Oklahoma House Bill HB3659

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Schools; permitting schools to create teacher-to-student mentorship programs; effective date.

Impact

The legislation mandates that each school district develop specific guidelines and eligibility criteria tailored to their unique student and faculty characteristics. One of the notable features of this bill is its stipulation that teacher participation in these mentorship programs is entirely voluntary, thus allowing teachers to opt in without any obligation. The bill also addresses the operational aspects of the programs, including requirements for parental consent and the scheduling of regular meetings between teachers and students.

Summary

House Bill 3659 aims to establish teacher-to-student mentorship programs within schools across Oklahoma. The bill permits schools to create these programs to provide emotional, academic, and coping assistance to students facing challenges at home and in their academic environment. The primary objective of the mentorship programs is to enhance student well-being by facilitating guidance from teachers, thereby fostering a supportive school atmosphere that can positively impact student performance and mental health.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding HB 3659 could center on the voluntary nature of teacher participation and the associated compensation framework. While the bill proposes a compensation structure of $2,000 for each mentoring student, critics may argue whether this financial incentive is sufficient or if it might inadvertently pressure teachers to take on additional mentoring responsibilities. Additionally, ensuring effective guidelines and criteria that meet the diverse needs of students without overburdening teachers could also lead to debates among education stakeholders.