The bill amends Oklahoma education laws to establish new requirements for the school year and classroom instruction time, mandating public schools to be in session for a minimum of 185 days or 1,110 hours annually. It allows school districts to adopt a policy for a reduced school year of 170 days under specific conditions. The legislation clarifies that professional meetings and parent-teacher conferences do not count towards the required classroom instruction time. Additionally, it introduces provisions for virtual instruction during school closures, permitting districts to count up to two days or twelve hours of virtual instruction towards the required classroom time, contingent on certain conditions.

Moreover, the bill enhances the identification and support for students with math and reading deficiencies, requiring screenings for math proficiency in grades two through five and reading skills in kindergarten through third grade at various points throughout the school year. It mandates the creation of individual intervention plans for students identified as deficient, developed with input from parents and educators. The bill also requires school districts to notify parents of students with reading deficiencies within thirty days and to adopt a "strong readers plan" for compliance with the Strong Readers Act. Overall, the legislation aims to improve educational standards and accountability in Oklahoma's public school system, with the new requirements set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-1210.508C