SB 1360 creates a three-year pilot program (2026-2027 to 2028-2029) where Oklahoma's State Department of Education assigns math instruction teams to public school districts with the lowest student math assessment scores (starting with the bottom 10% in year one, expanding to 20% and 30% in later years). These teams provide targeted support to students struggling with math, including those with dyscalculia, and help teachers improve instruction through specialized training in evidence-based math teaching methods. The bill also requires the Department to establish an Office of Mathematics Improvement to oversee the program and submit a final report evaluating its impact on student math proficiency by December 2029. The program directly affects school districts identified by assessment data and teachers seeking updated instructional resources.
SB 1546 renames Oklahoma's teacher scholarship program to the NEXT-ED Program and increases scholarship amounts for students pursuing teaching degrees. The bill provides up to $2,000 per year for the first three years (for students with fewer than 90 credits) and up to $5,000 for the final year (for students with 90+ credits), with a total maximum of $11,000 per student. To qualify, students must commit to teaching in Oklahoma public schools for five years after graduation and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Participants who fulfill this teaching commitment may also receive up to $20,000 in total through annual employment incentive payments of up to $4,000 per year.
SB 514 expands Oklahoma's statewide alternative education system to explicitly include charter schools and virtual charter schools that are designated by the State Department of Education as offering alternative education programs. It requires school districts serving grades 7-12 to provide alternative education programs meeting specific standards (like smaller class sizes, certified teachers, and individualized plans) and allows districts to use full-time virtual or blended instruction. Designated charter and virtual charter schools must follow the same performance standards and attendance policies as district programs, while funding is based on student enrollment with 15% reserved for cooperative agreements between districts. The bill directly affects school districts, designated charter/virtual schools, and students at risk of not completing high school.
SB 1338 amends Oklahoma's Strong Readers Act by removing the existing three-year pilot program for literacy instructional teams and adding a requirement for the State Department of Education to submit biennial reports to the Governor and legislative leaders. School districts that decline literacy team support become ineligible for certain state funds under this provision. The bill mandates reports evaluating team effectiveness, tracking student reading proficiency improvements, and offering recommendations for the program. These reports must be submitted by December 31 of each odd-numbered year starting in 2026. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, with an emergency declaration.
SB 1989 expands contribution options for Oklahoma's 529 College Savings Plan by explicitly permitting digital payments through peer-to-peer apps and digital networks, in addition to cash. This change directly affects anyone contributing to the plan, including parents, students, or others saving for qualified higher education expenses. The bill updates the statute (70 O.S. 2021, Section 3970.7) to clarify that contributions may now be made via these digital methods. The amendment does not alter savings limits, tax treatment, or other program rules, focusing solely on expanding how funds can be deposited.
SB 1489 requires Oklahoma public schools and the State Department of Education to comply with federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) standards for students with disabilities aged 3-21. It mandates that school districts provide special education services as defined by IDEA and authorizes using federal funds for these services. The bill specifically requires the State Department to publish online dispute resolution options for parents, including IEP facilitation, mediation, due process, and state complaints. This bill affects all Oklahoma public school districts, students with disabilities, and their families, effective July 1, 2026.
SB 1633 removes provisions allowing undocumented students to qualify for Oklahoma resident tuition by submitting immigration status applications or affidavits. It eliminates language ensuring these students would not be disqualified from state scholarships or financial aid based on immigration status. The bill aligns Oklahoma’s higher education residency rules with Section 3242.2, which generally prohibits non-residents from receiving resident tuition benefits or state financial aid. This change directly affects students who previously relied on the removed documentation pathways to access in-state tuition rates.
SB 346 modifies Oklahoma's school employee background check rules for teachers moving between districts. It allows full-time teachers applying to new districts to skip a new criminal history check if they provide a copy of a check done within the last five years and a letter from their previous district. This letter must specifically state whether allegations of inappropriate behavior between the teacher and a student were raised or if an investigation was pending. The bill also includes similar exceptions for substitute teachers moving between positions within the same or different districts under specific conditions. The policy aims to reduce redundant background checks for educators with stable employment records.
SB 1204 requires Oklahoma school districts to provide teachers and school support personnel with three days of paid bereavement leave following the death of their spouse or child, including leave for miscarriage. This leave must be granted in addition to existing sick leave benefits and cannot be reduced by local negotiated leave policies. The bill amends Oklahoma law to mandate this policy for all affected employees, effective immediately under an emergency provision. It directly affects school employees covered under Section 6-104 of Oklahoma Statutes.
HB 2961 waives tuition and fees for spouses and children of Gold Star veterans (those killed in U.S. military service) at Oklahoma's public higher education institutions and career technology schools. It expands existing tuition waivers - previously limited to children of fallen peace officers, firefighters, and law enforcement retirees - to include Gold Star families who meet residency requirements (Oklahoma resident at death or during enrollment). The waiver covers all tuition and fees for up to five years and applies to both the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education and career technology districts. This bill modifies Sections 3218.7-1, 14-134, and 14-134.1 of Oklahoma Statutes, effective July 1, 2026.
