Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1558

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24

Caption

Schools; creating the Learn Everywhere Act to allow students extended learning opportunities. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB1558 will modify existing educational policies in Oklahoma, particularly those governing how credits toward graduation can be earned. It will require each school district and charter school to adopt a policy outlining the process for students to request credit for such experiences. The passage of this bill signifies a shift in educational policy that recognizes the value of experiential learning alongside conventional academic practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 1558, known as the Learn Everywhere Act, aims to enhance educational opportunities for students in public and charter schools by allowing them to earn credits through extended learning experiences beyond traditional classroom settings. This initiative is designed to provide students with enrichment opportunities, career readiness skills, and a way to earn credit for internships, apprenticeships, mentorships, and other out-of-classroom learning experiences that the State Board of Education or local school authorities approve. The bill defines these learning experiences broadly but emphasizes the necessity of students demonstrating competence to receive credit.

Contention

However, the bill may raise questions regarding the consistency and quality of the extended learning opportunities by which students can earn credits. Implementing a policy that allows various external entities—such as non-profits, businesses, and even military organizations—to provide educational experiences may lead to disparities in the quality of opportunities available to students across different districts. Critics might argue about the lack of standardization and oversight in how these external credits would be evaluated and accepted towards graduation, which could potentially impact the overall integrity of the educational system.