Reasons include assessing statewide and local educational needs, like language and cultural barriers, needs for English as a Second Language teachers, and tutors and funding needs.
Senate Bill 36 would authorize public school districts across Oklahoma to welcome faith-based chaplains as hired staff or as volunteers to provide support, services and programs for students.
Communication issues between Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel and members of the district's board of education, particularly regarding the district’s treatment of charter schools, seemed to be a source of friction.
During Monday’s hearing, Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon—the chair of the House’s education committee—said she supported the restriction, but asked Caldwell why a school district couldn’t just choose to ban cellphones on its own.
Walters said according to Oklahoma law, the state Board of Education must maintain accreditation standards that “equal or exceed nationally recognized accreditation standards to the extent that the standards are consistent with an academic results-oriented approach.”
