Bill No. 794, introduced by Senators Seifried and Lowe, aims to enhance teacher preparation in Oklahoma by directing the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability to establish specific student teaching requirements for candidates enrolled in accredited educator preparation programs. The bill defines these requirements to include either the completion of a minimum number of weeks of field experience or participation in a qualified job-embedded, competency-based teacher registered apprenticeship program. This apprenticeship program is characterized as a structured initiative that integrates on-the-job training with academic instruction to effectively prepare individuals for teaching roles.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Commission promulgate rules to implement these new requirements. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause, allowing it to be enacted immediately upon passage and approval to ensure the timely enhancement of teacher preparation standards in the state.