Transcript Highlights:

• First, let me emphasize that suspending students is the absolute last thing that we want to do.
• And, you know, because we have a third grade kid that... ...because we have a third grade kid that brought
• I mean, we had a first grader bloody an assistant principal's nose.
• Well, first of all, I think preserving the dignity of each student is so important.
• As far as fines or your first question, I think, addressed arrests or fines.

Bills: SB27, SB226, SB326, SB570, SB605, SB870, SB991, SB1871, SB1872, SB1873, SB1874, SB1924, SB1925

Keywords: residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, antisemitism, student conduct, education, disciplinary actions, Texas Education Code, truancy, attendance policy, chronic absenteeism, school attendance, student absence notifications, parent notification, home visit, attendance officer, truancy court, school district

Summary: The committee heard a series of school safety and discipline bills, beginning with SB 870, which would codify an attorney general opinion allowing local school boards to decide whether school marshals may openly carry, conceal carry, or store a firearm in a secure safe on campus. The bill was laid out with no public testimony and left pending. The chair then moved to a combined discussion of SB 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, and 1924, all focused on school discipline, teacher authority, and student safety. Senators Perry and Creighton described the package as a response to rising classroom disruptions, assaults on teachers, and concerns that districts lack effective tools to maintain order. SB 1871 would expand teacher removal authority, require return-to-class plans before a student removed for certain conduct can return, make some serious offenses mandatory for placement in juvenile justice settings, and provide telehealth mental health services through a consortium. SB 1872 would require expulsion to a JJAEP for assaults on teachers or school volunteers and extend certain expulsion-eligible conduct to off-campus offenses. SB 1873 would restore the prior understanding that in-school suspension is not subject to a three-day limit. SB 1874 would grant teachers immunity from disciplinary action for reporting discipline violations or acting in compliance with Chapter 37. SB 1924 would restore authority for local police and school district police to issue Class C citations for school offenses and require criminal referrals for students posing an imminent threat or assaulting a teacher, with a substitute clarifying referral rules when a citation has already been issued. The committee adopted the substitutes for the bills and moved them forward. Invited witnesses from teacher and administrator groups largely supported the overall goal of stronger discipline and safer classrooms, while asking for refinements. The Texas Classroom Teachers Association testified that teachers need more autonomy to remove disruptive or violent students and that classroom removals should not mean removal from learning. Superintendents from San Angelo, Grandview, and Wiley ISDs supported the bills’ emphasis on safety, expanded ISS flexibility, mandatory placement for serious offenses, and telehealth mental health services, but asked for more local control, flexibility for Districts of Innovation, more than one campus behavior coordinator in large districts, clearer timelines for return-to-class plans, and more precise definitions for disruptive conduct. Several witnesses stressed that teacher retention and student learning are being harmed by current discipline problems, while some members raised concerns about vague standards and the risk of overuse or public humiliation through citations and removals.

Transcript Highlights:

• , first-served basis.
• Historically, it's been on a first-come, first-served basis.
• When it came time to go to first grade, my mom was essentially told she needed to go to this other sort
• And so my mom went to teachers in the first grade and said, can Linda come to your class?
• My specialty is in an autism unit through grades, through kindergarten through first.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 2 and 3, then introduced RS 3-1308, a proposal from Rep. Raymond to change public school digital content and curriculum funding from a first-come, first-served system to an as-needed, scored application process so districts with greater need would receive priority. The motion to introduce the RS passed without opposition. The committee then heard a presentation from Casey Petty of the Office of Performance Evaluations on the K-12 districts characteristics and funding study. He explained Idaho’s support unit funding model, contrasted it with per-student funding used in other states, and said district size is the main driver of state funding per student. He also said small districts tend to serve proportionally more special education students, while larger districts serve more high-need students overall. Petty highlighted that Idaho’s special education funding formula relies on assumed percentages rather than actual counts, resulting in fewer support units than if all special education students were counted, and said many districts spend more on special education than they receive from the state. Members asked about the support unit model, district size effects, charter school data, Medicaid, and whether the formula should be revised. The committee then took up H.J.M. 11, sponsored by Rep. Furman, urging Congress to fully fund IDEA at the promised 40 percent of excess special education costs. Testimony in support came from Boise special education director China Herosaki, Caldwell educator Julie Mead, virtual teacher Kevin Field, and Fruitland Superintendent Stoney Winston, all of whom described rising special education needs and local districts covering large funding gaps with general funds. Members asked about rising autism and behavior-related needs, eligibility and evaluation practices, and how districts manage costs and services. The committee moved H.J.M. 11 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with one member noting concern that federal lawmakers might respond by reducing IDEA obligations rather than increasing funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the chair lays out House Bill 121 by Senator Nichols.
• have people with time sheets and they've got a fiduciary responsibility that they're working their first
• other, you know, just a few evenings ago on the health-related institutions having an A through F grade
• Uh, the engrossed version of House Bill 5294 required all medical school coursework to be graded using
• using traditional A through F letter scale or another grading scale that utilizes at least 4 tiers.

