Oklahoma House Bill HB4317

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Schools; directing the State Board of Education to adopt standards and guidelines for school libraries; effective date.

Impact

A key component of HB4317 is the prohibition on the State Board of Education using nationally developed library or literacy standards for their curriculum. This localizes educational content, requiring that the standards be distinctly Oklahoma-centric. Proponents argue that this approach will allow for a more relevant educational framework that speaks directly to the students and communities of Oklahoma. It reflects an effort to ensure that students are more engaged with their learning process and equipped with essential skills in information discernment.

Summary

House Bill 4317 mandates that the Oklahoma State Board of Education establishes new standards and guidelines specifically for school libraries. The legislation emphasizes the importance of information literacy and aims to enhance the educational resources available to students in public schools. Under this bill, the Board is instructed to adopt the Oklahoma Information Literacy Standards as well as the Oklahoma Library Media Standards, ensuring they are tailored to meet the unique educational needs of Oklahoma students.

Contention

The bill has faced some opposition regarding its potential implications for educational quality and resource availability. Critics express concerns that the refusal to adopt nationally recognized standards could limit access to high-quality educational materials and resources developed through broader, collective insights. There exists a fear that a localized approach may fail to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate the increasingly complex informational landscape they will encounter beyond their immediate educational environment.