Bill > SB1726

This bill mandates that institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, which employ graduate students as instructors responsible for undergraduate courses, must implement a formal training program for these graduate instructors. This training is designed to equip them with the necessary skills for their teaching roles and will cover essential areas such as effective teaching methods, managing classrooms, setting and applying grading standards, accommodating students with special needs, upholding academic honesty, and adhering to relevant institutional, state, and federal regulations. Crucially, the training will also specifically address students' First Amendment rights, emphasizing principles of free speech, free inquiry, and viewpoint neutrality, and will make clear that students cannot face negative consequences in their grades or evaluations for expressing themselves lawfully. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2026, and is declared an emergency measure, meaning it will take effect immediately upon its passage and approval to ensure the preservation of public peace, health, or safety.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1726&Session=2600