OEQA briefs lawmakers on Teach Forward grants, test-translation limits and priority of certified teachers in classrooms
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Summary
OEQA Director Riley told the subcommittee that OEQA will prioritize placing a certified teacher in every classroom and reported receiving three Teach Forward applications; staff said translating certification tests into other languages is a cost and validity issue and is not planned.
Director Riley of the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability told the Senate Education Subcommittee on Appropriations that OEQA will focus FY27 work on teacher pipelines, dashboard expansion and accreditation review while keeping a small core staff.
Riley described OEQA priorities including implementing Teach Forward pilot programs, expanding the OEIP dashboard, enhancing accreditation program review and continuing statutory reviews. He said OEQA receives no federal funds and that the FY26 appropriation of $3.5 million reflects time-limited legislative directives tied to recent bills.
Michelle Seibel, who spoke for OEQA on Teach Forward implementation, said the agency met with educator preparation programs, conducted sessions at the OACTE conference to answer questions, closed the EPP application period and received three applications. "We received 3 excellent applications," she said. Seibel added OEQA has contacted the Walton Foundation to request funding for technical assistance but will use OEQA carryover funds if needed.
On the question of translating certification tests into other languages, Seibel told the committee that it is primarily a cost issue and could hurt reliability and validity due to insufficient volume of candidates who would need translated tests. "It is a cost issue," she said, adding that the agency does not plan wide translation of certification tests because of those concerns.
A committee member raised broader concerns about teacher preparation program quality, arguing many new teachers are not ready for classrooms in 2026 and urging OEQA to act as a bridge between K–12 needs and higher-education preparation. Riley acknowledged the point and noted coordination with the Secretary of Education, Secretary Hamlin, on a planned quality audit of teacher-preparation programs.
OEQA concluded by saying it will be responsive to follow-up questions from committee members. The subcommittee adjourned without a vote on OEQA’s budget at this meeting.
