OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Oklahoma Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin says the 2026 legislative session marked a major year for education policy, with lawmakers advancing reforms aimed at early literacy, instructional time, teacher compensation, school choice, and distraction-free learning.
In a statement following the close of session, Hamlin said education policy was central to the Legislature’s work and that Oklahoma is gaining national attention as a state willing to pursue ambitious education reform.
The centerpiece of the session was Senate Bill 1778, which strengthened the Strong Readers Act. Authored by Sen. Adam Pugh and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, the measure expands Oklahoma’s early literacy framework, including early interventions, intensive supports, teacher training opportunities, and a third-grade retention provision for students who are not reading on grade level.
“The updated Strong Readers Act is far more comprehensive in scope,” Hamlin said, noting that the law is designed to improve reading outcomes before struggling readers reach third grade.
Lawmakers also approved House Bill 3151, which increases the minimum number of instructional days from 165 to 173 beginning in the 2027-28 school year. Hamlin said that change, combined with legislation from last year limiting schools to two virtual days per year, represents a major expansion of in-person instructional time.
Teachers also received a $2,000 pay raise, the third teacher pay increase adopted during Gov. Kevin Stitt’s tenure. Lawmakers also passed HB 4268, which includes new compensation incentives, including a $5,000 annual stipend for five years for teachers who obtain National Board Certification and performance-based compensation for teachers whose students demonstrate high academic growth.
Hamlin also pointed to lawmakers making Oklahoma’s bell-to-bell student cell phone ban permanent, saying the policy has received support from families and educators.
The session also included new school choice measures, including a revolving loan fund for public charter school capital projects and a $25 million increase to the cap on Oklahoma’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program.
“In all, the 2026 legislative session delivered sweeping early literacy reform, expanded school choice, increased instructional time, enhanced teacher compensation and incentives, and permanent student cell phone restrictions,” Hamlin said.
