State Department of Education; directing the Department to establish the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
If enacted, SB 245 will lead to a significant restructuring of how education-related support is provided in Oklahoma, particularly targeting academically at-risk populations. The bill establishes a revolving fund to support the tutoring program's financial needs, funded through state appropriations and other sources. It emphasizes prioritized participation for school districts that have federally designated needs for targeted support. The program also mandates regular assessments to track student progress and ensure the effectiveness of tutoring efforts, thus potentially leading to improved educational outcomes across the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 245, known as the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program Act, seeks to address the educational needs of students in grades K-8 who are significantly behind in mathematics or English language arts (ELA). The bill establishes a program to provide high dosage tutoring, defined as in-person, subject-specific tutoring conducted after school hours in small groups. The intention is to provide focused educational support to help struggling students catch up academically. The bill outlines the procedures for school districts to implement the program, including the requirement for parental consent and the necessity for tutoring cohorts to be no larger than five students per tutor.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 245 appears largely positive among educational stakeholders, as it aims to provide targeted assistance to students who are academically behind. Supporters argue that implementing such a focused tutoring system will not only enhance individual student performance but also alleviate broader educational disparities within the state. However, concerns may arise regarding the implementation logistics and whether sufficient funding will be available to sustain the program in the long term. Additionally, the effectiveness of high dosage tutoring in achieving intended outcomes remains a subject of potential debate among educators.
Contention
One notable point of contention regarding SB 245 is its reliance on school districts to effectively manage and execute the tutoring program. Questions about the adequacy of resources, tutor training, and consistency in program delivery could arise. Furthermore, there may be discussions over the program's long-term sustainability, particularly regarding funding, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. The inclusion of a performance-based element for tutors, where their continued participation could depend on the academic progress of their students, may also raise challenges and discussions among educators about accountability and support systems.
Schools; authorizing the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma to create a math tutoring pilot program for certain students; effective date; emergency.
Schools; directing the State Department of Education to establish the School Innovation Grant Program; providing application process. Effective date. Emergency.
Higher education; establishing the Program of American Civic Thought and Leadership at the University of Oklahoma; making an appropriation. Effective date. Emergency.
School athletics; directing the State Department of Education and the State Department of Health to develop certain guidelines regarding exertional heat-related illness. Effective date. Emergency.
Summer nutrition; Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children program; Oklahoma Department of Human Services; State Department of Education; effective date; emergency.
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; authorizing establishment of the ODVA Foundation; allowing Foundation to receive contributions; directing incorporation of Foundation. Effective date. Emergency.
In Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority, for powers and duties, for roles of participating payers, for roles of participant rural hospitals and for data collection and retention; and making an editorial change.