Oklahoma using Web-based training program for school bus drivers

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma is the first state to provide a Web-based training program for school bus drivers, and administrators hope it will help address a shortage. <br/><br/>``With the high driver

Saturday, February 25th 2006, 4:46 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma is the first state to provide a Web-based training program for school bus drivers, and administrators hope it will help address a shortage.

``With the high driver turnover, we need to cut down on the time spent training new drivers,'' said Randy McLerran, transportation director for the state Education Department, which heard a report on the program on Thursday.

State schools Superintendent Sandy Garrett said she frequently hears from superintendents who need more bus drivers.

Another reason for additional training was recent increased requirements for drivers, extending the road test to two hours.

Lawton-based Advanced Systems Technology or AST, produced the Web-based training, which takes about 19 hours to complete and can be done at home or at a school's computer lab, said Mike Kelley, director of public safety education for AST.

The board also heard a report on a voluntary program that helps special education teachers.

Special Education Automation Software, or SEAS, aids in the organization of the many forms special education students have and also provides an easy way to compare students' progress with state standards.

Misty Kimbrough, assistant state superintendent, said 40 percent of the districts in Oklahoma are already using the SEAS system and Oklahoma.