Jordan Zakery is a Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action.
This year, Oklahoma leaders passed a series of impactful education policies focused on student achievement, educator support and honest accountability. From major legislation to boost math proficiency, to investments in the teacher pipeline and new opportunities for families, the state’s 2025 legislative session delivered real momentum for student-centered reform.
Here are the highlights from this year’s whirlwind session.
Oklahoma lawmakers took decisive action to improve student performance in math—an area of growing national concern.
The Math Achievement and Proficiency Act (SB 215/SB 140) sets a new standard for math policy in the Sooner State by requiring universal screening for students in grades 2–5 and delivering individualized intervention for those who need extra support. Students exceeding expectations will also benefit from enriched learning opportunities, supporting math achievement at both ends of the performance spectrum.
With $1 million in initial funding, the law invests in professional development for math educators, launches summer academies for struggling and advanced students and initiates dyscalculia screening starting in the 2026–2027 school year. This multifaceted approach positions Oklahoma to make important gains in math achievement, ensuring students get the timely support they need to succeed.
Lawmakers also passed HB 1287, establishing a tutoring pilot program for the lowest-performing ninth grade students in large school districts. Together, these policies tackle longstanding challenges while providing targeted support where it’s needed most.
Oklahoma lawmakers made significant moves this session to strengthen the teacher pipeline and support the next generation of educators, advancing policies designed to expand access to the profession and elevate practical training.
Sen. Ally Seifried’s SB 794 establishes critical student teaching requirements for aspiring educators. The law ensures candidates complete either a minimum number of weeks of field experience or a qualified, job-embedded, competency-based registered apprenticeship. By ensuring educator preparation programs give candidates real classroom training, SB 794 helps Oklahoma recruit and prepare effective educators who are ready to meet student needs from day one.
Sen. Adam Pugh’s SB 235 takes direct aim at local teacher shortages in developing the educator pipeline. The law creates the Grow Your Own Educator Program, which provides matching funds to school districts to support eligible district employees in earning their undergraduate teaching degrees. From paraprofessionals to support staff, this legislation opens new doors for individuals already embedded in school communities to become certified teachers—helping districts build a homegrown pipeline of trusted, high-impact educators.
Both Sen. Seifried and Sen. Pugh joined ExcelinEd in Action’s Statehouse Spotlights podcast earlier this year to talk about the urgent need to strengthen and expand the teacher pipeline and the momentum behind these policies. Listen to the full episode here for more on how these leaders are investing in the future of Oklahoma’s educator workforce.
Oklahoma also made important improvements to its private school choice programs.
Both measures provide families with more control over their children’s education and reinforce Oklahoma’s commitment to educational flexibility and freedom.
While SB 224 did not pass this session, the proposal to create a statewide education and workforce longitudinal data system sparked an important conversation about aligning K–12, higher education and workforce goals.
A separate measure, SB 662, became law without the Governor’s signature and expands the Oklahoma Workforce Commission’s role in developing programs that strengthen work-based learning and workforce development in high-demand occupations statewide.
Next session, Oklahoma policymakers are likely to expand on the work to strengthen student pathways to college and careers—an important, worthwhile endeavor for Sooner State students.
In a strong display of leadership and academic integrity, Oklahoma’s Office of Educational Quality and Accountability moved to revert to the state’s 2017–2018 passing or “cut” scores on student assessments. This action comes in response to changes made to assessment passing scores by the Department of Education and concerns about a widening “honesty gap” between state-reported proficiency and results from the National Assessment on Educational Progress (NAEP).
ExcelinEd in Action applauded the move, which ensures Oklahoma families receive accurate information about student performance and affirms the state’s commitment to honest academic expectations.
Oklahoma also joined the growing list of states working to reduce classroom distractions by adopting SB 139. Authored by Sen. Seifried and Rep. Chad Caldwell, the bill requires school districts to implement policies creating cell phone- and smartwatch-free schools, with exceptions for emergencies and documented medical or educational needs.
This step toward creating distraction-free learning environments in Oklahoma schools underscores growing support among lawmakers and families for a more focused learning environment.
Oklahoma’s 2025 legislative session represents a doubling down on student-focused reform. With investments in math and literacy, strategic support for teachers and a renewed commitment to academic integrity, state leaders have laid a strong foundation for lasting student success.
ExcelinEd in Action is proud to stand alongside Oklahoma’s legislative champions and remains committed to advancing policies that put students first and ensure every child has access to a high-quality education.
