Oklahoma Senate Bill SB969

Oklahoma 2024 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

The proposed changes could make it easier for individuals to become teachers in Oklahoma, particularly in areas with teacher shortages. By allowing more flexibility in how teachers can earn their certification, SB969 may help to attract a broader range of candidates to teaching roles. However, concerns have been raised about the potential trade-off between increasing the pool of teachers and ensuring that they possess a comprehensive understanding of professional educational practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 969 aims to amend the Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Act by removing certain requirements related to the professional knowledge component of teacher certification examinations. The bill seeks to streamline the process by allowing candidates to obtain alternative teacher certificates while maintaining a focus on competency. It specifically removes the requirement to pass the professional knowledge portion of the competency examination for certification, which has been a point of contention among educators and policymakers.

Contention

Critics of SB969 argue that eliminating the professional knowledge examination could lead to a decline in the quality of education. They emphasize the importance of having well-prepared teachers who not only understand their subject matter but also possess the pedagogical skills necessary to effectively educate students. Supporters of the bill, however, assert that the current examination requirements are barriers that prevent otherwise qualified individuals from entering the teaching profession, particularly in high-need areas.