Schools; requiring adoption of student attendance policy for students completing instructional activities; effective date.
Impact
The implications of this bill are significant in the context of state education laws. By mandating updates to attendance policies, it aims to provide flexibility for students, especially those who may face challenges in attending school in person. The legislation directs the withdrawal of students for truancy if they fail to complete instructional activities within a specified timeframe, which reveals a focus on maintaining academic engagement even in non-traditional settings. This could potentially lead to heightened accountability among students and parents regarding school attendance.
Summary
House Bill 1761 introduces amendments to the existing legislation regarding student attendance in Oklahoma schools. The bill requires each school district's board of education to adopt an attendance policy that accommodates students completing instructional activities without being physically present in the classroom beginning from the 2023-2024 school year. It specifies that attendance will be counted based on a student's participation in various instructional activities, which now include virtual meetings, graded assignments, testing, and sanctioned field trips.
Contention
However, the bill may face resistance from various stakeholders who believe that the enforcement mechanisms regarding truancy could disproportionately affect underserved communities. Critics may argue that the strict measures concerning attendance and truancy could penalize students for circumstances beyond their control, particularly during emergencies or health crises. Thus, the balance between ensuring educational engagement and accommodating individual needs remains a critical discussion point as the bill moves through the legislative process.
Schools; directing responsibility for content of all instructional materials; requiring adoption of policy for objections to use of specific materials. Effective date. Emergency.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.
Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.
Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools; providing penalties.