Bill > SB186

This bill directs the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA) to establish a grant program to support teachers with emergency or provisional teaching certificates in obtaining alternative placement teaching certificates. The program will provide grants to up to 1,000 individuals annually on a first-come, first-served basis, with funds that can be used for examination preparation, examination fees, and professional education coursework required for certification. School districts will submit applications on behalf of their teachers. To support this program, the bill creates a new "Teacher Certification Emergency to Permanency Revolving Fund" in the State Treasury, which will receive state appropriations and allow the OEQA to budget and spend money specifically for this grant initiative. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause to ensure immediate implementation. The primary goal is to help educators with temporary certifications complete the requirements to obtain permanent teaching certificates, thereby addressing teacher certification challenges in Oklahoma.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb186&Session=2600