Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1133

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Schools; directing teachers and other school staff to have authority for control and discipline of students. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

This legislation aims to alter the existing framework governing student behavior in schools by explicitly detailing the actions that teachers and instructional staff could take to address classroom management issues. By permitting teachers to directly intervene and remove students exhibiting disobedience or disruptive behaviors, the bill seeks to create a more conducive learning environment. It also requires the establishment of a placement review committee in each school district to evaluate student placements following such removals, which is intended to safeguard teachers' authority while providing oversight.

Summary

Senate Bill 1133, introduced by Senator Taylor, focuses on empowering teachers and school staff with authority regarding the control and discipline of students within educational environments. The bill mandates that teachers be granted specific powers to establish classroom rules, implement behavioral consequences, remove disruptive students, and ensure overall student safety. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining effective educational settings where all students can learn without disruptions from their peers.

Contention

While supporters view SB1133 as a necessary step towards enhancing discipline in schools, enabling teachers to maintain order and control, critics argue that it could lead to increased removals of students, thus disproportionately affecting certain demographic groups. There are concerns that the criteria for removal and the subsequent handling of disciplined students could reinforce inequities in treatment, particularly for those needing additional support. Additionally, questions may arise regarding the effectiveness of the placement review committee and how it might function in practice to balance accountability for both teachers and students.