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Oklahoma Legislature· HB 1521To Senate

An act relating to schools, the official text

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1                   STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2   1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)

3 HOUSE BILL 1521   By: Lowe (Dick)

4

5

6                   AS INTRODUCED

7   An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2021,

    Section 11-103.6, as last amended by Section 1,

8   Chapter 384, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section

    11-103.6), which relates to subject matter standards;

9   adding computer science or one-year program to

    certain science class options; adding personal

10  financial literacy to required curriculum units;

    updating references; permitting alternate diploma for

11  certain students; prohibiting the termination of a

    Free and Appropriate Public Education for certain

12  students; allowing an alternate diploma to count as a

    standard diploma under certain circumstances;

13  prescribing curriculum units for an alternate

    diploma; allowing the State Department of Education

14  to promulgate rules on aviation courses; requiring

    the State Department of Education to promulgate rules

15  on emerging computer science technologies; repealing

    70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as last amended by

16  Section 1, Chapter 264, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.

    2024, Section 11-103.6), which relates to subject

17  matter standards; repealing 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-

    103.6, as last amended by Section 166, Chapter 452,

18  O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 11-103.6),

    which relates to subject matter standards; providing

19  an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

20

21

22 BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

23

24

    Req. No. 10343                                         Page 1
1   SECTION 1.      AMENDATORY  70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as

2 last amended by Section 1, Chapter 384, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.

3 2024, Section 11-103.6), is amended to read as follows:

4   Section 11-103.6. A. 1. The State Board of Education shall

5 adopt subject matter standards for instruction of students in the

6 public schools of this state that are necessary to ensure there is

7 attainment of desired levels of competencies in a variety of areas

8 to include language, mathematics, science, social studies,

9 communication, and health and physical education.

10  2. School districts shall develop and implement curriculum,

11 courses and instruction in order to ensure that students meet the

12 skills and competencies as set forth in this section and in the

13 subject matter standards adopted by the State Board of Education.

14  3. All students shall gain literacy at the elementary and

15 secondary levels. Students shall develop skills in reading,

16 writing, speaking, computing, and critical thinking. For purposes

17 of this section, critical thinking means a manner of analytical

18 thinking which is logical and uses linear factual analysis to reach

19 a conclusion. They shall learn about cultures and environments -

20 their own and those of others with whom they share the earth. All

21 students shall receive the instruction needed to lead healthy and

22 physically active lifestyles. Students, therefore, shall study

23 social studies, literature, languages, the arts, health,

24 mathematics, and science. Such curricula shall provide for the

    Req. No. 10343                                                  Page 2
1 teaching of a hands-on career exploration program in cooperation

2 with technology center schools.

3   4. The subject matter standards shall be designed to teach the

4 competencies for which students shall be tested as provided in

5 Section 1210.508 of this title and shall be designed to prepare all

6 students for active citizenship, employment, and/or successful

7 completion of postsecondary education without the need for remedial

8 coursework at the postsecondary level.

9   5. The subject matter standards shall be designed with rigor as

10 defined in paragraph 6 of subsection F N of this section.

11  6. The subject matter standards for English Language Arts shall

12 give Classic Literature and nonfiction literature equal

13 consideration to other literature. In addition, emphasis shall be

14 given to the study of complete works of literature.

15  7. At a minimum, the subject matter standards for mathematics

16 shall require mastery of the standard algorithms in mathematics,

17 which is the most logical, efficient way of solving a problem that

18 consistently works, and for students to attain fluency in Euclidian

19 geometry.

20  8. The subject matter standards for history, social studies,

21 and United States Government shall include the content of the United

22 States naturalization test, with an emphasis on the specific content

23 of the test and the ideas and concepts it references. The United

24 States naturalization test shall be made available in physical and

    Req. No. 10343                                                Page 3
1 electronic online formats as an optional assessment tool for

2 teachers.

3   9. The subject matter standards for United States Government

4 shall include an emphasis on civics. For the purposes of this

5 section, "civics" means the study of the rights and duties of

6 Oklahoma and United States citizens and of how those governments

7 work.

8   10. The subject matter standards for health and physical

9 education shall include but not be limited to the domains of

10 physical, emotional, social, and intellectual health. Health

11 literacy shall include the ability to obtain, process, and

12 understand basic health information and services needed to make

13 appropriate health decisions. Health shall also include the

14 importance of proper nutrition and exercise, mental health and

15 wellness, substance abuse, coping skills for understanding and

16 managing trauma, establishing and maintaining positive

17 relationships, and responsible decision making. Physical literacy

18 shall include the ability to move with competence and confidence in

19 a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments that

20 benefit the healthy development of the whole person.

