Oklahoma House Bill HB3657

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Students; permitting student apprenticeship, internship, and mentorship programs to occur during nontraditional school hours; effective date.

Impact

The implications of HB 3657 on state education laws are significant, as it broadens the definition of what constitutes a school day and allows for alternative means of fulfilling educational requirements. The bill permits programs to be either paid or unpaid, leading to a more diverse landscape of work-based learning that meets different student needs. By aligning apprenticeship and internship opportunities with school requirements, it opens avenues for students to gain practical experience while still participating in their educational journey.

Summary

House Bill 3657 focuses on enhancing student engagement through the facilitation of apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships by allowing these programs to occur during nontraditional school hours. This bill amends existing laws to recognize student absences for participation in educational activities directed by faculty, effectively allowing students to be counted as present in school even when engaged in external learning experiences. This flexibility is intended to accommodate students' diverse learning opportunities and career readiness initiatives.

Contention

Despite its benefits, there are notable points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue about potential disparities in access to these programs between different economic demographics, particularly if unpaid internships become a common route for career advancement. Concerns may also arise regarding the quality of mentorship and the oversight of such programs and whether they adequately prepare students for post-graduation paths. Stakeholders may call for comprehensive guidelines to ensure equitable access and adequate protections for students participating in these nontraditional educational experiences.