Oklahoma school day increase proposal advances in legislature
- mike33692
- 3 hours ago
- 1 min read
Oklahoma school day increase proposal advances in legislature
The Oklahoma school day increase proposal advances in legislature as lawmakers push to expand classroom instruction time.
There’s not enough learning happening—that’s the sentiment behind a bill to add seven teaching days to the school calendar.
Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton says Oklahoma students are falling behind neighboring states in instructional time comparison Oklahoma vs Arkansas, according to Oklahoma Voice .
Oklahoma school day increase proposal advances with focus on learning gap
The Oklahoma school day increase proposal advances in legislature with a focus on closing the Oklahoma student learning gap.
Paxton pointed directly to Arkansas as a benchmark, noting Oklahoma trails in classroom time.
Lawmakers say increasing in-person classroom time Oklahoma schools is key to improving student outcomes and keeping the state competitive.
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics school calendar data shows many states operate closer to 180 instructional days annually.
Oklahoma school day increase proposal advances with funding requirement
The Oklahoma school day increase proposal advances in legislature includes a funding trigger tied to implementation.
The measure would only take effect if lawmakers approve at least $175 million in additional Oklahoma public education funding increase.
If approved, the change would begin in the 2027–28 school year.
Paxton has also expressed opposition to excessive use of virtual learning, emphasizing the need for consistent in-person instruction.
School calendar requirements and instructional standards are governed under the Oklahoma State Department of Education regulations, which allow flexibility through hours-based calendars.
Lawmakers say the proposal is part of a broader effort to strengthen long-term academic performance statewide.
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