Oklahoma House considers education bills, addressing teacher dismissal, charter schools, special education, and more

In light of the recent shake-up on the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE), lawmakers have introduced a bill that would grant board members the ability to add items to the board’s agenda. This proposal comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding the board's authority and the recent changes that have stirred concern about transparency and decision-making within the state's education system.

Here is a list of all the education bills discussed on Wednesday:

HB1075 - Protect Our Kids Act

This bill creates the "Protect Our Kids Act," which involves changes to the process of teacher dismissal. Recommendations for dismissal, even if the teacher resigns, would still be forwarded to the State Board of Education. It also includes provisions for expungement and supplementary information. The bill includes an emergency clause.

HB2153 - Charter Schools Enrollment Preferences

HB2153 focuses on charter schools and outlines the enrollment preferences for students. It prioritizes siblings of current students and ensures that current students have transfer preferences. It also includes an emergency clause for immediate effect.

HB1466 - Accreditation Standards

This bill allows school districts to request a hearing if they are facing deficiencies in their accreditation recommendations. It seeks to create a more transparent and fair process for districts facing accreditation issues. The bill includes an emergency clause for prompt action.

HB1937 - Student Communications Opt-Out Exception

HB1937 provides an exception to student communications regarding opt-out procedures. The specifics of the exception are not detailed in the title, but it clarifies the process under certain conditions. It also carries an emergency clause.

HB1393 - Special Education Parental Consent

This bill requires parental consent before proceeding with an Individual Education Program (IEP) for special education students. It ensures that parents have control over their child's education plans. The bill includes an emergency clause.

HB1522 - Education Open Transfer Act

The Education Open Transfer Act mandates that interdistrict transfer students remain in their new district continuously. This bill aims to stabilize student transfers across districts and ensure consistency. It also includes an emergency clause.

HB1521 - Computer Science Standards and Alternate Diplomas

This bill updates references for computer science standards in schools and permits alternate diplomas for certain students. It also includes a repealer provision. The bill contains an emergency clause for swift implementation.

HB1159 - Intra-District Transfers

HB1159 focuses on intra-district transfers and allows students more options for transferring between schools within the same district. It includes provisions for the effective date and an emergency clause.

HB2893 - Paraprofessionals and Teacher Exemptions

This bill provides exemptions for paraprofessionals and teachers, though the specifics of the exemptions are not detailed in the title. The bill includes an emergency clause for immediate effect.

HB1396 - Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act

This bill prohibits private schools from requiring parents to participate in specific activities as a condition of receiving the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit. It includes an emergency clause.

HB1982 - School Materials and Electronic Textbooks

HB1982 focuses on contracts between vendors and schools regarding electronic textbooks and instructional materials. It addresses issues such as damages and definitions. The bill includes an emergency clause.

HB1980 - Oklahoma Higher Education Fair Admissions Act

HB1980 relates to higher education and the Oklahoma Higher Education Fair Admissions Act. It addresses criminal history inquiries by the State Regents for Higher Education and includes an emergency clause.

HB1412 - School Reports and Graduation Rates

This bill allows for modifications to school reports, specifically regarding four-year and extended-year graduation rates. It excludes chronic absenteeism data and adds climate surveys. It includes an emergency clause for prompt implementation.

HB1958 - School Board Meeting Documentation

HB1958 provides an option for district boards of education to submit an affidavit instead of meeting minutes under certain circumstances. It aims to streamline administrative processes. The bill includes an emergency clause.

HB1485 - Temporary Contracts for Teachers

HB1485 allows for temporary contracts for teachers holding emergency or provisional certificates. This bill seeks to address staffing needs with greater flexibility and includes an emergency clause.

HB1491 - Revocation of Teaching Licenses

This bill pertains to the revocation and suspension of teaching licenses and certificates by the State Board of Education. It includes provisions for immediate effect and an emergency clause for swift enforcement.