The Oklahoma legislative session begins today, and education is expected to be a major focus throughout 2026. With hundreds of education-related bills filed, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Lindel Fields expressed optimism about the early conversations taking place across Oklahoma schools, homes, and the State Capitol.

“The legislative session begins today, and as expected, education will be a major focus of 2026,” Fields said. “I am encouraged by the conversations, questions, and suggestions already happening in the halls of Oklahoma schools, homes, and our State Capitol. As we work together over the next few months, I am hopeful we can create positive progress toward our shared goal of improving public education for all Oklahoma students.”

In preparation for the work ahead, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has developed the OSDE 2026 Legislative Agenda, organized around the core priorities emphasized since the beginning of the Fields administration: Literacy, Teacher Recruitment & Retention, Career Pathways, Safety, and Student Well-Being. These priorities are grounded in feedback gathered from educators, parents, and guardians across the state.

“The priorities in this agenda reflect what we consistently hear from families and educators—what students need to be safe, supported, and prepared for the future,” Fields said.

Key focus areas of the OSDE 2026 Legislative Agenda 1. Safety & technology: The OSDE will support efforts to extend the School Safety Grant Program, which is currently scheduled to sunset in June. School leaders and parents consistently identify safety as a top priority. OSDE also supports a permanent cell phone-free school policy to support strong learning environments.

2. Teacher recruitment & retention: A major focus for OSDE is first-year teacher pay, which remains a barrier to entry into the profession. When salary comparisons are discussed publicly, national data from the National Education Association is used to ensure consistency. OSDE is also supportive of legislation that gives districts more flexibility and tools to retain high-performing teachers.

3. Leadership development: OSDE supports educator preparation programs to build more consistent, affordable and timely certification pathways and to strengthen leadership development systems that help school and district leaders build strong cultures.

4. Healthy schools: Student wellness remains part of OSDE’s broader conversation, including support for physical fitness initiatives tied to recent healthfocused, rural health grant.

5. Literacy & learning: Literacy remains a leading priority. OSDE seeks to expand successful literacy efforts, such as the HEROES Literacy Program, and welcomes discussions regarding extending the instructional calendar.

Fields emphasized that meaningful improvement in public education requires sustained effort rather than quick fixes.

“There are no simple, short-term solutions to the challenges facing our system of public education,” Fields said. “Instead of hoping for a ‘miracle,’ I hope this legislative session marks the first step in our own marathon, one run at a pace fast enough to matter, and careful enough to last.”