Bill to limit virtual school days heads for Oklahoma Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill that would strictly limit virtual school days is heading to the full Senate, after the Oklahoma Senate’s Education Committee approved the measure.

Senate Bill 758, by Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, would eliminate virtual school days except in emergencies. The authors say the bill ensures students receive the in-person instruction necessary for academic success while still allowing districts to utilize emergency virtual days in specific circumstances.

Under Senate Bill 758, school districts and charter schools may designate emergency virtual days for situations such as inclement weather, teacher or staff shortages due to illness or building maintenance issues.

The measure also sets minimum virtual instruction hours based on grade level and grants the State Department of Education authority to audit school records to verify compliance. If the audit reveals that less than a majority of students participated in the required hours, the district must provide an additional in-person instructional day. Additionally, the State Department of Education must publish an annual report detailing emergency virtual day usage by June 30, beginning in 2026.

“Oklahoma students perform best and learn best when they are in the classroom, receiving direct instruction from their teachers,” 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.”