Education (K-12 Education)

died · Oklahoma · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 4149: Strong Readers Act; references; legislative findings; declaring intent of the Legislature; reading screenings; reading deficiencies; parent notifications; State Department of Education; reading panel; alternate reading assessments; promotion to fourth grade; retaining third grade; good-cause exemptions; intensive reading instruction; intensive acceleration class; reporting requirements; teacher training requirements; eighth-grade reading level; driver license; remedial reading for driver licenses; alternative reading proficiency tests; motorcycle licenses; testing site requirements; documentation requirements; out of state test results; school enrollment, completion, or lawful excuse for minors to obtain a driver license; violations; alternate route to obtain driver license; employer fines; attendance officers; Department of Public Safety; license cancellation; definitions; exceptions; forms; effective date; emergency.

HB 4149, the Strong Readers Act, requires Oklahoma public schools to screen all kindergarten through third-grade students for reading proficiency three times yearly using state-approved tools. It prohibits the "three-cueing system" (meaning/structure/visual cues) in reading instruction and mandates evidence-based teaching methods focused on phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students who do not meet grade-level reading standards may be retained in third grade, with schools required to provide intensive reading instruction, notify parents, and establish acceleration classes for retained students. The law aims to ensure students achieve grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade through standardized assessments and targeted support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates evidence-based reading instruction and screenings for K-3, prohibits ineffective methods (three-cueing system), and requires retention for non-proficient students to improve literacy outcomes in K-12 schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Teachers

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in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 3023: Strong Readers Act; reading screenings; screening instruments; intervention plan implementation and reporting; Reading Proficiency Team; State Department of Education; benchmarks; literacy coaches; retention, tutoring, and re-screening options for first and second grade students; mandatory retention for third grade students who do not meet certain benchmarks; exceptions; tutoring and summer academy options; alternative placement teaching certificates; adjunct teachers; prohibitions; effective date; emergency.

HB 3023, the Strong Readers Act, requires annual reading screenings for all kindergarten through third-grade students in Oklahoma public schools to identify reading deficiencies. Students not meeting grade-level targets must receive tailored intervention plans within 15 days, including evidence-based instruction in phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Third-grade students who do not meet benchmarks face mandatory retention unless they qualify for exceptions or participate in tutoring or summer academies. The bill mandates approved screening tools, weekly progress reporting to the State Department of Education, and exemptions for students with disabilities, English language learners, or those using Braille/sign language.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates reading screenings, evidence-based interventions, and literacy support for K-3 students to improve literacy outcomes, directly advancing K-12 educational standards and student proficiency.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Oklahoma · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 3026: Schools; requiring school districts to set different kindergarten age requirements for international military dependents; effective date; emergency.

HB 3026 requires Oklahoma school districts to create a specific policy allowing children of U.S. allied military members stationed at Oklahoma bases (like Fort Sill or Tinker AFB) to enroll in kindergarten if they will turn age 5 during the school year, rather than needing to turn 5 by September 1. This changes the standard age cutoff for kindergarten eligibility for these military dependents. School districts must adopt this policy to accommodate families who may have moved to Oklahoma mid-year due to military assignments. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and is designated as an emergency measure.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access for military dependents by allowing kindergarten enrollment upon turning 5 during school year, removing a barrier for mobile military families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Oklahoma · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 1480: Career and technology education; directing the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to establish certain pilot program beginning in certain school year. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 1480 requires all Oklahoma technology center school districts to appoint an apprenticeship coordinator. These coordinators must build employer relationships, help students access apprenticeships, and work with schools that offer apprenticeships under the AIM Act. The bill also mandates that schools serving technology centers must collaborate with these coordinators to improve student participation in apprenticeship programs. This directly affects technology center districts, their partner schools, and high school students seeking work-based learning opportunities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires apprenticeship coordinators to expand student access to work-based learning programs, enhancing educational pathways without restricting funding or curriculum.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates apprenticeship coordinators to build employer relationships and improve student access to apprenticeships, advancing workforce development and employment opportunities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education Apprenticeships

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died · Oklahoma · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 4148: Schools; Oklahoma Kids After-School Grant Program (OKAGP); Department of Human Services; eligibility; exemptions; promulgation of rules; revolving fund; effective date.

HB 4148 creates the Oklahoma Kids After-School Grant Program (OKAGP) at the Department of Human Services to fund community-based after-school programs for K-12 students. It requires qualifying programs to use "science of reading" methods (explicit phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension instruction) and allows organizations operating five or more locations in Oklahoma to qualify for exemptions from child care licensing requirements. The bill establishes a revolving fund in the State Treasury, funded by state appropriations and donations, to award grants without annual fiscal year limits. This program directly affects community organizations running after-school services and aims to expand access to structured academic support during non-school hours. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state-funded OKAGP grant program using revolving fund to allocate public resources for K-12 after-school services, directly advancing public program funding.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates OKAGP to fund K-12 after-school programs with science of reading requirements, directly advancing educational access and program support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 3488: Schools; Student Secular Bill of Rights; stating public school student rights related to religious and secular practice on school grounds; definitions; violations; compliance; effective date; emergency.

HB 3488, the "Student Secular Bill of Rights," establishes specific rights for public school students in Oklahoma regarding religious and secular practices. It guarantees students the right to practice or refrain from religion on school grounds or at school events (if orderly), prohibits school-sponsored religious activities (including staff-led prayer, religious displays like the Ten Commandments, or required religious texts), and protects academic study of religion when conducted objectively. The bill also requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances, dietary needs, or grooming practices. It applies to all public K-12 schools, including charter schools, and defines key terms like "coerce" and "religious activity" to clarify boundaries.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationGuarantees student religious freedom, prohibits school-sponsored religious activities, protects objective academic study of religion in K-12 settings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 4156: Teachers; employment contracts; job description and duties category; prohibiting certain provisions; permitting compensated additional duties outside of contract hours; effective date; emergency.

HB 4156 requires Oklahoma public school districts to include specific, clear categories in teacher employment contracts, such as detailed job descriptions, guaranteed 30-minute duty-free lunch breaks, and itemized salary and benefit breakdowns. It prohibits contracts from containing vague phrases like "all other duties as assigned" or requiring uncompensated work outside scheduled hours, while allowing compensated additional duties outside contract time. The law directly affects K-12 teachers in Oklahoma public school districts by mandating transparency in their contracts and compensation. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to all new and renewed contracts starting with the 2026-2027 school year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProhibits vague 'all other duties' clauses, mandates clear job descriptions/salary breakdowns, guarantees duty-free lunch, and requires compensation for extra duties - directly strengthening teacher employment conditions.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates clear job descriptions, 30-min duty-free breaks, prohibits uncompensated work outside hours - strengthens teacher employment rights95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Teachers

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signed · Oklahoma · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2045: Schools; Grow Your Own Educator Program; eligible school district; funds; alternative certification pathway. Emergency.

SB 2045 requires public elementary schools serving full-day pre-kindergarten through fifth grade to provide at least 30 minutes of daily recess as a condition of state accreditation. This applies to all students in those grades, with recess allowed to be split into segments and required to occur outdoors when weather and conditions permit. The bill removes previous recommendations about recess and instead mandates it as a distinct requirement separate from the existing 60-minute weekly physical education requirement. Schools must comply by July 1, 2026, or risk losing accreditation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates daily recess as a state accreditation requirement, directly enhancing student well-being and physical activity programs in K-5 schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Teachers

in committee · Oklahoma · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SB 2016: Technology center school districts; directing the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to take certain actions in its administration of certain federal funds. Effective date.

SB 2016 directs Oklahoma's Department of Career and Technology Education to prioritize federal Perkins Act funds for expanding high-demand vocational programs (like welding, healthcare, and construction) in technology center school districts. It requires 20% of state leadership funds to support high school student enrollment through transportation, tuition waivers, and school partnerships, and creates performance incentives for districts increasing student participation. The bill mandates an annual report tracking enrollment growth, industry credentials earned, and fund distribution to the Governor and legislature. It directly affects technology center districts and Oklahoma high school students seeking vocational training pathways.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirects Perkins funds toward vocational programs and allocates state funds for student enrollment support, expanding access and funding for career education programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education K-12 Education

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passed both · Oklahoma · Senate May 28, 2025

SB 245: State Department of Education; directing the Department to establish the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 245 creates the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program for grades K-8, targeting students at least half a grade level behind in math or English language arts. The program requires in-person tutoring (3+ one-hour sessions weekly for 10-12 weeks per semester), with school districts prioritizing federally designated schools under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Tutors earn bonuses based on student progress (e.g., $1,600 per cohort per semester and $1,000 per grade-level improvement), and districts must track student growth using standardized assessments. Funding comes from a new revolving fund in the State Treasury, supported by state appropriations, federal grants, and other designated sources.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates funded tutoring program targeting student achievement gaps with tutor bonuses, directly advancing K-8 educational support through mandated in-person sessions and progress-based incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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