The bill proposes a temporary restructuring of the Teacher Certification Division within the State Department of Education, placing it under the authority of the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability until March 31, 2027. During this period, the Commission will oversee teacher licensure and certification, enforce existing rules, and manage related fees. Employees of the Teacher Certification Division will report to the Commission, which will also assume any contractual rights and responsibilities of the Division. The bill includes provisions for the issuance, suspension, and revocation of teaching certificates, with the Commission handling these responsibilities until the transition back to the State Board of Education after the specified date.

Additionally, the bill introduces various amendments to streamline the certification process and enhance educational quality. It allows the Commission to grant exceptions to certification examinations for candidates who are deaf and fluent in American Sign Language, provided they meet specific criteria. The authority for certifying school principals and superintendents will transition from the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation to the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability until March 31, 2027, and then to the State Board of Education. The bill also establishes a one-time financial award system for teachers in economically disadvantaged schools, with specific salary increases tied to advanced certification levels. Overall, the amendments aim to improve the management of teacher qualifications and support educational institutions across Oklahoma.