Bill Summary: SB978

• Transfers authority for developing and administering professional development institutes from the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation to the State Department of Education.

• Requires professional development institutes to be competency-based, minimum 30 clock hours, emphasize effective learning practices, and require participants to develop classroom-applicable work products.

• Mandates reading professional development institutes for elementary and middle school teachers, with competitive bidding for contracts and peer review of selected programs.

• Authorizes one-year renewable grants (up to 3 years) to schools serving K-3 students that meet specific requirements including 80% teacher support and employment of literacy resource specialists for 2+ years.

• Authorizes the State Department of Education to contract with the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation or other vendors to provide professional development services in reading, mathematics, technology, science, and teacher mentoring.