OKLAHOMA CITY - A measure focused on supporting early literacy by addressing class size in early grades passed unanimously out of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education and now heads to the Appropriations and Budget Committee.

House Bill 3019, authored by Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, would align with the Legislature’s continued emphasis on improving reading outcomes for young students by ensuring teachers have manageable class sizes to provide timely interventions.

"As the Legislature continues to prioritize early literacy and reading outcomes, we have to look at class size as part of that conversation," Hays said. "If we want students reading at grade level, teachers must have the individual time and capacity to identify challenges early. We have amazing teachers in this State, and we need to provide those interventions that will make a lasting difference."

HB3019 addresses class-size considerations in the early grades, where foundational reading skills are developed. By focusing on classroom capacity, the measure aims to give teachers the support they need to work more closely with students during critical learning years.

Hays said early intervention is integral to long-term academic success and that classroom structure plays an important role in those efforts.

"We are very serious about early literacy in Oklahoma, and that commitment has to include ensuring class sizes are manageable for both teachers and students," he said. "When classrooms are structured in a way that allows teachers to give individual attention, those early interventions become more effective and more achievable."

If the Legislature approves House Bill 3019, the bill would become effective immediately upon being signed into law.