Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; directing establishment of pilot program to employ literacy instructional team. Effective date. Emergency.
The bill is expected to significantly enhance literacy outcomes by improving instructional practices among teachers through the designated literacy teams. These teams will consist of educational specialists trained specifically to recognize and address the needs of students encountering literacy challenges, including those identified as dyslexic. By focusing these resources on schools with high percentages of underperforming students in reading, the legislation aims to reduce literacy gaps and improve the overall competency in reading among Oklahoma's youth.
Senate Bill 1118 establishes a three-year pilot program directed by the State Department of Education, aimed at improving literacy instruction in Oklahoma schools. The bill appropriates $10 million to support the employment of a literacy instructional team, tasked with providing technical assistance and specialized support primarily focused on students struggling with literacy and dyslexia. The program is set to start in the 2023-2024 school year and emphasizes training for educators in effective reading instruction techniques and interventions for dyslexia-related issues.
The sentiment surrounding SB 1118 appears to be largely positive, with robust support evident during legislative discussions. The bill was passed overwhelmingly in the House with 82 votes in favor and just one against, indicating strong bipartisan backing for its objectives. Advocates view the bill as a critical step toward bolstering educational support for students in need, while skeptics might raise concerns about the effective allocation of financial resources and the potential challenges in implementing such a large-scale program.
While the bill received broad support, there may be ongoing discussions regarding the implementation specifics, such as how the literacy instructional teams will operate across various school districts. Questions about oversight, accountability, and measuring success are also likely to arise as the program rolls out. The requirement for the Department of Education to report on the program's effectiveness by December 31, 2026, suggests recognition of the need for ongoing evaluation and transparency regarding its impact on literacy proficiency.