OK
Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1342

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1342

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Report Pass
2/13/24  

Caption

Higher education; creating the Oklahoma Teacher Recruitment Academy; providing for eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly impact the state's approach to filling teaching positions in essential subject areas that have been persistently difficult to staff. By creating the Teacher Recruitment Academy, the state aims to encourage more individuals to enter the teaching profession, particularly in subjects highlighted as critical shortages. The law mandates the Department of Education to publish lists of these shortage areas every three years, ensuring that the focus remains adaptive to changing educational needs. Furthermore, the funding mechanism established through the revolving fund allows for continuous support from state appropriations.

Summary

Senate Bill 1342 establishes the Oklahoma Teacher Recruitment Academy, aimed at addressing the shortage of qualified teachers in critical subject areas by providing financial assistance for tuition and mandatory fees. This program is intended for individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree in an accredited teacher preparation program. Eligible participants must commit to teach in public schools within Oklahoma in designated subjects that are identified as critical shortages by the State Department of Education. The new law includes measures to support the recruitment and retention of educators in these fields, reflecting a strong initiative to improve the quality of education in the state.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on enhancing teacher recruitment, it is not without contention. Some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the financial implications for state budgets and the effectiveness of such programs in truly resolving the teacher shortage dilemma. A potential point of contention could also relate to the requirement for repayment of assistance if individuals fail to fulfill their teaching commitment after graduation. This repayment clause could be a barrier for some participants and may lead to discussions about fairness regarding the financial burden on new educators.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB529

Teachers; creating the Oklahoma Teacher Corps Program; providing eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB822

Students; creating the Oklahoma Education Freedom Act; providing eligibility for Oklahoma Education Freedom Accounts. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB532

Higher education; creating the Workforce Development Revolving Fund; providing for award of funds. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2772

Higher education; Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Act; modifying eligibility requirements for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; effective date.

OK SB27

Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; providing certain qualifying score; providing eligibility for students who complete certain core curriculum. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB55

Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act; modifying eligibility; removing repayment provisions. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB943

Students; creating the Oklahoma Parent Empowerment Act for Kids; providing eligibility for OK PEAK accounts. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2718

Higher education; Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Trust Fund; Oklahoma Promise Opportunity Scholarship Act; effective date.

OK HB2558

Teachers; providing annual bonus for certain teachers with National Board certification; effective date; emergency.

OK SB1126

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education; making an appropriation. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

OK SB7

Higher education; creating the Oklahoma Teacher Recruitment Academy; providing eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB529

Teachers; creating the Oklahoma Teacher Corps Program; providing eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB529

Teachers; creating the Oklahoma Teacher Corps Program; providing eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1168

The Governmental Tort Claims Act; definitions and extent of liability; increasing limits on liability for certain claims. Effective date.

OK HB1797

Child care facilities; criminal history checks; requiring notification when there is a substantiated finding of heinous and shocking abuse; effective date.

OK HB2178

Revenue and taxation; income tax; Oklahoma taxable income; Oklahoma adjusted gross income; OK Able Accounts; effective date.

OK HB2646

Revenue and taxation; adjustments; wagering; tax year; effective date.

OK SB1452

Income tax; authorizing an income tax credit for employers that provide employee paid leave for volunteering for poll work. Effective date.