By Journalist Kaytly Clift (OSU)
Representatives Hansen (OBU) and Laginess (OBU) presented House Bill No. OBU-508, which is an act relating to educational retention in Oklahoma schools. This bill brought a lot of controversy with the divide of small schools and large school differences being in the heat of the conversation. For the proposing side Representative Bishop (OSU) said she agrees with the need for the bill.
“I believe that it provides an opportunity to let less kids fall through the cracks, and it is always important in our education system,” Bishop said. “It also can help set them up for success in the future because they are able to be screened, to help mitigate any learning disabilities.”
“Students who are at risk of being retained shall receive a hearing and visual screening; as well as a family assessment.”
Having these tests will keep the students who have learning disabilities from being retained for something that they cannot control.
“These shall be done by qualified school personnel.”
For the student who are facing retention, additional evaluations will be made in forms of a psychiatric evaluation.
Although majority of the chamber voted for the bill, Representative Whittington (OSU) sided against the legislation. Whittington states that rural schools have a more difficult time making these tests accessible to everyone who needs them.
“I had some worries about the rural areas finding psychiatrists in their area,” Whittington said. “And even if there are those resources, these schools do not want to spend the money or time to take these students to the help they could have.”
The bill states “Funding for the assessments and screenings provided herein shall be appropriated from the Oklahoma General Revenue Fund.” So, although there are funds available for these tests and evaluations, Rep. Whittington is worried about the small schools just taking these funds and putting in the minimal amount of work.
This bill passes in the House of Representatives with an end vote of 42-4.