Transcript Highlights:

• first-time offense, they can take...
• That you have the capacity to have common sense variability on first offenses.
• Kids below the third grade, we're kind of in murky territory there.
• So I'll go there first.
• Grade, or second grade, or first grade?

Bills: HB1022, HB2856, HB3114, HJR5, HB6, HB120, HB210, HB1458, HB1188, HB3126

Keywords: HB 1022, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Texas State University System, Education Code, higher education, course levels, upper-level college, lower-division courses, community college-style courses, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Board of Regents, academic programs, university expansion, HB 2856, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, clinical training placements, clinical rotations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Trail uh at uh supports the grade Trail uh at uh supports the grade separation<00:12:56.720><c>
• </c> applications of crust Rock and Grading applications of crust Rock and Grading every<00:36:17.480
• The project will remove an at-grade railroad crossing and three at-grade intersections, including two
• The project will remove an at-grade railroad crossing and three at-grade intersections, including two
• The project will remove an at-grade railroad crossing and three at-grade intersections, including two

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for the first two speakers from members? for the first two speakers from members?
• First um this was done of perspective.
• And we were the first state to 1858.
• </c> restriction, preK through 12th grade. restriction, preK through 12th grade.
• </c> school for students in grades school for students in grades kindergarten<02:07:38.960><c> through

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first uh section in sections.
• The first um displays the members.
• During my child's first grade year, families and administrators sat down to make impossible decisions
• ><01:14:54.080><c> first</c><01:14:54.400><c> day</c><01:14:54.640><c> with</c> And my first uh my first
• day with And my first uh my first day with students<01:14:55.360><c> at</c><01:14:55.600><c> the</c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• physical disabilities and addressing bullying; grades 4 to 6, focus on autism spectrum disorder; grades
• First of all, that's my son Evan. I just wanted to put this right here, if that's okay.
• First, I want to thank Senator Collins for sponsoring this bill and naming it the Evan B.
• First, it allows... Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• First, it allows only high-performing charter schools to assume a charter.

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee heard and advanced a series of education-related bills, beginning with SB 540, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, which would require age-appropriate disability history and awareness instruction across grade bands. The committee adopted a delete-all amendment, heard emotional testimony from Melissa Hartzell about her son Evan’s experience with disability and inclusion, and reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1296, creating a pilot study on school cellphone bans; SB 1590, creating a task force to review educator preparation, certification, and professional learning; SB 1702, a broad education bill with provisions on private school facilities, marching band credit, school readiness reimbursements, and charter school monitoring tools; SB 1150, exempting school social workers from certain certification testing requirements; SB 1708, revising School of Hope rules and adding a Miami-Dade co-location framework; SB 822, updating charter school governance and operations; SB 444, requiring annual human trafficking awareness training for school personnel; and SB 742, expanding workforce development and money-back guarantee programs. Most of these bills were amended before being reported favorably by committee vote. The committee also considered and reported favorably SB 8, a claims bill providing a $1.2 million settlement for Marcus Button and his family arising from a 2006 Pasco County school bus crash that caused severe lifelong injuries. Senator Gaetz opposed claims bills in general, arguing the sovereign immunity cap should be raised so such cases can be resolved locally. Several bills drew questions and debate over implementation details, including concerns about charter school dress and hair policies under SB 822, the scope of human trafficking training under SB 444, and the zoning implications of private school facility provisions in SB 1702. Sponsor responses generally emphasized that the bills were intended to clarify existing policy or improve student safety, access, or educational outcomes. The committee also took up confirmation appointments. It recommended confirmation of the slate of appointees on Tabs 12 and 14 through 21 by voice vote, and separately recommended confirmation of Daniel Fogunoli to the State Board of Education after debate in which Senator Davis and Senator Osgood opposed the appointment. The meeting concluded with members recording additional votes, including Senator Burgess’s affirmative vote on SB 1150, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please read the first message.
• Read the first amendment.
• Read the first amendment.
• Read the first amendment.
• Read the first amendment.

