to request a quote, contact Tim Kerfien at 616-278-1010 or via email at tkerfien@haskelloffice.com
No. The program only supports new equipment purchases made after grant approval. Previously purchased items are not eligible for reimbursement.
No. The grant only covers equipment purchases. Installation, training, and related services must be covered by the district.
The application can be found at Cellphone Free Grant Application.
Applications open at 9:00 am CDT on July 1, 2025.
Grants will be reviewed on a first-come, first-reviewed basis, starting July 1. OEQA reserves the right to consider application quality, district characteristics, and demonstrated need in final award determinations.
Award notifications will begin the week of July 14, 2025, and will continue until funds are exhausted.
Approved districts will receive funds via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) within a few business days of award acceptance.
Districts must submit:
- A copy of the board-adopted cellphone-free policy
- Enrollment counts for middle and high school students (October 1, 2024)
- Vendor and product details
- Cost estimates
- District Vendor ID for disbursement
All equipment purchased with grant funds must be in use during the 2025–2026 school year.
By November 1st, 2025, districts must submit a short report including:
- How funds were used
- Quantity and type of equipment purchased
- Number of students served
- Proof of purchase (receipt or invoice)
- Implementation observations (e.g., successes and challenges)
Yes. As a condition of funding, districts agree to participate in research conducted by OEQA. This may include surveys, interviews, or other data collection efforts aimed at understanding the impact of cellphone-free policies on student behavior, academic outcomes, and school culture. The insights gathered will help inform future policy and program development.
Your district needs to assign a Local Project Code between 000-298 and use SOR 3190.
Please contact info@oeqa.ok.gov with any questions or technical issues.
Cut Scores
Cut scores are the minimum scores needed to reach each performance level on a state assessment—such as Basic, Proficient, or Advanced. These levels help translate a student's raw test score into a meaningful indicator of how well they understand grade-level expectations.
For example, if a 5th grade math test has a cut score of 300 for the Proficient level, that means students who score 300 or higher are considered to have met grade-level expectations. Students scoring below that threshold may still be developing key skills and could benefit from additional support.
Cut scores matter because they define the threshold for whether a student is considered on track for college and career readiness. Setting cut scores is a policy decision that reflects the level of performance the state believes students should reach to succeed after high school. When aligned to national benchmarks, cut scores help ensure that Oklahoma students are being held to the same high expectations as their peers across the country.
The 2025 cut scores reflect a return to Oklahoma’s long-standing commitment to academic rigor and national alignment. CEQA made the adjustment based on three key goals:
- to align Oklahoma’s ELA and Math assessment scores with the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP),
- to close the "honesty gap" created by the 2024 cut scores, which made scores appear higher without reflecting true readiness, and
- to ensure that students identified as Proficient are genuinely on track for success in college and career.
This shift helps restore meaningful, trustworthy information for families and educators—so they can better understand student progress, provide support where it’s needed, and ensure every Oklahoma student is prepared for a competitive future.
The "honesty gap" refers to the difference between the percentage of students identified as Proficient on a state assessment and the percentage identified as Proficient on a national benchmark, such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). When state assessments show significantly higher proficiency rates than national assessments, it can give families and educators an inflated picture of how well students are performing.
Oklahoma has worked to close this gap by aligning its assessments and expectations with national standards. In 2017, the state set a clear policy goal to ensure its academic content standards and assessments were aligned with measures like NAEP, ACT, and SAT. That effort significantly narrowed the honesty gap. However, in 2024, the cut scores set through a new standard-setting process were no longer aligned to national benchmarks—causing the honesty gap to widen again.
As shown in the graph below, the 2015 gap between the OSTP and NAEP proficiency rates was large. The 2017 reset closed that gap, but the 2024 scores again show a sharp divergence. CEQA’s 2025 decision to restore cut scores aligned with college and career readiness is aimed at re-closing this gap to provide honest, nationally consistent feedback to families, educators, and policymakers.
One of the most common ways to evaluate the results of statewide assessments is to compare student performance (e.g., proficiency rates) to historical student performance. While this provides a picture of how students are changing in their level of achievement within the state, it does not provide the context for how Oklahoma students are doing in relation to other students regionally or nationally. Another option is to compare the performance of Oklahoma students to students in surrounding states based on their statewide assessment results. However, each of these assessment systems may be built to different content standards, report results using different performance levels, or represent a different philosophy about expectations for student achievement.
Therefore, Oklahoma chooses to compare the performance of their students on the statewide assessment to the performance of their students on national assessments such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) at grades 4 and 8 and college readiness measures such as the ACT and SAT. Collectively, these assessment programs provide results at the state and national levels that allow Oklahoma to evaluate how competitive their students are compared to peers across the country, provide consistency in postsecondary expectations, and focus on the goal of students being college and career ready.
According to a recent report1, in 2031 60% of jobs in Oklahoma will require more than a high school diploma. This is up from 46% in 20152. Given this sharp trend, Oklahoma education leaders want to ensure that Oklahoma students are prepared to pursue education and training beyond the high school level by creating academic content standards (e.g., what students are expected to know and be able to do) and setting performance standards (e.g., the extent to which students are able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills) that are aligned with the requirements of today's (and tomorrow’s) careers.
1 Anthony P. Carnevale, Nicole Smith, Martin Van Der Werf, and Michael C. Quinn. After Everything: Projections of Jobs, Education, and Training Requirements through 2031. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2023. cew.georgetown.edu/Projections2031.
2 Giving Oklahoma Students a Competitive Edge: FAQs for Legislators, Test Results 2017. Oklahoma Edge.
The cut scores applied to the 2023 statewide assessments represent the most recent application of College and Career Preparation-aligned expectations that are consistent with Oklahoma’s policy goals. These expectations represent Oklahoma’s goal to have nationally benchmarked performance standards across grades and subject areas that ensure that Oklahoma students are prepared to pursue education and training beyond high school. By applying these cut scores to the 2025 assessments, CEQA is striving for policy continuity to help students, teachers, parents, administrators, and policy makers understand educational progress in line with national benchmarks and Oklahoma’s policy goals.
When communicating with families about the 2025 results, it is important to emphasize that scores reflect a return to nationally aligned expectations—not a decline in student learning or school effectiveness. The 2024 performance level results were an outlier, developed through a process that did not incorporate national comparisons. As a result, more students appeared “Proficient” or higher even though those scores did not align with college and career readiness standards. In contrast, the 2025 results are based on the restored cut scores that are aligned with national expectations.
These changes are part of a broader effort to better prepare students for the future. These cut scores provide grade-level feedback about how student achievement compares to national expectations so that schools and families can provide students with the support and opportunities needed to achieve their goals.
It is important to share with students and families that the 2025 results should not be directly compared to the 2024 results as a lower performance level may not indicate a decrease in student performance. Rather, these changes were necessary to ensure a more accurate measure of where students are performing against rising expectations in the national job market. These changes are meant to help all Oklahoma students compete and succeed in a world that demands more than ever before.
No. A change in the cut scores does not impact how students scored on the assessments; only how their performance level was evaluated. The expectations for performance were restored to the previous levels that better reflect college and career readiness. A student who was identified as Proficient in 2024 may be in a lower performance level in 2025—not due to academic decline, but because of a return to expectations that are aligned with national standards. Restoring rigorous cut scores helps identify students who need support and provides a more realistic view of achievement and progress.
The new cut scores will provide transparent information about whether our students are ready for and able to compete for high-skill, high-demand jobs. Too often, our students’ career goals do not match their skill sets. By changing what we expect of students throughout their education journey, we can close this gap. This change will also reduce the financial burden on families paying for non-credit bearing, remedial courses.
For questions regarding score report release timelines, please contact The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).
There are two potential approaches to evaluate student growth across the years with differing cut scores:
- Compare scores from 2023 to 2025.
This is a simple and straightforward approach that avoids inconsistencies from 2024 and is often called “skip-year growth.” Because the same cut scores were used in both 2023 and 2025, scores can be directly compared. However, this method leaves out 2024 and does not include growth that may have occurred during that year in the analysis. - Use the OSTP concordance tables developed by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to translate (or “concord”) 2024 scores to the 2023 scale, making it possible to evaluate progress using a consistent standard across all three years. This has the effect of being able to use the 2024 scores as if the 2023 cut scores were applied.
Each table includes a “New” column (2024 cut scores) and a corresponding “Prior” column (2023 cut scores).
To convert a 2024 score:
- Locate the 2024 score in the “New” column.
- The corresponding value in the Prior column is the score you should use to measure growth on the 2023 scale.
Note: The concordance tables are grade- and subject-specific. You’ll need to use the correct table for each subject and grade level when analyzing growth.
Example – ELA Grade 3:
A student scores:
- 298 in 2023
- 314 in 2024. This corresponds to 299 on the 2023 scale according to the concordance tables, and thus 299 is the score you should use for comparison.
- 302 in 2025
Even though the 2024 score appears much higher; after converting it using the concordance table, you can see more modest, but consistent growth from 298 → 299 → 302 on a common performance standard.
