The Oklahoma Senate on passed a bill that provides increased classroom time for students beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.

Senator Marty Quinn, R-Claremore, is the author of the bill.

“Everyone can agree that it’s beneficial for a student to spend more time in the classroom learning from a quality teacher. More time in the classroom should help improve student outcomes and potentially reduce the rates of college remedial enrollment. It’s also important to preserve the right of local school districts to make decisions that are best to meet their needs,” Quinn said.

The bill now goes to the House.  Key parts of SB 441:

• For the 2019-2020 and the 2020-2021 school year, there would be no change to existing law so school districts can choose to pursue 180 days of instruction or 1,080 hours of instruction with no restrictions.
• Beginning in 2021-2022 school year school districts will have three options:
• 165 days of classroom time
• 1,080 hours with a minimum of 165 days of classroom time
• 1,080 hours with no minimum of days of classroom time if districts are able to meet the minimum guidelines for school performance and cost savings.
• The Oklahoma State Department of Education will create rules on minimum guidelines focusing on student achievement and fiscal savings to receive an exemption.
• The Oklahoma Legislature would have to approve the State Department of Education exemption rules.