Bills: HJR 138, HB 42, HB 104, HB 129, HB 677, HB 426, HB 668, HB 1699, HB 2017, HB 2128, HB 2038, HB 3783, HB 3717, HB 2316, HB 3686, HB 2563, HB 3883, HB 4021, HB 2788, HB 2663, HB 3305, HB 3173, HB 3474, HB 1105, HB 3531, HB 3490, HB 3597, HB 1295, HB 3512, HB 3010, HB 3112, HB 4215, HB 3223, HB 3464, HB 3120, HB 4214, HB 4511, HB 3704, HB 4081, HB 4783, HB 4063, HB 2783, HB 4937, HB 5085, HB 2510, HB 3426, HB 4361, HB 1169, HB 2516, HB 2347, HB 4034, HB 4700, HB 3560, HB 5150, HB 3860, HB 3146, HB 3924, HCR 98, HCR 92, HB 1520, HB 1545, HB 5265, HB 1887, HB 1914, HB 2402, HB 2306, HB 2350, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 3211, HB 1056, HB 2081, HB 2187, HB 3092, HB 3308, HB 3526, HB 3750, HB 4219, HB 4230, HB 4290, HB 5238, HB 4804, HB 4749, HB 245, HB 1465, HB 294, HB 793, HB 809, HB 3928, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 1973, HB 285, HB 4341, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 1729, HB 2498, HB 1314, HB 1353, HB 3960, HB 3923, HB 2221, HB 2517, HB 2518, HB 2213, HB 5092, HB 3748, HB 5246, HB 4344, HB 1482, HB 4044, HB 2702, HB 4264, HB 2807, HB 2898, HB 3181, HB 3250, HB 2091, HB 2115, HB 2542, HB 2768, HB 3349, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 3133, HB 3133, HB 4960, HB 3214, HB 2145, HB 1201, HB 5061, SB 29, SB 879, SB 65, SB 1745, SB 412, SB 412, SB 1746, SB 1238, SB 1341, SB 522, SB 1532, SB 1378, SB 1062, SB 2066, SB 1963, SB 2204, SB 1366, SB 2077, SB 1967, SB 1151, HB 1618, HB 2156, HB 2615, HB 2615, HB 2349, HB 1926, HB 569, HB 1762, HB 38, HJR 138, HB 42, HB 104, HB 104, HB 129, HB 677, HB 426, HB 668, HB 1699, HB 2017, HB 2128, HB 2038, HB 3783, HB 3717, HB 2316, HB 3686, HB 2563, HB 3883, HB 4021, HB 2788, HB 2663, HB 2663, HB 3305, HB 3173, HB 3474, HB 1105, HB 3531, HB 3531, HB 3490, HB 3490, HB 3597, HB 1295, HB 3512, HB 3010, HB 3112, HB 4215, HB 3223, HB 3223, HB 3464, HB 3120, HB 4214, HB 4511, HB 3704, HB 4081, HB 4783, HB 4063, HB 2783, HB 4937, HB 5085, HB 2510, HB 3426, HB 4361, HB 1169, HB 2516, HB 2347, HB 4034, HB 4700, HB 3560, HB 5150, HB 3860, HB 3146, HB 3924, HCR 98, HCR 92

Keywords: carbon tax, carbon emissions, greenhouse gas, climate policy, fuel tax, emissions tax, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax limitation, environmental tax, fossil fuels, energy policy, legislative taxing authority, ballot proposition, constitutional amendment, higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:05:29.760><c> grade</c> is not to prepare them for first grade is not to prepare them for first
• Does does that does for the first grade.
• Not<01:15:11.920><c> first</c><01:15:12.239><c> grade.</c> Not first grade. Not first grade.
• c> lot</c><01:15:18.719><c> of</c> was in the first grade, I spent a lot of was in the first grade, I
• </c> into the first grade or the second into the first grade or the second grade,<01:21:37.920><c> they're

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it. The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items. Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, first of all, I love, I love the idea of dual language.
• program in each grade.
• I first saw the chart that you have on the backside back in the mid-90s.
• are taught in those grade levels.
• First, we've got the matrix.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, Dr.
• When she gets to third grade, I'm being serious.
• First, I'd like to accept the committee amendment.
• I think first and foremost, this is a pretty major change.
• The first is the idea that we've talked about governance.