The current cut scores for Math and English Language Arts (ELA) are available in the Performance Level Lookup Table on the Oklahoma State Cognia help site. These scores apply to Spring 2025 and are the same as those used in Spring 2023.
- Link to current cut scores (2023 and 2025): OSTP/CCRA Performance Level Cuts for PLS (w/USH), 2023
- For Spring 2024 results only, a different set of cut scores was used: OSTP and CCRA Performance Level Cut Points, SY2024
Educator Preparation
- An Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) specific to your certification area.
- A pedagogical assessment, which may be either:
- The Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK)
- The Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT)
For more information, visit the following websites or contact the assessment providers:
- OSAT: www.ceoe.nesinc.com | (866) 565-4893
- APK: www.nestest.com/tests | (800) 778-5315
- PPAT: www.ets.org/ppat | (800) 772-9476
The Teacher Certification Office at the Oklahoma State Department of Education processes fingerprints, certification fees and required documents.
For questions about teacher certification, fingerprinting, transcripts, proof of teaching experience, or certification fees, contact a Certification Specialist with the following options:
- Phone: (405) 521-3337
- Email: TeacherCertification@sde.ok.gov
- Website: https://oklahoma.gov/education/services/teacher-certification.html
The Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK) assessment measures pedagogical knowledge across all grade levels, from elementary to secondary, and in all disciplines.
Key features include:
- Modern Evidence-Based Practices: Aligns with CAEP/InTASC standards and promote strengths-based pedagogy.
- Accessible: Developed in alignment with fairness standards, with alternative arrangements for candidates with unique needs.
- Comprehensive Format: Includes 100 multiple-choice questions and two constructed-response items (one case study, one work product).
For more information, please call (866) 565-4893 or visit:
While both assessments evaluate pedagogical knowledge, the APK is a multiple-choice and scenario-based assessment format designed to measure foundational teaching competencies, rather than a performance-based portfolio submission like the PPAT.
| Feature | PPAT | APK |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Portfolio-based | Multiple-choice & scenario-based |
| Timeframe | Completed over several months | Single assessment session |
| Submission | Requires multiple tasks with artifacts | No submission of lesson plans or videos |
| Scoring | Evaluated holistically over multiple submissions | Scored per assessment session |
June 3, 2025
You may register online at www.ceoe.nesinc.com, or by calling (866) 565-4893 starting June 3, 2025.
$145
The APK is scored on a scale of 100-300:
The assessment consists of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that evaluate teaching skills.
A raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score to ensure fairness across different assessment versions.
The APK is scored per assessment session, meaning candidates receive a single overall score after each attempt.
A score of 220 or higher is required to pass the APK.
Please visit www.ceoe.nesinc.com or call (866) 565-4893 starting June 3, 2025.
Score reports are released within four weeks of taking the assessment.
The certification assessment requirements for alternative and emergency certification candidates are the same as traditional candidates.
No. If you passed the PPAT, you do not need to take the APK. Your passing score remains valid for certification.
No. APK is a completely different assessment format. Unlike PPAT, it does not require submission of teaching artifacts or video recordings.
The APK will be a standalone requirement, similar to the PPAT, and will not replace the OSAT, which assesses subject-area knowledge. Candidates will have to take both the OSAT(s) as required for their subject area in addition to the APK.
Candidates can retake the APK after waiting 30 days between attempts. Additional assessment fees apply for each retake.
More information can be found by visiting www.ets.org/ppat or by calling (800) 772-9476
You may schedule the PPAT by visiting www.ets.org/ppat or by calling (800) 772-9476.
$300
Please visit this site for the latest requirements.
Please visit the ETS site or call (855) 628-5088 for more information.
Yes, please check the retake policies listed on the ETS website.
A score of 38 or higher is required to pass.
Please visit www.ets.org/ppat/test-takers/scores/get-send-scores.html or call (800) 772-9476
More information can be found by visiting www.ceoe.nesinc.com or by calling (866) 565-4893.
Please visit www.ceoe.nesinc.com for OSAT study guides and preparation materials.
Right Start is an asynchronous interactive learning course designed to help candidates prepare for teacher certification assessments. Right Start courses for the National Evaluation Series program are aligned to national standards, which may be similar and relevant to candidates taking the CEOE.
You may register at www.ceoe.nesinc.com or by calling (866) 565-4893
OSAT assessment fee: Vary from $65-155 depending on the certification area with most assessments being $118
Candidates may select one of these options:
CEOE
- In-Person: Assessment centers across Oklahoma.
- Online Proctoring: Some assessments allow remote proctoring at home, school, or another location. Check availability for your specific assessment.
