SB 841 Summary

• Requires individuals seeking certification in early childhood, elementary, or special education to successfully complete a comprehensive reading instruction assessment effective July 1, 2025, as a condition for certification.

• Modifies reading screening requirements for kindergarten through third grade students to identify reading deficiencies at the beginning, middle, and end of each school year using state-approved screening instruments.

• Mandates teacher preparation programs in Oklahoma's higher education system include training in the five elements of reading instruction (phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) with a science of reading focus.

• Establishes the Statewide Literacy Revolving Fund to support training in the science of reading in early childhood, elementary, and special education programs, with completion leading to a micro-credential in reading science.

• Requires school districts to develop individual reading intervention plans for students with reading deficiencies within 30 days of identification and to report annual data on reading proficiency rates by grade level to the State Department of Education.