HB 2125 removes a restriction that previously barred adjunct teachers from teaching special education classes in early childhood education programs. The bill authorizes adjunct teachers to instruct in special education within these programs, expanding their teaching scope. This change directly affects adjunct teachers employed in Oklahoma's early childhood education settings. The bill is currently pending in the Oklahoma legislature after passing committee amendments.
HB 2247 requires Oklahoma's State Department of Education to develop specific standards implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's (IDEA) "least restrictive environment" principle. This ensures students with disabilities are not unnecessarily excluded from regular classrooms in public schools. The bill mandates these standards be created by the Department and becomes effective November 1, 2025. It directly affects students with special needs and the State Department of Education, focusing solely on establishing procedural requirements for classroom inclusion under IDEA.
HB 1396 prohibits private schools in Oklahoma from requiring parents to participate in the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Program as a condition for enrolling their child. It requires schools to provide enrolled students using the tax credit a written tuition agreement showing the base rate, with future increases limited to the State Treasurer's annual inflation measure (based on local consumer index data) and requiring written notice at least one semester in advance. This applies only to students receiving the tax credit, not to other students. The bill aims to prevent schools from tying enrollment to tax credit participation while standardizing tuition increase notifications for tax credit users. It takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1493, the "Growing Minds, Active Kids Act," requires Oklahoma public school districts to provide at least 30 minutes of daily recess for students in prekindergarten through grade 5. This recess must occur outdoors when possible and is separate from existing physical education requirements. The bill also recommends 30 minutes of daily recess for grades 6-8 but does not mandate it, while requiring compliance with students' individualized education plans (IEPs) and exempting virtual charter schools from the rule. The law aims to support student well-being through structured playtime during the school day.
HB 1982 updates Oklahoma school contracting rules for electronic educational materials. It requires vendors to guarantee materials are ready for immediate use at delivery, provide free replacements for defects within seven days, and supply updates/support within seven days of a school's notification. The bill also mandates that electronic files for textbooks must be in formats compatible with federal accessibility standards (like Braille conversion), ensuring materials can be adapted for students with disabilities. These rules apply to digital textbooks, software, and online learning tools purchased by school districts, effective July 1, 2025.
HB 2418 creates a new pathway for career and technology education instructors by allowing the State Board of Career and Technology Education to establish rules for "adjunct teachers" with distinguished field expertise, who do not need standard teaching certification. It revises alternative teaching certification requirements, removing student teaching mandates and allowing candidates with relevant work experience or terminal degrees to qualify for provisional teaching credentials. The State Department of Education must collaborate with the Career and Technology Education Board to implement these rules, including issuing credentials for adjunct teachers. Additionally, all teacher education programs must offer alternative certification in four key areas (including math, science, and foreign language) to maintain accreditation.
HB 2702 requires Oklahoma school districts to hire special education administrators (directors and assistant directors) who hold a standard teaching certificate and obtain an "acknowledgment of competency" by July 1, 2025. This acknowledgment requires completing 150 hours of training covering Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) rules and scoring at least 70% on a competency exam. Administrators with existing Special Education Teaching Certificates under Oklahoma law (Sections 6-122.7-9) are exempt from the competency requirement. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and declares an emergency for immediate implementation.
HB 1394 amends Oklahoma's teacher certification rules to exempt graduates of Oklahoma Commission-approved teacher preparation programs from passing the competency exam for standard certification. It also allows non-native English speakers employed in foreign language immersion programs to take the exam in their native language, with restrictions limiting such teachers to those specific programs. Additionally, the bill creates an exception for teachers with advanced degrees in substantially comparable fields, allowing them to bypass certain subject-area exams. These changes directly affect teacher candidates, school districts hiring educators, and the Oklahoma Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability.
HB 2371 proposes funding pilot programs for school districts to use AI software on school-issued devices as a safety tool, without direct student surveillance. The bill requires the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the State Department of Education to fund AI programs that analyze device activity (via existing web filtering systems) to assess student safety, readiness to learn, and well-being, using data already collected for compliance. It creates a dedicated revolving fund in the state treasury to cover costs like software, equipment, and personnel for these voluntary pilot programs, which can be implemented at the district or school level. The bill would take effect November 1, 2025, if passed.
HB 1281 creates a $35,000 signing bonus program for classroom teachers and school counselors returning to Oklahoma public schools after leaving the state. To qualify, applicants must have at least three years of prior experience, not have worked in an Oklahoma public school in the past year, and agree to teach full-time for five years. The State Department of Education verifies eligibility before payment and requires annual confirmation of continued employment. If false information is found or the five-year commitment isn't met, participants must repay the bonus or a pro-rated portion. The bonus is excluded from salary calculations for retirement benefits and minimum pay schedules.
