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Bill > HB3023
OK HB3023
OK HB3023Strong Readers Act; reading screenings; screening instruments; intervention plan implementation and reporting; Reading Proficiency Team; State Department of Education; benchmarks; literacy coaches; retention, tutoring, and re-screening options for first and second grade students; mandatory retention for third grade students who do not meet certain benchmarks; exceptions; tutoring and summer academy options; alternative placement teaching certificates; adjunct teachers; prohibitions; effective da
summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act relating to the Strong Readers Act; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 1210.508C, as last amended by Section 2, Chapter 297, O.S.L. 2025 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 1210.508C), which relates to reading screenings; clarifying reading deficiency applicability; requiring two reading screening instruments; eliminating reference to beginning of year screenings; reducing time for intervention plan implementation and reporting; prohibiting reading intervention during certain core instructional time; requiring tailored reading intervention; adding member of the Reading Proficiency Team; requiring bi- weekly reporting; requiring the State Department of Education to set certain benchmarks; prohibiting certain digital instruction; allowing retired teachers to contract as literacy coaches; providing retention, tutoring, and re-screening options for first and second grade students; requiring the Reading Proficiency Team to make retention determination for first and second grade students; mandating retention for third grade students who do not meet certain benchmarks; providing exceptions; providing tutoring and summer academy options for certain third grade students; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 6-122.3, as last amended by Section 162, Chapter 452, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 6-122.3), which relates to alternative placement teaching certificates; prohibiting adjunct teachers from teaching in certain subjects in kindergarten through sixth grade; prohibiting adjuncts from teaching in schools that do not meet certain proficiency criteria in numeracy and literacy; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Strong Readers Act, aims to improve reading proficiency in young students by modifying existing laws related to reading screenings, interventions, and teacher certification. Key provisions include requiring two approved reading screening instruments for students in kindergarten through third grade, reducing the time for implementing reading intervention plans to fifteen days, and prohibiting reading intervention during core instructional time for subjects like math. The bill also mandates bi-weekly progress reports to parents and requires the State Department of Education to establish reading benchmarks. It introduces optional retention for first and second graders who don't meet benchmarks, with options for tutoring and re-screening, but makes retention mandatory for third graders who don't meet benchmarks, with specific exceptions like Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or medical emergencies. Furthermore, the bill allows retired teachers to serve as literacy coaches and amends rules for alternative teaching certificates, prohibiting non-certified adjunct teachers from teaching in kindergarten through sixth grade in core subjects or in schools that don't meet proficiency targets in math and reading.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3023&Session=2600 |
| BillText | https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20INT/hB/HB3023%20INT.PDF |
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