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with the most extensive discussion focused on AB 2189, AB 2615, AB 2496, AB 1750, and AB 1644. AB 2189 would create an $800,000 grant program through the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to support a statewide parent network for special education advocacy and training. Supporters said families need stronger coordination and information to navigate special education, while an opponent argued the bill could duplicate existing family-led organizations. The bill passed 6-0 and was sent to Appropriations, held on call for add-on votes. AB 2615, a cleanup bill to AB 715 on antisemitism and instructional materials, drew the most controversy. The authors said it was intended to clarify prior commitments by removing references to professional responsibility standards, refining the “factually accurate” language, and clarifying how discriminatory materials are handled. Supporters said it would help protect students from discrimination, while many educators, civil rights groups, and other organizations opposed it unless amended, warning that the factual-accuracy language could chill teaching and be applied too broadly. The committee chair and members raised concerns about implementation but ultimately supported moving the bill forward; it passed 5-0 and was held on call. AB 2496 would streamline school accountability reporting by making the California School Dashboard the primary transparency tool, phasing out the School Accountability Report Card over time, and making mid-year LCAP reporting optional. Supporters said this would reduce duplication and administrative burden while preserving access to key data; opponents worried families could lose the simplicity and accessibility of the current SARC and that the mid-year update still serves an important purpose. The bill was approved 3-0 and held on call. AB 1750, which would extend full salary for an additional five months for school employees who exhaust sick leave due to illness or injury, was supported as a dignity and retention measure but opposed by administrators over staffing and cost concerns; it passed 4-0 and was held on call. AB 1644 would require a bell-to-bell smartphone ban in TK-8 and recommend it for high school, with exceptions for instructional and safety needs; supporters said phones are harming attention and learning, while opponents argued districts had just adopted local policies and needed more flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• David DeBona, owner of First Class Plumbing and Heating.
• We have basic life support, CPR, first aid, and many more.
• I own and operate First-Class Plumbing here.
• We have basic life support, CPR, first aid, and many more.
• I own and operate first-class plumbing here.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:43.280><c> Chair</c> first stop for this bill. So u Mr. Chair first stop for this bill.
• Uh got you up first if that's all right.
• </c> your ninth grade year in high school. your ninth grade year in high school.
• And we don't stop there with ninth grade.
• And we don't stop there with ninth grade.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate from First Texas and Middlesex, Mr.
• The Senator from First Bristol and Plymouth, Mr.
• The Senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr.
• The Senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr.
• at the fourth grade at the Green School. of Fall River, the fourth grade at the Green School.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Lenz Arthur Joseph, a five-year-old Hyde Park child whose death was described as a tragic loss to his family, school, and community. Senators offered condolences and a moment of silence was observed. The chamber also recognized several guests, including students and scholarship recipients from the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program and visitors from River Valley Charter School and Fall River’s Green School. The main legislative business was Senate 2521, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill providing about $189 million for early education and care providers so they could receive June child care financial assistance payments. The minority leader questioned why the deficiency had arisen so late in the fiscal year and asked about preventing similar shortfalls. The Ways and Means chair responded that the bill was time-sensitive, that such supplemental appropriations are common for caseload-driven accounts, and that the House had already passed the measure. He also reported that FY25 revenues were about $1.1 billion above benchmark, though most of that was restricted Fair Share revenue or excess capital gains. The Senate took a roll-call vote on engrossment, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 39-0. The Senate then agreed to a conference committee on the FY26 budget bill, House 4001, after insisting on its amendment. It also adopted resolutions recognizing the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship and the Concord-Nani sister-city anniversary. The chamber suspended rules to advance a petition to ban DEHP in IV bags and tubing, and it agreed to a House referral change for Senate 2522, a health care petitions bill, sending it to the Judiciary Committee. Finally, the Senate adopted the emergency preamble and passed Senate 2521 to be enacted before adjourning to meet again the following Monday in memory of Lenz Arthur Joseph.

