Legislation gets virtual school students and teachers back in the classroom and empowers families with testing flexibility

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Oklahoma Parents for School Options applauds Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt for signing Senate Bill 1904 into law, permitting remote testing for virtual school students.

SB 1904 represents a significant victory for families who have chosen virtual schooling options for their children. By allowing remote testing, Gov. Stitt and the Oklahoma legislature have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that all students in grades 3-8, regardless of their learning environment, have equal opportunities to excel academically.

This bill replaces the requirement for all Oklahoma students to complete state mandated tests in-person. The in-person requirement posed a series of challenges for virtual students, parents and teachers, including lost instructional time. For rural families, testing sites could be several hours away, requiring long travel, hotel stays, childcare, and missed work.

"We commend Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma Legislature for recognizing the diverse needs of Oklahoma's students and for taking decisive action to support families who have opted for virtual schooling by enabling students to test in an environment that best suits their needs,” said parent Wendy Crossmock. "We recognize that when students are afforded the ability to test in a setting that works best for them, their performance increases and the results are improved.

“We hope other states recognize this and pass similar laws to give students and parents the same flexibility," continued Crossmock.  

The passage of SB 1904 underscores Oklahoma's commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive educational landscape. By embracing innovative solutions that accommodate the evolving needs of students and families, the state sets a precedent for educational excellence and flexibility.