SB 336 Summary

• Amends the professional development requirements for certified and licensed teachers and administrators in Oklahoma school districts, directing boards of education to establish programs based on data-driven analysis and specific student achievement goals.

• Requires professional development programs to include components on classroom management, student discipline, special education, racial and ethnic education, child abuse recognition and reporting, and autism awareness training.

• Allows school counselors to receive at least one-third of required annual professional development hours through programs designed specifically for school counselors, and permits special education personnel to participate in training to maintain professional licensure.

• Suspends professional development point requirements for fiscal years ending June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2012, though teachers may voluntarily complete points that count toward lifetime employment requirements.

• Requires school districts to submit annual reports to the State Department of Education documenting professional development needs, activities, expenditures, and results; effective July 1, 2011 with emergency provisions.