This bill amends Section 6-194 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to professional development programs for certified teachers and administrators. Key changes include the removal of the previous limit on the number of required professional development hours, allowing for more flexibility in training requirements. Additionally, the bill mandates that each school district board of education must electronically submit an annual report detailing professional development needs, activities, expenditures, and results achieved. The bill also updates the composition of professional development committees to include legal guardians or custodians of children enrolled in the school district and requires consultation with faculty from higher education institutions.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches in developing professional development programs aimed at improving student performance and closing achievement gaps. It introduces new requirements for training on topics such as child abuse recognition, autism awareness, and dyslexia, while also ensuring that school counselors receive appropriate professional development. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.