Schools; providing conditions under which virtual instruction may count toward certain required instructional hours or days.

Oklahoma schools face tighter virtual-day limits

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Oklahoma districts and charter schools generally cannot count virtual instruction during school closures. This applies to the required 180 school days or 1,080 instructional hours, including partial days. Schools can count up to two days or 12 hours when the Governor declares an emergency related to their operations. Their governing board must approve virtual instruction, and the state education superintendent must approve their virtual instruction plan. Plans must cover technology needs, instruction for students with Individualized Education Programs, school meals, and transportation for technology center students. Plans must also address emergency contingencies and ongoing conditions needed to use virtual instruction. Governing boards must approve plans and publish them on their websites. Initial plans were due November 1, 2025, with approval or denial required by January 31, 2026. Boards must review plans annually and submit revisions by November 1; the superintendent must decide by January 31. Schools can revise and resubmit rejected plans. This framework does not apply to statewide virtual charter schools or full-time district virtual programs.