Oklahoma House Bill HB3758

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Teachers; prohibition on teaching without a valid certificate; providing an exception for teachers who provide virtual instruction to secondary students; effective date.

Impact

The enactment of HB3758 is poised to impact the state’s educational framework significantly, particularly in terms of addressing staffing shortages in secondary education. By allowing individuals who may possess significant experience or expertise in their subject areas but lack formal teaching certifications to teach virtually, the bill aims to broaden the pool of available educators. This may lead to more diverse teaching methods and instructional delivery options for students adapting to online learning formats.

Summary

House Bill 3758 addresses the requirements for individuals teaching in Oklahoma public schools regarding certification. Specifically, the bill amends Section 6-108 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes to allow individuals providing virtual instruction to secondary students to do so without holding a valid teaching certificate. This change aims to increase flexibility in who can provide virtual education, particularly in response to the growing demand for online education options in a post-pandemic environment.

Contention

However, the bill is likely to face scrutiny and debate surrounding the quality of education that students will receive from instructors who are not certified. Critics might argue that certification serves as a standard for teaching competencies that ensure educators have the requisite training and knowledge to effectively teach students. The lack of certification in a virtual environment could lead to varying educational outcomes and concerns about accountability in teaching standards.

Notable_points

Moreover, the implementation of HB3758 could highlight broader themes in educational reform, particularly the tension between regulatory standards for educators and the need for innovative approaches in teaching and learning. The ongoing discussions about virtual education's role in public schooling could mirror national conversations regarding educational efficacy and accessibility in the context of evolving technological landscapes.