Oklahoma schools to implement new education laws targeting literacy, classroom days and device use

May 28, 2026 - 03:01

Oklahoma is set to roll out a package of new education laws aimed at tackling three key areas: childhood literacy, the length of the school year, and student use of electronic devices. Governor Kevin Stitt has signed off on the legislation, which lawmakers say is designed to address long-standing concerns about student performance and classroom distractions.

One of the central pieces of the new rules focuses on literacy. The state will implement new reading standards and intervention programs for young students, particularly those in early elementary grades. The goal is to identify struggling readers earlier and provide targeted support before they fall too far behind. This move comes as Oklahoma, like many states, has seen reading scores dip in recent years.

Beyond reading, the laws also mandate an increase in the number of required classroom days. While the exact schedule changes will vary by district, the state is pushing for more instructional time, arguing that more days in class directly correlate with better academic outcomes. School administrators are now tasked with adjusting their calendars to meet these new minimums.

Finally, the legislation takes a hard line on technology. Under the new rules, schools will be required to restrict or ban the use of personal electronic devices, including smartphones, during instructional time. The policy is intended to cut down on distractions and social media use that educators say interfere with learning. Some districts have already experimented with phone-free policies, but this law makes it a statewide expectation.

The changes are set to take effect in the coming school year, giving districts a short window to update their policies and training.