Schools; directing school districts to submit certain information regarding reading instruction to the State Department of Education. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
The effect of SB921 is expected to improve accountability and clarity regarding the reading programs employed in Oklahoman schools. By requiring districts to provide detailed descriptions of their curricula, including strategies used for addressing reading deficiencies, the bill seeks to provide parents and educators with a comprehensive view of the resources available for student literacy. The bill's implementation is designed to support early identification and intervention strategies, particularly for students requiring additional assistance such as those with dyslexia.
Summary
Senate Bill 921 aims to enhance transparency in reading instruction across Oklahoma school districts. The bill mandates that each school district submit specific information to the State Department of Education regarding their reading curriculum, including both core and supplemental programs. Additionally, school districts are required to post links on their websites that direct to the State Department's published data, ensuring that stakeholders can easily access information related to reading instruction and outcomes.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB921 include the concerns over the burden placed on school districts to regularly update and manage the information required by the Department. Critics argue that this could divert resources from classroom instruction and impose extra administrative responsibilities on schools. Additionally, there are worries around the preservation of student privacy regarding the publicly posted data, particularly concerning the number of students identified with significant reading deficiencies, which could potentially expose sensitive information.
Effective_date
The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, following its passage, denoting an urgent need as explained in the emergency clause included within the text. This establishes a commitment to significant changes in how reading education is approached in Oklahoma, reflecting a statewide push to bolster early literacy and educational standards.
Carry Over
Schools; directing school districts to submit certain information regarding reading instruction to the State Department of Education. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; directing school districts to submit certain information regarding reading instruction to the State Department of Education. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; directing the State Department of Education to establish an online transparency portal for review of certain school materials; effective date; emergency.
Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; directing establishment of pilot program to employ literacy instructional team. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; directing school district boards of education to adopt a policy regarding student participation in released time courses. Effective date. Emergency.