Superintendent Barresi testifies about 3R Agenda at Congressional Hearing


State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi is praising legislative progress on key reforms in her 3R Agenda as she prepares to testify today (Thursday, April 7) in the nation’s capital before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

“The state legislative session has reached the halfway mark, and this is a good time to take stock of the significant progress we’re making,” said Barresi. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to update leaders in Washington about our plans to rethink, restructure and reform Oklahoma’s system of education. The center of gravity for education reform has shifted to states like Oklahoma, and I want to provide insight into the bold action we’re taking here.”

As federal lawmakers consider reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act, Barresi has been asked to testify about the 3R Agenda  she launched in March. The 3R Agenda is a comprehensive policy platform for transforming Oklahoma’s education system. While several “3R” items are working their way through this year’s legislative session, other portions will serve as a long-term blueprint to help guide Oklahoma’s education policy over the next several years, according to Barresi’s staff. 

More information about the 3R Agenda, including a policy overview booklet, can be found at the Oklahoma State Department of Education home page, [http://www.sde.state.ok.us ]www.sde.state.ok.us

Barresi pointed to progress in the State Legislature on reform items including an annual A through F report card grading system for schools, legislation to end social promotion after the third grade and tuition tax credits  to offer parents more and better choices. 

Last week, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush came to Oklahoma to tout the Sooner State’s reform efforts.

Barresi said her testimony will highlight the 3R Agenda, and she will share insight into potential barriers to reform at the federal level. She said she will encourage members of Congress to consider ways the federal government can offer more flexibility to states.

“We’ve seen that entrenched federal guidelines can present barriers to innovative state policies,” said Barresi. “We need the federal government to work with us to allow us flexibility for innovation. I hope my testimony this week will shine a spotlight on the breakthroughs we are achieving in Oklahoma.”