OK SB556

Teacher Certification Division of the State Department of Education transfers to the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability from the effective date until March 31, 2027, after which authority returns to the State Board of Education

Commission assumes responsibility for teacher licensure, certification, and fee collection during the transfer period, while Teacher Certification Division employees remain under the State Department of Education and report to the Commission

All existing State Board of Education rules regarding teacher certification remain enforceable by the Commission during the transfer period, with the Commission inheriting contractual rights and responsibilities

Multiple certification pathways affected include alternative placement certificates, special education credentials, out-of-state/out-of-country certificates, and emergency/provisional certificates

Act takes effect July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval