OKLAHOMA CITY – The House passed several education bills today that ban cell phones in schools, restrict virtual days, expand math supports for students, give students with disabilities access to schools that best fit their needs, and address teacher pay and retention, among others. Many of the bills now go to the governor for final consideration. The bills passed include: Senate Bill 105 – removes prior public school enrollment requirement for the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; the bill will return to the Senate for consideration of House amendments Senate Bill 139 – Requires school district boards of education to adopt a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools; the bill goes to the Governor for final consideration Senate Bill 215 – Creates the Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act; the bill returns to the Senate for further consideration Senate Bill 235 – Establishes the Grow Your Own Educator Program; the bill returns to the Senate for further consideration Senate Bill 245 – Establishes the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program and makes changes to the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program to allow more teachers to participate in the program, especially those at low-income schools; the bill now returns to the Senate for consideration of House amendments Senate Bill 758 – Restricts virtual days in schools to no more than two per school year; the bill now goes to the Governor for final consideration Senate Bill 794 – Requires certain student teaching requirements for teachers; the bill goes to the Governor for final approval Senate Bill 840 – Establishes a micro-credential for teachers who complete Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) certification or Center for Effective Reading Instruction; the bill returns to the Senate for further consideration "The House loudly said today we support education in Oklahoma. We know we need to improve academic outcomes, reward our great teachers, give parents more choices with their child's education, get students in front of quality teachers in person more and get cell phones out of schools. The bills passed today will drive improvement in our schools and let kids be kids and teachers teach," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "I'm proud of the work the Senate has done to advance meaningful education reforms, and I appreciate the House for moving swiftly on this slate of critical legislation. These bills reflect our commitment to student achievement, classroom discipline and real support for teachers—especially in schools that need it most. From boosting math proficiency to limiting distractions like cell phones and expanding access to tutoring, we're focused on solutions that give every Oklahoma student a better shot at success. I look forward to these measures going to the governor for his signature as we continue working to strengthen education across our state," said Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid and author of the legislation banning cell phones and making changes to the LNH scholarship program, said, "These bills are about raising the bar. Whether it’s boosting math skills, investing in high-impact tutoring, or ensuring every student—regardless of ability—has access to the school that meets their needs, we’re taking clear, actionable steps to improve outcomes for every child in Oklahoma.” Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore and author of the legislation restricting cell phones and adding student supports to math similar to what the state has implemented in recent years for reading, said, "Cell phones are the biggest disruptions in classrooms. With this bill, we are giving teachers the authority and support they need to keep students focused and engaged from bell to bell.” “Today’s passage of these education reforms marks a meaningful victory for Oklahoma students, parents, and teachers," said House Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton and author of the legislation improving student math supports and restricting virtual school days. "From increasing math proficiency and access for students with disabilities to ensuring focused learning environments free from cell phone distractions, we’re prioritizing academic outcomes and student success across the board.” ?“Kids learn best in the classroom,” said Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, who carried the bill through the Senate Education Committee and floor. “Virtual days have their place in emergencies, but we’ve seen them become a go-to solution in some districts — and that’s not fair to students or families. This bill strikes the right balance by preserving flexibility without compromising the quality of education.” "Oklahoma is not unique in facing a teacher shortage, and we must do all we can to pay our best teachers for the work they are doing every day. Many teachers tutor students and go above and beyond regularly without any additional pay, and this legislation would put a framework in place for districts to pay teachers more for the important work they are doing with our students," said Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin and author of bills supporting high dosage tutoring and OTEP changes.
