Bill No. 2702 aims to enhance the qualifications and competencies of special education administrators in Oklahoma. It defines a "special education administrator" as the director and assistant director of a special education program within a school district. Starting August 1, 2026, school districts will be prohibited from employing individuals in these roles unless they hold a valid standard teaching certificate and obtain an acknowledgment of competency within one year of employment. The State Board of Education is tasked with developing two tracks for this competency acknowledgment: a micro-credential track for those with five or fewer years of experience and a standard track for those with six or more years of experience. Both tracks will require completion of a 150-clock hour program, with the micro-credential track necessitating a mastery level of 70% or above.

Additionally, the bill mandates that special education administrators must pass a subject area competency examination unless they hold a valid Special Education Teaching Certificate or a master's degree in a related field, which would exempt them from these requirements. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.