Oklahoma House Bill HB4137

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24

Caption

Schools; directing the State Board of Education to adopt information literacy subject matter standards; effective date; emergency.

Impact

The bill requires school districts to integrate information literacy instruction into their curriculums for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Moreover, it emphasizes the role of school librarians in curriculum development, ensuring that educators with expertise in library resources contribute to shaping how information literacy is taught. By implementing these standards, the bill aims to bolster critical thinking and research skills among students, ultimately contributing to a more informed and capable citizenry in Oklahoma.

Summary

House Bill 4137 focuses on establishing a framework for information literacy standards in the Oklahoma education system. This legislation mandates that the State Board of Education adopt subject matter standards specifically related to information literacy, which encompasses skills necessary for recognizing when information is needed, as well as effectively locating, evaluating, and utilizing that information. The definitions and requirements specified in the bill cover a range of literacies including digital, media, and technological literacy, aiming to provide a comprehensive approach to preparing students for the information-rich environment in which they live.

Contention

While the intent behind HB 4137 may be to enhance students' preparedness in an information-driven society, the bill could raise concerns regarding implementation and funding. Educational stakeholders might debate the sufficiency of resources allocated for this initiative and the potential strain on current curricula. Public hearings mandated by the bill also suggest an effort to involve the community in this process, yet it remains to be seen how responsive the education system will be to input from these hearings and how the standards will be refined based on community feedback.