State Department of Education; directing the Department to establish the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program. Effective date. Emergency.
The bill is expected to enhance educational performance by instituting a system whereby school districts can effectively intervene in the education of underperforming students. Teachers engaged in this program will receive additional compensation, encouraging high-quality instruction while addressing the academic gaps experienced by many students. By using a revolving fund to provide necessary resources, the state aims to allocate funding efficiently towards this initiative, further emphasizing their commitment to addressing educational disparities.
Senate Bill 245, also known as the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program Act, aims to improve academic outcomes for students in grades K-8 who are performing below grade level in mathematics or English language arts (ELA). The bill mandates the establishment of a structured tutoring program that provides personalized instruction for small groups of students, thereby allowing targeted intervention that can lead to significant educational gains. This program requires participation from school districts, which are tasked with assessing students and implementing tutoring sessions that are both intensive and frequent over the school year.
The sentiment expressed during discussions of SB245 appears largely supportive, with many stakeholders emphasizing the necessity of such programs in reversing trends of educational underachievement. Advocates argue this bill will provide crucial support for schools serving low-performing students, while critics may voice concerns over the adequacy of funding and the scalability of such tutoring efforts across various districts. Overall, the discourse around the bill showcases a shared recognition of the importance of tailored educational support.
As with any legislative initiative, there are points of contention particularly related to resource allocation and the establishment of tutor qualification standards. Some legislators express concern about the potential challenges school districts may face in implementing the tutoring program effectively, including the availability of trained tutors and the management of funding streams. Nonetheless, the overarching goal remains clear: ensuring that students receiving high dosage tutoring experience measurable improvements in their academic performance.