This bill amends Section 6-154.1 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to the renewal of standard teaching certificates. The legislation updates the language regarding the renewal process, allowing teachers to fulfill certain renewal requirements by completing staff development programs, conferences, seminars, and now, importantly, a micro-credential. The State Board of Education is tasked with ensuring that only programs recognized for staff development credit by public school districts in Oklahoma can be used for this purpose. Additionally, the bill specifies that the State Department of Education, in collaboration with the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, will identify micro-credentials that can be utilized for certificate renewal.

Furthermore, the bill allows school district boards of education to charge a reasonable fee for holders of a valid Oklahoma standard teaching certificate who are not currently employed as teachers or administrators in a public school in the state to attend district-sponsored staff development programs or seminars. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.