The POE Government Affairs team prepared the following member survey on student cell phone use, virtual school days, and the administrative rules process. The survey results will be used to influence potential legislation and policy during the 2025 Oklahoma Legislative Session.
Survey responses were collected between February 12 and February 20, 2025, with a total of 2,062 respondents. The survey was available exclusively to POE members.
Thank you for your participation in POE’s latest member survey!
Question 1
Concerning student learning, what is your opinion of the impact of students using cell phones during instructional periods?
Question 2
House Bill 1276 requires local school boards to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of cell phones and WIFI-capable personal electronic devices (like smartwatches) by students for the entirety of the school day. All school policies must incorporate provisions allowing for emergency and medical use of such devises. Excluding the provisions above, the local school board will set the specifics of the district-wide policy.
Do you support House Bill 1276?
Question 3
Concerning traditional, in-person schools, what is your opinion of incorporating virtual learning days into the regular academic calendar? That is, what is your opinion of schools that implement a hybrid learning model, where students attend in person some days and virtually other days?
Question 4
Senate Bill 758 mandates that virtual learning days for public schools would only be allowed in cases of emergency, such as inclement weather, widespread illness, or building maintenance issues. SB 758 would prohibit schools from incorporating virtual school days as part of the normal school calendar.
Do you support Senate Bill SB 758?
Question 5
House Bill 2728 reforms the process by which administrative rules are adopted. Currently, state agencies, like the Oklahoma Department of Education, create rules that are automatically implemented unless the State Legislature votes them down (usually a supermajority is required) or the Governor rejects them. If the Legislature fails to vote and the Governor does not reject the rules, then the rules automatically take effect 2728 alters the process so that any significant rule change requires a majority vote by the Legislature. If the Legislature fails to vote or if the rule does not receive a majority vote, then the rule would not take effect. In short, HB 2728 removes a degree of authority from state agencies and gives it to the State Legislature.
Do you support House Bill 2728?
