Senate Unanimously Approves Sen. Deevers’ Bill to Establish High Dosage Tutoring, Provide Teacher Bonuses

OKLAHOMA CITY- The Oklahoma Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 245 on Wednesday with a 46-0 vote. The bill, authored by Senator Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, would establish a high-dosage tutoring program in Oklahoma to serve students who are falling behind as well as provide additional teacher bonuses.

The program would feature small group tutoring of up to five students per cohort. SB245 also introduces a merit-based incentive program with participating teachers receiving $1,600 per semester for each student group they lead, plus an additional $1,000 for every student who advances a full grade level within a year for a potential total of $8,200 annually.

Deevers, the bill’s principal author, underscored the significance of this initiative in raising academic achievement across the state.

“This is about giving teachers effective tools and giving students a real shot at catching up and moving forward,” Deevers said. “SB245 ensures that we’re investing in what works for students, while honoring the hard work of educators.”

The bill builds on existing success from Oklahoma State Department of Education pilot programs, which have already yielded impressive outcomes: 94% of Oklahoma students in high-dosage tutoring reached their improvement benchmarks in recent pilot versions of this program. 

SB245 now heads to the House for further consideration. If enacted, the program will be expanded statewide before the next school year, helping students regain lost ground and empowering educators with both recognition and resources to make a lasting impact.

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