Transcript Highlights:

• And like myself and many of our first cousins who entered the first grade able to read, that was with
• grade in what follows the desire behind the proponents. first cousins who entered the first first cousins
• </c> did not learn to read even in the first did not learn to read even in the first grade<00:06:07.960
• <00:06:43.960><c> grade</c><00:06:44.280><c> in</c><00:06:44.520><c> what</c> first grade in what first
• </c><00:27:26.520><c> grade</c><00:27:26.840><c> I</c> whether they learn in the first grade I whether

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• at the facts and the stats, literally only four out of 10 students are meeting benchmark at third grade
• Two out of ten are scoring at the proficient level at third grade, which means 80% of those kids are
• not reading at grade level, and those consequences live with you the rest of your life.
• And that way, when the student completes third grade, they're prepared to learn because they can read
• First of all, the conferees, including Senator O'Connor, Senator Lewis.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: House and Senate leaders announced a compromise agreement on a literacy bill that both chambers had previously passed, saying the final version combines the strongest elements of each chamber’s proposal. The bill is framed as a response to persistent reading gaps, especially in third grade, and supporters said it is intended to strengthen literacy instruction for future students and address disparities affecting children of color and low-income students. The measure would require school districts to adopt K-3 reading curricula aligned with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidelines and based on evidence-based literacy practices. It also provides free approved curriculum options for districts that need them, allows waivers for districts already using qualifying programs, adds student progress monitoring, supports dyslexia screening and public reporting of related data, and includes professional development and apprenticeship opportunities for teachers. Speakers said the bill effectively moves away from guessing-based reading instruction and toward phonics-based methods. Leaders thanked the House and Senate leadership, conferees, and staff for negotiating the compromise, and said the bill had already received unanimous votes in both chambers on the earlier versions. They said they expected unanimous support again when the conference report comes to the floor later in the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I want to thank you, first and foremost.
• grade.
• Think about what you'll hear from first grade teachers who talk about students who often show up unprepared
• We do that whether we're going into TK, K, first grade, and we just have started using a testing platform
• I know when we first did our strategic plan, but right before the LCAP first started, it was very aspirational

Summary: The joint hearing focused on coherence in California’s education planning and reporting systems, especially the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and related grant plans. Committee chairs and members described widespread frustration with duplicative, lengthy, and sometimes conflicting reporting requirements, while emphasizing that the goal was not to reduce accountability but to make planning more useful, stable, and student-centered. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond also previewed the Governor’s education budget priorities, including expanded learning, community schools, universal transitional kindergarten, literacy supports, and concerns about the proposed Prop. 98 deferral. Panelists from the State Board of Education, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office said the LCAP was intended to balance local flexibility with statewide transparency, but has become overloaded by repeated revisions and additional requirements. They argued for fewer core reporting elements, more stability over time, better alignment of planning cycles, and integrated systems that reduce duplication. Fresno County staff described a multi-year calendar and support tools that help districts manage timelines, but said these tools only ease the burden rather than solve the underlying problem. The LAO noted that some newer plans, such as expanded learning and transportation plans, are narrative-heavy and often less informative than separate reporting requirements. Local district leaders and county officials described the practical effects of the current system: staff time diverted from instruction, multiple portals and forms, audit risk aversion, and planning documents that can exceed 100 pages. Several superintendents said coherent systems work best when districts have clear priorities, stable governance, and aligned budgets, and when state requirements are predictable and tied to outcomes like literacy, attendance, and student achievement. The California Federation of Teachers added that coherence also depends on meaningful collaboration with educators, classified staff, parents, and communities. Committee members repeatedly asked whether the state should streamline reporting, create a uniform portal, or develop a more unified grant-reporting structure, and Thurmond said the department was piloting a simplified common form and was willing to work with the Legislature and districts on broader solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the average compensation in the state of Oklahoma, and then secondly, the first-year teaching.
• I want to stress the average compensation and that's Important as we look at first-year salaries, the
• average first-year salary is second from the bottom, just ahead of Missouri, even when we adjust for
• reading using our proficiency levels with our current Standards, 3rd grade, over 60% are not at I'll
• Os and what that could look like an investment for first-year teachers, investment in literacy.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, first of all...
• His first-grade teacher put together— a classroom that had everything from cleaning the clothes to making
• They're lucky to have you in kindergarten when they get to first, second, third grade and all. up the
• It's graded every grades are released every December and the grading process begins in April and it's
• First, let me say that TRT...

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace