Bill > SB246

This bill establishes a comprehensive system for recognizing and financially incentivizing high-performing classroom teachers in Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools through a new teacher designation program. The bill creates three teacher designations (recognized, exemplary, and master) based on student academic growth, with specific performance thresholds: recognized designation requires 55% of students meeting growth targets, exemplary requires 60%, and master requires 70%. Schools can designate teachers with these levels for five-year periods, and the State Board of Education will establish performance standards to ensure all eligible teachers have a mathematical possibility of earning a designation. The bill creates a Distinguished Educator Allotments Revolving Fund to provide financial incentives, with base allotments ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 per teacher, which can be increased based on student academic performance metrics. The allotments are tied to specific student performance improvements in reading and mathematics, with point values assigned for different levels of academic growth. To ensure accountability, schools must use at least 90% of the allotment for teacher compensation, and the additional funds are specifically designed to be non-pensionable, non-contractual, and potentially exempt from certain taxes. The State Department of Education will monitor and evaluate the program's effectiveness, and the bill includes an initial appropriation of $50 million to implement the program, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb246&Session=2600