Oklahoma Senate Bill SB969

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Teacher certification; removing requirement to pass professional knowledge portion of certain examination. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

This bill stands to significantly impact the teacher certification landscape within Oklahoma, particularly in addressing teacher shortages. By relaxing certain examination requirements, the bill may facilitate a more straightforward path for individuals to enter the teaching profession, particularly in schools facing hiring difficulties. Although intended to improve recruitment and retention of teachers, this legislative change could raise concerns over the preparedness and qualifications of educators, as it eases traditional assessments that gauge fundamental teaching competencies.

Summary

Senate Bill 969 aims to amend several sections of the Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Act, particularly concerning the requirements for teacher certification. The bill proposes the removal of the requirement for individuals to pass the professional knowledge portion of competency examinations for certification. It introduces a framework to enhance the alternative certification process, allowing candidates to obtain a one-year alternative teacher certificate if they meet specified educational and experiential criteria. Additionally, it seeks to allow renewals for emergency and provisional certificates under certain conditions, aiming to address teacher shortages in specific subjects.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB969 may arise regarding the implications of lowering qualification standards for teachers. Opponents may argue that removing parts of the competency examination could undermine the quality of education, potentially leading to less effective teaching practices. Additionally, there may be debates over the balance between addressing immediate staffing needs and upholding rigorous standards in educator preparation, fostering ongoing discussions around educational quality and accountability in Oklahoma's schools.