A. The State Department of Education in coordination with the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability shall establish a micro-credential program within one hundred twenty (120) days after the effective date of this act for the purpose of permitting any teacher candidate or teacher who holds a certificate to teach to complete additional coursework and earn micro-credentials in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) endorsement areas including computer science.
B. The State Department of Education and the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability shall convene a working group including pertinent education stakeholders to determine how any micro-credential awarded pursuant to any micro-credential program established pursuant to subsection A of this section will be used and such uses shall include:
1. To award add-on endorsements to teachers in STEM endorsement areas including computer science;
2. In lieu of the subject area competency examination required by Section 6-187 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and
3. To meet the professional development program requirements established in Section 6-194 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
C. Any course offered through a micro-credential program established pursuant to subsection A of this section may be offered in person, online or in a blended format of in-person and online instruction.
Added by Laws 2021, c. 338, § 1, eff. July 1, 2021.