Oklahoma law includes special education training in principal certification

Principal certification requirements include professional education about special education laws, services, and family rights. This applies to principals who are not alternatively certified. The training covers laws and safeguards, evaluations, individualized education programs, student discipline, and complaint and hearing processes. The State Board must set rules for approving providers and courses, recording completion, and verifying that the training was completed. The training may count toward professional development or continuing education for certification renewal.

Parents and legal guardians may review school records before meetings and bring a person of their choice to meetings with school staff. These rights apply to the parent or legal guardian of a child with a disability. Families may review evaluations, progress information, work samples, behavior logs, and discipline records before meetings about an education plan, accommodations, or other matters involving the child. Families must have at least five business days to review records before a meeting, unless they agree in writing to less time.

The State Department of Education must publish information about ways families can resolve special education disputes. The information is for parents and legal guardians of children with disabilities. The information must cover facilitated individualized education program meetings, mediation, due process, and the state complaint process.