Education (Special Education)

HB 4358 limits screen time for prekindergarten through fifth grade public school students to one hour per school day, including all classroom activities using devices like tablets, computers, or smart devices. The law exempts students requiring special education accommodations under IEPs or 504 plans, as well as necessary assistive technology. It applies to all public schools in Oklahoma starting the 2026-2027 school year. The bill defines "screen time" broadly to cover both teacher-directed and student-selected digital activities during school hours.

SB 1792 streamlines training requirements for Oklahoma school board members. It reduces the required instruction hours from 12 to 3 for new members (including 1 hour each on school finance, Oklahoma Open Records Act, and ethics) and eliminates specific topics like special education training. The bill shifts record-keeping from the State Board of Education to individual school districts, requiring them to maintain and post attendance records online. It also removes penalties for non-compliance, including the mechanism for declaring seats vacant due to incomplete training. The changes apply to all newly elected or appointed school board members starting in 2026.