Oklahoma students have returned to school following a legislative session that brought changes to teacher pay, reading and math instruction, recess, cell phones, testing, physical fitness and other education policies.

The Legislature increased funding for State School Aid and Programs by about $232 million for Fiscal Year 2027, from about $3.98 billion to $4.21 billion. The budget includes $43.75 million for the Strong Readers Act, $7.5 million for a math achievement program, $5 million for literacy coaches, $5 million for teacher reading training and $4 million for math and reading screeners.

One of the most immediate changes is a pay increase for teachers. Senate Bill 201 increases Oklahoma’s minimum salary schedule for certified school personnel by $2,000 beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the bill May 7.

Reading was also a major focus of the session. Senate Bill 1778 strengthens Oklahoma’s Strong Readers Act. Students in kindergarten through third grade who are identified with a reading deficiency must receive an individual reading intervention plan within 30 days. Parents must be notified and receive written updates on their child’s progress toward grade-level reading at least every 30 days.

Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, third-grade students must demonstrate sufficient reading skills for promotion to fourth grade. Students who do not meet the requirements and do not qualify for a good-cause exemption must be retained and provided additional reading intervention.

Lawmakers took a similar approach toward improving math performance. Senate Bill 1360 creates an Office of Mathematics Improvement within the State Department of Education and provides assistance for school districts in improving math instruction. Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, the law also requires mathematics screening for students in kindergarten through fifth grade and includes new screening requirements for dyscalculia. Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers and math concepts. It is lifelong and can cause difficulties with daily tasks involving math.

Younger students will see another change during the school day. Senate Bill 1481 requires public elementary schools to provide students in full-day kindergarten through fifth grade with 40 minutes of recess each school day. The time may be divided into two 20-minute periods. Schools may not deny students recess as a form of discipline.

Senate Bill 1437 creates the President Donald J. Trump Physical Fitness Act. The law directs the State Department of Education to develop guidelines for student physical fitness testing. Once those guidelines are established, school districts will be required to administer the Presidential Fitness Test or another nationally recognized student fitness test. The law provides exemptions for certain students and allows parents or legal guardians to opt their child out of testing. It takes effect Nov. 1.

Oklahoma’s restrictions on student cell phone use are also becoming permanent. House Bill 1276 requires school districts to continue prohibiting students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices from bell to bell while on public school campuses. The law allows exceptions, including emergencies and certain health-related needs. The Legislature initially approved the statewide restriction as a temporary requirement last year before making it permanent this academic year.

When students take statewide tests will change this year. Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, House Bill 4359 requires statewide assessments for students in grades three through eight to be administered during the final four weeks of the school year. The Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program is exempt from the requirement.

House Bill 3151 would increase the minimum school year from 166 to 173 instructional days for districts operating under an hours-based calendar while keeping the minimum requirement of 1,086 instructional hours. The change would begin with the 2027-28 school year only if Fiscal Year 2028 appropriations to the State Department of Education are at least $175 million higher than Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations.

House Bill 3705 increases the annual cap on Oklahoma’s Parental Choice Tax Credit from $250 million to $275 million beginning in Fiscal Year 2027. The program provides refundable tax credits for qualifying private-school tuition and a smaller credit for qualifying expenses including curriculum, tutoring, instructional materials and assessments.

For the 2026-27 school year, Oklahoma families will see changes including higher minimum teacher salaries, additional elementary recess, reading interventions and continued restrictions on student cell phones. Other changes, including stronger third-grade reading requirements, expanded math screening and a possible longer minimum school calendar, are scheduled for later years.