Senate Education Leaders Comment on Slate of Education Priorities Being Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate education leaders today commented on a number of education-related measures being signed into law that were priorities of the Senate Education Committee. 

The measures were authored or co-authored by Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, who serves as the Senate Education Chair, or Senator Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, who is Senate Education Vice Chair. The new laws include transformative education bills aimed at strengthening Oklahoma’s teacher pipeline, improving math proficiency and expanding opportunities for students and educators alike.

“These laws are a major step forward in our mission to build excellence in Oklahoma’s education system,” Senator Pugh said. “Each of these measures reflects our commitment to supporting students, empowering teachers and ensuring every child in our state has access to a high-quality education. We are building a stronger foundation for Oklahoma’s future. These were vital pieces of legislation that puts students first, supports our educators and creates lasting opportunity. I thank my legislative colleagues, especially Senator Seifried, who helped get these measures across the finish line, as well as the stakeholders across the state who helped shape and support these bills.”

Senator Seifried said the reforms are part of a broad education package that were major accomplishments this session.  

“Getting these priority pieces of legislation will strengthen education outcomes in Oklahoma,” Senator Seifried said. “These initiatives will directly support our students, teachers and future workforce. Senate Bill 140 is a critical step forward in improving math outcomes across our state. By identifying students who need additional help or more advanced instruction, they will now have personalized support to ensure every child can succeed. I applaud my colleagues, including Senator Pugh, who have all been instrumental in getting these signed into law.” 

Senate Bill 235: Establishes the Grow Your Own Educator Program, which provides matching funds to school districts to help paraprofessionals and other staff members earn teaching degrees and certifications. The bill will help cultivate talent already working in schools across the state to become certified teachers. 

Senate Bill 140: Ensures students in grades 2–5 are screened for math proficiency three times a year, identifies students in need of intervention or advanced instruction and requires personalized math support for those with math deficiencies. It will allow students to receive the support they need to succeed, while promoting stronger training for teachers through stipends for those who complete advanced math instruction.  

House Bill 1087: Increases the minimum number of school days from 180 to 181 and extends the teacher salary schedule from 25 to 35 years. The legislation is an investment in long-time educators who are committed to the classroom. Adding additional days to the school year will allow for more face-to-face interaction and a more comprehensive learning environment. 

House Bill 1287: Creates a high dosage tutoring pilot program through the State Regents for Higher Education, aimed at boosting student learning with targeted interventions. The initiative is a research-backed program that uses strategic funding to help students close learning gaps to better prepare them for the future. 

House Bill 1727: Expands eligibility for the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program to include children of long-time public school classroom teachers. This incentivizes teachers to stay in the classroom and invests in the future of children of educators. 

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