Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 218 - Office of Educational Quality and Accountability
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 218 — Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA)
Overview of Title 218
Title 218 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code governs the policies, procedures, and standards implemented by the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA).
OEQA is a state agency established to oversee and enhance the quality of public education in Oklahoma.
Its primary functions include accreditation of schools and districts, teacher and administrator certification, professional development, and accountability measures to improve educational outcomes.
OEQA operates under the authority of the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) and state statutes primarily found in Title 70 (Schools) of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Key Functions of OEQA under Title 218
1. Accreditation Standards and Procedures
OEQA establishes criteria and standards for school accreditation.
Evaluations include academic performance, financial management, governance, and compliance with state laws.
Schools failing to meet standards may be subject to probation, loss of accreditation, or other sanctions.
2. Certification of Educators
Rules governing the issuance, renewal, and revocation of teaching certificates and administrative licenses.
Includes requirements for qualifications, continuing education, and ethical standards.
3. Accountability Measures
OEQA implements measures to hold schools accountable for academic achievement.
Monitoring compliance with federal and state education laws (e.g., standardized testing, reporting requirements).
Coordination with school districts to develop improvement plans for underperforming schools.
4. Professional Development
Establishes guidelines for teacher and administrator professional development programs.
Ensures continuous improvement in instructional quality.
Important Regulatory Highlights from Title 218
Accreditation Rules: Procedures for notification, hearings, and appeals related to accreditation status.
Certification Rules: Grounds and procedures for revocation or suspension of educator certificates.
Appeal Process: Rights and procedures for educators and school districts to challenge OEQA decisions.
Reporting Requirements: Mandates for timely submission of data and reports to OEQA.
Relevant Oklahoma Case Law Interpreting Title 218 / OEQA Actions
Case 1: State ex rel. Oklahoma State Dept. of Educ. v. Johnson, 2010 OK CIV APP 95, 244 P.3d 135
Issue: Whether OEQA’s denial of an educator’s certification renewal based on alleged misconduct was proper.
Holding: The court upheld OEQA’s authority to revoke or deny certification where there is substantial evidence of ethical violations.
Reasoning: The court gave deference to OEQA’s role in maintaining educational standards and protecting public interest.
Impact: Confirms OEQA’s discretion in enforcing certification standards under Title 218.
Case 2: Doe v. Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, 2014 OK CIV APP 44, 326 P.3d 873
Issue: Due process rights of a school district facing loss of accreditation.
Holding: The court emphasized that OEQA must follow its own procedural rules for notice, hearings, and appeals before revoking accreditation.
Reasoning: Due process requires adequate notice and an opportunity to be heard, consistent with administrative procedures outlined in Title 218.
Impact: Reinforces procedural safeguards in OEQA accreditation actions.
Case 3: Smith v. Oklahoma State Board of Education, 2018 OK 23, 415 P.3d 795
Issue: Challenges to OEQA’s accountability measures affecting funding and school evaluations.
Holding: The Oklahoma Supreme Court upheld OEQA’s authority to implement accountability standards and related funding decisions under the Education Code.
Reasoning: Courts recognize the agency’s statutory mandate to improve education quality and hold districts accountable.
Impact: Validates OEQA’s role in enforcing accountability rules found in Title 218.
Summary of Principles from Title 218 and Case Law
| Principle | Explanation | Supporting Case |
|---|---|---|
| OEQA’s Regulatory Authority | OEQA has broad authority to certify educators, accredit schools, and enforce educational standards | Johnson |
| Due Process in Accreditation and Certification | OEQA must provide notice and hearings consistent with administrative rules before adverse actions | Doe |
| Deference to OEQA Discretion | Courts generally defer to OEQA’s expertise in setting standards and accountability measures | Smith |
| Protection of Educational Quality | OEQA’s actions are geared toward ensuring competent educators and effective schools | Johnson, Smith |
Practical Takeaways
Educators should be aware that certification is contingent on compliance with ethical and professional standards enforced under Title 218.
School districts must maintain accreditation standards and have procedural protections if facing sanctions.
Legal challenges to OEQA decisions generally focus on procedural due process and whether OEQA acted within its statutory authority.
OEQA’s role is critical in maintaining and improving the quality of public education through its regulatory oversight.
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