Whether learning in the classroom or at home the rest of this school year, students won’t have to worry about standardized testing.

The U.S. Department of Education last Friday night approved waivers requested by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to suspend assessments and Oklahoma School Report Cards for the 2019-20 school year.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister requested the waivers to help schools navigate the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

When asked last week, administrators from several area schools were in favor of the waiver.

“We appreciate Superintendent Hofmeister’s efforts in the entire process of dealing with COVID-19 and would appreciate the waiver if it is approved,” Okarche Superintendent Rob Friesen said.

“I think it’s the right thing to do,” added Kingfisher Superintendent Jason Sternberger. “This break will just cause everyone’s stress level to go up even more if we have to return and immediately begin preparing for the assessments.”

Bart Watkins of Crescent, Steve Shiever of Lomega and Max Thomas of Dover all had similar responses.

At Hofmeister’s request, the State Board of Education on March 16 closed public schools until April 6 to help reduce community spread of COVID-19.

“Our schools have the unprecedented challenge this school year of educating students while absolutely guarding their health and well being, as well as that of our educators and communities,” said Hofmeister.

“These waivers provide some measure of stability and flexibility for our schools to move forward during this period of uncertainty.”

The waivers mean Oklahoma schools will not administer academic assessments in English language arts, mathematics and science for grades 3-8 or to high school juniors.

Similarly, the OSDE will not issue Oklahoma School Report Cards, the state’s accountability system that factors in assessments and other indicators.

The state Board of Education will hold a special meeting Wednesday, March 25, to determine whether to extend the school closure, among other pressing board actions.

It was at that meeting Hofmeister planned to propose a Continuous Learning Plan to complete school without reopening school buildings.