Oklahoma Education Department Unveils 2026 Legislative Priorities

Agenda focuses on literacy, school safety, and teacher compensation

Feb. 2, 2026 at 11:47pm

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The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has released its legislative agenda for 2026, outlining key priorities that include improving student literacy, enhancing school safety measures, and increasing teacher pay across the state.

Why it matters

Education is a critical issue in Oklahoma, where student performance and teacher retention have been longstanding challenges. The OSDE's legislative agenda aims to address these concerns and improve the overall quality of the state's public school system.

The details

The OSDE's 2026 legislative agenda includes several key initiatives. First, the department is pushing for increased funding and resources to bolster literacy programs in elementary schools. Additionally, the agenda calls for enhanced safety protocols and security measures in all Oklahoma public schools. Finally, the OSDE is advocating for a significant pay raise for teachers, in an effort to attract and retain high-quality educators.

  • The OSDE released its 2026 legislative agenda on February 3, 2026.

The players

Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE)

The state agency responsible for overseeing and supporting Oklahoma's public education system.

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What they’re saying

“Improving literacy, ensuring school safety, and properly compensating our teachers are critical to the success of Oklahoma's students and the future of our state.”

— Joy Hofmeister, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

What’s next

The OSDE's legislative agenda will now be presented to the Oklahoma State Legislature, where lawmakers will consider the proposals and potentially incorporate them into future education funding and policy decisions.

The takeaway

The OSDE's 2026 legislative agenda reflects the state's ongoing commitment to addressing longstanding challenges in its public education system, with a focus on improving student outcomes, enhancing school safety, and retaining high-quality teachers.