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Under State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, the once sleepy administrative rules process is now weighty and fast-paced.

Nineteen new rules, on topics from prayer in schools to accreditation standards, are up for public input and consideration by the Oklahoma Department of Education.

Administrative rules, if approved, are codified in state law. But first, the public has an opportunity to weigh in via email or in public hearings, which for the current proposals start today and continue Friday and Tuesday (more information is available on the department’s administrative rules website.)

One rule, titled Declaration of Foundational Values, defines education as equipping students with certain values and virtues, including truth, goodness and beauty and declares that good and evil are real and universal.

Once in effect, the rule states the Department could use its authority to evaluate schools in ways that upholds and protects those values and ideals, however they choose to define them.

Another proposed rule would require every school district to adopt a policy permitting students and teachers to pray, including at sporting events and graduation ceremonies. Districts that fail to comply would receive a deficiency in accreditation.

Under another proposal, school districts would face academic deficiencies in accreditation if fewer than 50% of students scored at least basic in English language arts or math on state tests, beginning this school year. Walters and the Board of Education placed this bar on Tulsa Public Schools this year and the proposal would apply it to every district.

Following the public comment period, the rules are sent to the Board of Education for adoption, then the Legislature. Rule changes go into effect once approved by the Legislature or governor.

Questions, comments, story tips? Please reach out via email or direct message.

— Jennifer Palmer

Recommended Reading

• A bill to incentivize cell phone-free schools advanced out of committee. Some lawmakers say it doesn’t go far enough and should ban all phones. [KGOU]
• Many states are all-in on career education, but they struggle to show it works. The problem is disconnected data: students fall off the states’ radar when they start working. [The Hechinger Report]
• Students with intellectual disabilities could receive college tuition funding under legislation under consideration. [Oklahoma Voice]

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