In today’s data-rich world, transparency in education is more than a good idea, it’s the law. In Oklahoma, every school is required to display a link to its official School Report Card on its website. And not just anywhere, state law mandates that the report card must be accessible within one click from the homepage.
What Is the Oklahoma School Report Card?
Hosted at OklaSchools.com, the Oklahoma School Report Card is the state’s official dashboard for K–12 school performance. It provides an accessible overview of how schools are performing across multiple areas, including:
- Academic achievement
- Academic growth
- Chronic absenteeism
- Progress for English language learners
- Postsecondary opportunities
- High school graduation rates
Why This Matters for Schools and Communities
A school’s report card offers more than just a snapshot, it’s a vital tool for:
- Parents comparing school options
- Educators identifying strengths and setting goals
- Community members holding schools accountable
- Policy leaders shaping educational improvements across the state
The goal of the report card isn’t to reduce a school to a single letter grade, it’s to provide the public with meaningful, contextual data that informs decision-making and fosters trust.
Legal Requirements
Per Oklahoma statute §70-1210.545 and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), each school must publish its report card data in a publicly accessible way. The Oklahoma State Department of Education requires that this information be no more than one click away from a school or district homepage. Burying the link in menus or subpages isn’t enough.
How to Comply: Best Practices
- Place a clearly labeled button or link on the homepage that says something like “View Our School Report Card.”
- Link directly to your school’s page on OklaSchools.com.
- Ensure the link is visible on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Make the link ADA accessible, screen readers should clearly recognize the text and target URL.
Going Beyond Compliance
While the legal requirement is simple, link to the report card, schools can do more to help users understand it:
- Include a brief explanation of what the report card is and what it measures.
- Offer a link to the Oklahoma School Report Card Overview PDF.
- Share context: emphasize that a letter grade is just one part of a broader picture.
Rudder Digital Helps Schools Stay Compliant
At Rudder Digital, we specialize in school websites that meets Oklahoma’s legal requirements, supports accessibility, and prioritizes transparency. We help public, charter, and private schools:
- Add homepage links that meet report card requirements
- Improve ADA accessibility
- Keep content up to date and compliant year-round
Need help updating your school’s website? Contact us to ensure your site meets Oklahoma’s School Report Card requirements and more.
