Bill Would Allow Districts to Provide Play‑Based Learning for Pre‑K–5; Supporters Tell Committee It Restores Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Senate Bill 948 was the subject of testimony Feb. 5 in the Senate Committee on Education. The bill would allow local school boards to provide play‑based learning during the school day for students in prekindergarten through grade 5 and require the Oregon Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Early Learning and Care and the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, to provide professional development about play‑based learning to child‑care providers and K–5 teachers.

Supporters described the measure as restoring “developmentally appropriate” classroom practice and cited classroom and substitute‑teacher observations. Liz Marley (testifying as a member of OPEN, the Oregon Public Education Network) said she left teaching because data‑driven, test‑focused curricula had diminished play and broad learning opportunities; after visiting a school implementing K–2 play‑based curriculum, she urged the committee to expand similar approaches statewide. Ross Swartzendrueber, a guest teacher and parent, said heavy reliance on devices and online instruction had undermined classroom engagement and that play‑based programs require professional development to succeed.

Chair Frederick and other senators noted the proposal revisits longstanding debates about balance in early‑grade instruction. Frederick said the idea is “not a new idea” and encouraged colleagues to review submitted testimony. Testimony emphasized available models, district bond‑funded pilots and claims of improved student engagement where play‑based programs have been implemented.

Ending: The committee heard supportive testimony emphasizing professional development and local control; no committee action or vote was taken on SB 948 during the Feb. 5 hearing.