Senate approves legislation to reduce use of virtual school days

OKLAHOMA CITY- Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, has received approval for legislation to reduce the number of virtual days held by Oklahoma public and charter schools. Under the provisions of Senate Bill 1768, virtual instruction would only take place in the event of inclement weather, staff shortages, illness, building maintenance issues, or if deemed necessary by school administrators.

“It is alarming that some schools across the state are engaging in remote learning for 20 to 30 days out of the school year,” Thompson said. “This is not only a misuse of the taxpayer dollars that are intended to fund quality in-person education, but it is also a disservice to students as they are receiving little or no instruction on virtual days.”   

Thompson’s legislation also provides parameters for schools to follow when virtual days are needed due to poor weather conditions or other circumstances. Under SB 1768, school districts would be required to provide a minimum of five and a half hours of instruction to K-8th students and six hours to high school students. Additionally, more than half of the online or digital instruction must be synchronous.

“This issue doesn’t just relate to education. This is a workforce issue as well,” Thompson said. “Studies show that when children are out of school and need parental supervision, mothers are often the ones who must leave their work. This measure ensures that parents, especially moms, are not negatively impacted in their career, and our state’s workforce is not depleted due to unnecessary virtual days.”

SB 1768 is now eligible for consideration by the House of Representatives.  

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For more information, contact:

Sen. Kristen Thompson at 405-521-5592 or Kristen.Thompson@oksenate.gov.