Oklahoma Bill Under Consideration Targets Underperforming Schools

A house committee passed a bill that would allow the state to intervene when a school has persistently been performing poorly.

The bill that passed in committee on Monday is a watered down version of a bill that sparked some controversy when it was first drafted.

The State Board of Education would identify schools that are persistently listed as low performing and offer support in the form of academic intervention, professional development or, if necessary,  restructuring of the school.

Original language included replacing the principal and replacing at least half the staff or closing the school and re-opening it as a charter school. Under the new language, the state would still step in if the school does not see improvements.

The bill now goes to the full House of Representatives for a vote.