Please review the following policies for the latest requirements.
For OSAT, total assessment scores are reported as scaled scores using a range from 100 to 300, with 240 as the minimum passing scaled score.
- Official score reports can be obtained from the assessment company.
- Unofficial OSAT score reports can be accessed at the OEQA Teacher Certification Assessment Results at https://www.ok.gov/oeqa/scores/app/ or by contacting info@oeqa.ok.gov.
Score reports vary based on subject area. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the Score Reports Dates.
Candidates who select the email notification option during registration may receive an email from the testing company on the day their scores are reported. Scores will be available in their account starting at 10:00 p.m. CST on the designated score report date for their assessment. Score reports remain available in the account for two years.
Yes, please check the retake policies listed on the CEOE website.
Please review Requesting Alternative Assessment Arrangements or call (866) 565-4893 for more information.
For information on out-of-state assessment comparability, please review our Out-of-State Assessment information.
Candidates may not use personal calculators on assessments. However, on-screen calculators are automatically provided for assessments that allow them.
Yes. The Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability (CEQA) approved the ORT as an educator competency assessment for teacher candidates who take the test on or before June 30, 2026, pursuant to the Strong Readers Act (70 O.S. § 1210.508F).
If a teacher candidate takes and passes the ORT by June 30, 2026, they will be considered as having met the reading assessment requirement—even if they graduate after that date. They will not be required to take an additional reading test.
Yes. The Foundations of Reading (FOR) exam remains an approved option. Teacher candidates can choose to take either the ORT (by June 30, 2026) or the FOR (Starting June 3, 2025 ) to meet the reading assessment requirement.
No. If you passed the ORT on or before June 30, 2026, you do not need to retake a different exam. You have fulfilled the reading assessment requirement.
If you plan to take the reading exam before June 30, 2026, you may take either the ORT or the FOR. If you plan to test after July 1, 2026, the FOR will be the required exam.
The transition to the Foundations of Reading exam is intended to strengthen alignment with evidence-based reading instruction. However, CEQA’s decision to allow both exams until June 30, 2026 ensures that current candidates do not face challenges or barriers due to changes in assessment policy.
No. ORT scores will be validated with OEQA through your EPP, and FOR scores are reported directly to OEQA. You do not need to submit scores yourself.
Please contact OEQA at info@oeqa.ok.gov or visit our website www.oeqa.ok.gov for additional information and updates.
Educational Testing Service (ETS), the provider of the PPAT, has decided to discontinue the assessment. As a result, Oklahoma must select a new pedagogical assessment.
The PPAT will be discontinued in December 2025. The Spring 2025 administration will be the last full offering of the assessment as the Fall 2025 administration will be limited to retakes and score corrections.
The certification assessment requirements for alternative and emergency certification candidates are the same as traditional candidates.
This change only affects candidates currently in the certification process or those seeking certification. Teachers who are already certified will not experience any impact on their credentials.
Teacher candidates on a 3-year pathway who are employed may apply for a one-year extension during their third year if they need additional time to complete certification requirements. Those seeking employment may also apply for this extension. Applications for the one-year extension should be submitted through the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).
Candidates who have certifications expiring in June 2025 who do not pass the PPAT by Spring 2025 should work with OSDE to obtain an extension. They may then retake the PPAT components as necessary in Fall 2025.
Candidates who do not pass the PPAT will have until December 2025 to retake it. Alternatively, the candidate may take the APK. To learn more, see the APK section in the 'Certification Assessment' FAQ above.
National Board Certification
National Board Certification is a highly respected professional certification. It was created by teachers, for teachers, and allows educators to demonstrate their skills and teaching effectiveness through a rigorous process. The certification is designed to improve student learning and recognize accomplished teachers across the nation.
Pursuing NBCT allows you to deepen your professional knowledge, improve student outcomes, and enhance your leadership opportunities. It may also come with financial benefits, as some districts offer bonuses or salary incentives for certified teachers. Additionally, Oklahoma provides scholarships and stipends to support teachers in obtaining certification.
National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced certification that goes beyond state licensure. It focuses on meeting rigorous national standards for accomplished teaching and requires candidates to demonstrate their impact on student learning. State licensure ensures that teachers meet basic requirements, while National Board Certification is a recognition of mastery in teaching.
NBCTs are often viewed as leaders in their schools and districts. Certification opens up opportunities for roles in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and other advanced positions. Many NBCTs report increased confidence, professional fulfillment, and recognition for their teaching excellence.
National Board Certification has four main components:
- Component 1: Content Knowledge – an assessment of your subject knowledge.
- Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction – a portfolio demonstrating how you meet student needs.
- Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment – a video recording and analysis of your classroom practice.
- Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner – evidence of your ability to assess student learning and contribute to your school community.
Each component is designed to showcase your skills and impact as a teacher.
Yes, the National Board Certification process is flexible, allowing you to choose the order in which you complete the four components. You can focus on one or two components at a time, depending on your schedule and goals. OEQA mentors can help you plan the best order for completing the components based on your strengths and timeline.
Candidates must submit all four components within the first three years of their candidacy. The National Board allows up to five years to complete the full certification process, which includes time for retakes and meeting all eligibility and score requirements.
Once certified, you will join an elite group of accomplished teachers. In addition to potential financial incentives, you may have opportunities to take on leadership roles in your school or district, mentor other teachers, or contribute to curriculum development. National Board Certification is valid for five years, after which you can maintain your certification through the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process.
National Board Certification is valid for five years. After this period, you will need to complete the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process to renew your certification. This process is shorter and more streamlined than the initial certification and ensures that you continue to meet the high standards set by the National Board.
The Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process is required every five years to maintain your National Board Certification. The MOC is less intensive than the initial certification and focuses on your continued professional growth and impact on student learning. Completing the MOC ensures you stay up to date with best practices in education.
Yes, some districts in Oklahoma offer additional pay for teachers who achieve National Board Certification. These financial incentives vary by district, so we recommend confirming specific policies with your school district's HR or administration office to understand the benefits available to you.
OEQA offers an $1,800 scholarship to support Oklahoma teachers pursuing National Board Certification, with funds applied directly to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to cover component fees.
To qualify for the scholarship, you must be a full-time classroom teacher in an accredited Oklahoma school.
The application process involves submitting an online application through the OEQA Website. Once accepted, you'll register with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and begin the certification process.
Yes, if you have already begun the NBCT process but have not completed all components, you may still apply for the Education Leadership Oklahoma (ELO) Scholarship. Contact OEQA to see how the scholarship can support you in completing your certification.
OEQA provides funding for up to two retakes, pending the availability of funds. If you do not pass a component on your first attempt, you can use this support to reattempt the component and continue working toward certification.
The process is designed to be flexible. Most candidates complete the certification process within 1 to 3 years. Candidates must submit all four components within the first three years of their candidacy. The National Board allows up to five years to complete the full certification process, which includes time for retakes and meeting all eligibility and score requirements.
The time commitment for National Board Certification can vary, but on average, teachers spend between 200 to 400 hours completing all four components. Typically, candidates report spending 50-100 hours per component. Balancing certification with your teaching duties requires careful time management, but OEQA’s mentorship and support programs can help you stay organized and on track throughout the process.
Yes! OEQA provides a comprehensive mentorship program for candidates throughout the NBCT process. Experienced NBCTs serve as mentors to guide you through certification requirements, offer advice on the portfolio process, and provide moral support.
The OEQA mentorship program includes:
- Guidance from a certified NBCT who understands the certification process and can help you navigate each step.
- Workshops and informational sessions focused on specific components of certification, including portfolio preparation and content assessments.
- Peer support networks where you can connect with other candidates going through the certification process.
- Regular check-ins and feedback to help you stay on track with deadlines and progress.
Yes, the OEQA mentorship program includes breakout sessions tailored to your specific subject area. These sessions connect you with experienced NBCTs from your content area who can offer targeted guidance on subject-specific standards, portfolio requirements, and assessments.
Once you are accepted into the Education Leadership Oklahoma (ELO) Scholarship program and registered for the National Board Certification process, you will receive further information on the mentorship program. You’ll also receive invitations to peer support networks and the National Board Summit in June.
Yes, participation in the OEQA mentorship program is fully optional. While mentorship can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the certification process, you are not required to take part. You can choose the level of involvement that fits your needs and preferences.
The National Board Certification process allows you to retake specific components if necessary. You can retake components and continue working toward certification until you succeed.
The National Board Certification process includes detailed rubrics and guidelines to help candidates succeed. OEQA mentors are experienced in helping teachers prepare for the content assessments and develop their portfolio entries. Workshops and peer support sessions can also help build your confidence and skills.
NBCT is ideal for teachers who are passionate about improving their teaching practice, committed to professional growth, and interested in deepening their impact on student learning. If you are willing to engage in reflection and continuous learning, and you want to be recognized for your excellence in the classroom, NBCT is likely a good fit.
For more information, please visit the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards' website or reach out to OEQA at info@oeqa.ok.gov for additional support.
Please note that these FAQs may be subject to change as more information becomes available.
Last Modified on
Aug 07, 2025
