'Widespread abuse of virtual days': Several OK school districts pre-schedule online learning, new bill will limit that

Republican lawmakers have introduced amendments to an existing law that would regulate virtual school days.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Republican lawmakers have introduced amendments to an existing law that would regulate virtual school days.

While several Oklahoma school districts didn't appear to have a virtual school day on the calendar, News 4 found Bennington Public Schools has 22 pre-scheduled virtual school days. Millwood Public Schools has 31 and Terral Public Schools currently has 34.

"I am very concerned that we are going to find widespread abuse of virtual days," said Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond. "It's shocking to me, and quite honestly, it's unacceptable."

Sen. Thompson, along with Senator Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, have introduced amendments to a current law that would put parameters around online learning days.

Senate Bill 1768 states a school district can request an emergency virtual day if there is inclement weather, unavailability of teachers and support staff due to illness, or building maintenance issues.

During a virtual day, K-8th graders will be required to participate in at least five and a half hours of virtual learning. For 9th through 12th graders, it's no less than six hours.

If the amendments pass, school districts will be required to request approval from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).

Within one calendar week of receiving the request, OSDE shall determine whether the use of virtual instruction falls under the reasons allowed.

If OSDE determines use of virtual instruction does not comply with the provisions of the law, the school district may appeal the decision.

"Even when we have to accommodate for the emergencies, there's still the expectation that this is a school day and we're going to provide education for our kids," stated Sen. Thompson. "I'm a mom. I have three kids in the public school system. I'm a public school graduate and so is my husband. Through Covid, a lot of things changed. I saw firsthand, still seeing in my home just really the lack of quality education that's occurring on virtual days. For families and even teachers who have chosen to be in an in-person brick and mortar traditional school, that's what we should be providing. That's not only what these families have chosen, but that's what the state is paying for."

Sen. Paxton confirmed these amendments would only impact public school districts.

"Private school parents have a choice of sending their kids to those schools and if they want to choose to send their kids to a virtual type school, they can do that. But in my experience, most private schools don't do the virtual setting because that's one where parents are sending them there because they think they're getting a better education," stated Sen. Paxton. "Will there be pushback on this? Probably. I'm just curious where it would come from, because at the end of the day, we should all be on the same page trying to give our kids the best education possible."

Since filing the amendment, Sen. Thompson said the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. She added she and Sen. Paxton are still continuing to work with school districts on this bill.

"I am seeing that these virtual days, it does appear they are widespread and they are not being used for just emergency purposes only," said Sen. Thompson.

The 2024 legislative session will begin February 5.

News 4 reached out to Millwood Public Schools, Bennington Public Schools, and Tarrel Public Schools about the use of virtual school days. Because a comment was requested shortly before the end of the school day, News 4 hasn't received a response yet.