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Oklahoma Parents Urge Fallin To Sign Reading Bill

State Rep. Katie Henke (R-Tulsa) speaking during a press conference after the May 12 House vote.
Nate Robson
/
Oklahoma Watch

A group of Oklahoma parents concerned about new reading requirements that third graders must meet in order to advance to the fourth grade are urging Gov. Mary Fallin to sign a bill making it easier to promote students.

The Parent Legislative Action Committee of Central Oklahoma delivered a petition to the governor on Monday with more than 2,000 signatures.

The group supports the billthat would make changes to the Reading Sufficiency Act, which was part of a Republican-led agenda to increase the rigor in Oklahoma schools.

Spokeswoman Meredith Exline said the group was concerned that Fallin might veto House Bill 2625.

The bill, by Rep. Katie Henke, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Gary Michael Stanislawski, R-Tulsa, would create a student reading proficiency team, made up of the parents, two teachers, the principal and a reading specialist to determine whether to promote or retain a third grade student who fails the reading sufficiency test and to develop an intensive remediation plan for any student at risk of retention.

Based on test results released two weeks ago, nearly 16 percent ofOklahoma's third graders scored "unsatisfactory" on state reading tests and could be held back next year.

Exline said the purpose of the petition was “…to make sure (Fallin) understands how parents feel about being involving in their children’s education.” The petition contains more than 2,000 signatures gathered over a one week period.

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