Schools; prohibiting public schools from using certain funds to promote concepts of social emotional learning. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
If enacted, SB1442 will amend several existing statutes regarding educational instruction by removing references to social emotional learning and updating the statutory language to reflect these changes. Furthermore, the bill includes procedural guidelines for reporting violations to district attorneys, establishing financial penalties for non-compliance equating to a five percent deduction from the State Aid allocation for the involved schools. This creates a potential avenue for parental oversight, empowering guardians to report what they perceive as infractions concerning the bill’s provisions.
Summary
Senate Bill 1442 seeks to prohibit public schools, including charter and virtual institutions, from utilizing federal, state, or private funds to promote or engage in social emotional learning (SEL) within their curricula. This bill specifies that no related topics or programs associated with SEL should be included in training or educational resources used by teachers and school administrators, which could significantly alter how social-emotional topics are addressed in the educational environment. The prohibition extends to all staff working within these educational institutions, ensuring that SEL concepts are barred from the classroom entirely.
Contention
The implications of SB1442 have prompted significant debate. Proponents argue that the bill is essential in preserving academic integrity and ensuring public funds are not used for initiatives they view as controversial or ideological. They assert that social emotional learning programs are often linked to broader concepts of equity and inclusion, which they believe should not be mandated by state or federal funding in public education. In contrast, opponents warn that this legislation could undermine critical components of childhood education by restricting teachers’ ability to address essential emotional and social development topics. Critics argue that eliminating SEL not only curtails necessary conversation regarding student wellbeing but may also contribute to a less inclusive educational environment.
Schools; prohibiting certain districts and charter schools from using certain programs of instruction; providing penalty for violation. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; prohibiting certain districts and charter schools from using certain programs of instruction; providing penalty for violation. Effective date. Emergency.
Water and water rights; creating the Oklahoma Regional Water District Act; requiring development and coordination of certain districts for promulgation of regional water plans. Effective date.
Teachers; directing deposit of certain Oklahoma Education Lottery Act proceeds into Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund; providing criteria for issuance of certain teaching certificates; effective date; emergency.
State employee health insurance; funding to provide flexible benefit allowance; professional risk management program; continuance of health and dental insurance benefits; rates and benefits; disability insurance program for state employees; collections; flexible benefit revolving fund; flexible benefit dollars in the State Employees Benefits Act; effective date.
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; modifying membership of the Authority; modifying term length; modifying actions regarding removal of appointive members; prohibiting members from participating in certain votes; effective date.