04-03-2025
Lawmakers approve bill limiting use of Virtual School days
OKLAHOMA CITY – On Tuesday, the Oklahoma Senate Education Committee approved Senate Bill 758 advancing the elimination of virtual school days with the exception of emergency.
Authors of the bill, Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, say, the bill proposes students undergo in-person instruction with the ability to exercise emergency virtual days.
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'Virtual learning has its place, but in limited circumstances,' Sen. Thompson said. 'We have seen that in-person instruction is the most effective way to educate our students. Senate Bill 758 strikes a balance by allowing emergency virtual days when absolutely necessary while holding districts accountable for ensuring students are engaged and meeting learning requirements.'
Senate Bill 758, will allow school districts and charter schools to designate emergency virtual days under the following circumstances:
inclement weather
teacher or staff shortages due to illness
building maintenance issues
Pro Tem Paxton reacted to the bill's passing out of committee, saying, 'Oklahoma students perform best and learn best when they are in the classroom, receiving direct instruction from their teachers,' Pro Tem Paxton said. 'Senate Bill 758 establishes clear guidelines for when virtual instruction is appropriate while reinforcing our commitment to in-person education. This ensures our students receive the best education possible. Virtual learning has been disastrous, and more classroom instruction will help us improve education outcomes.'
Additionally, the bill will require school audits to verify compliance. Lawmakers say the bill would require the State Department of Education to publish an annual report detailing emergency virtual day usage by June 30, beginning in 2026.
Consideration of Senate Bill 758 now moves to the Senate Floor.
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