21  B. Subject to the provisions of subsection C or subsection D of

22 this section, in order to graduate from a public high school

23 accredited by the State Board of Education with a standard diploma,

24 students enrolled in grades eight through twelve in the 2024-2025

    Req. No. 10343                                                  Page 4
1 school year shall complete the following college preparatory/work

2 ready curriculum units or sets of competencies at the secondary

3 level:

4   1. Four (4) units or sets of competencies of English to include

5 Grammar, Composition, Literature, or any English course approved for

6 college admission requirements;

7   2. Three (3) units or sets of competencies of mathematics,

8 limited to Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math

9 Analysis, Calculus, Advanced Placement Statistics, or any

10 mathematics course with content and/or rigor above Algebra I and

11 approved for college admission requirements;

12  3. Three (3) units or sets of competencies of laboratory

13 science approved for college admission requirements including one

14 unit or set of competencies of life science meeting the standards

15 for Biology I; one unit or set of competencies of physical science

16 meeting the standards for Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics;

17 and one unit or set of competencies from the domains of physical

18 science, life science, or earth and space science such that the

19 content and rigor is above Biology I or Physical Science;

20  4. Three (3) units or sets of competencies of history and

21 citizenship skills including one unit of American History, 1/2 unit

22 of Oklahoma History, 1/2 unit of United States Government, and one

23 unit from the subjects of History, Government, Geography, Economics,

24

    Req. No. 10343                                                  Page 5
1 Civics, or non-Western culture and approved for college admission

2 requirements;

3   5. Two (2) units or sets of competencies of the same world or

4 non-English language or two units of computer technology approved

5 for college admission requirements, whether taught at a high school

6 or a technology center school including computer programming,

7 hardware, and business computer applications, such as word

8 processing, databases, spreadsheets, and graphics, excluding

9 keyboarding or typing courses;

10  6. One (1) additional unit or set of competencies selected from

11 paragraphs 1 through 5 of this subsection or career and technology

12 education courses, concurrently enrolled courses, advanced placement

13 courses, or International Baccalaureate courses approved for college

14 admission requirements; and

15  7. One (1) unit or set of competencies of fine arts, such as

16 music, art, or drama, or one unit or set of competencies of speech.

17  C. In lieu of the requirements of subsection B or subsection D

18 of this section which requires a college preparatory/work ready

19 curriculum, a student enrolled in grades eight through twelve in the

20 2024-2025 school year may enroll in the core curriculum as provided

21 in this subsection upon written approval of the parent or legal

22 guardian of the student. For students under the age of eighteen

23 (18), school districts shall require a parent or legal guardian of

24 the student to meet with a designee of the school prior to

    Req. No. 10343                                                  Page 6
1 enrollment in the core curriculum. The State Department of

2 Education shall develop and distribute to school districts a form

3 suitable for this purpose, which shall include information on the

4 benefits to students of completing the college preparatory/work

5 ready curriculum as provided for in subsection B of this section.

6   In order to graduate from a public high school accredited by the

7 State Board of Education with a standard diploma, students enrolled

8 in grades eight through twelve in the 2024-2025 school year shall

9 complete the following core curriculum units or sets of competencies

10 at the secondary level:

11  1. Language Arts � 4 Four (4) units or sets of competencies to

12 consist of 1 unit or set of competencies of grammar and composition,

13 and 3 units or sets of competencies which may include, but are not

14 limited to, the following courses:

15  a. American Literature,

16  b. English Literature,

17  c. World Literature,

18  d. Advanced English Courses, or

19  e. other English courses with content and/or rigor equal

20  to or above grammar and composition;

21  2. Mathematics � 3 Three (3) units or sets of competencies to

22 consist of 1 unit or set of competencies of Algebra I or Algebra I

23 taught in a contextual methodology, and 2 units or sets of

24

    Req. No. 10343                                                 Page 7
1 competencies which may include, but are not limited to, the

2 following courses:

3   a. Algebra II,

4   b. Geometry or Geometry taught in a contextual

5   methodology,

6   c. Trigonometry,

7   d. Math Analysis or Precalculus,

8   e. Calculus,

9   f. Statistics and/or Probability,

10  g. Computer Science or acceptance and successful

11  completion of one (1) year of a full-time, three-hour

12  career and technology program leading to an industry

13  credential/certificate or college credit. The State

14  Board of Career and Technology Education shall

15  promulgate rules to define the provisions of this

16  section related to the accepted industry-valued

17  credentials which are industry-endorsed or industry-

18  aligned. The list of accepted industry-valued

19  credentials shall be reviewed annually and updated at

20  least every three (3) years by the Board,

21  h. (1) contextual mathematics courses which enhance

22                    technology preparation, or

23  (2) a science, technology, engineering, and math

24                    (STEM) block course meeting the requirements for

    Req. No. 10343                                             Page 8
1                   course competencies listed in paragraph 2 of

2                   subsection B of this section, whether taught at

3                   a:

4                   (a) comprehensive high school, or

5                   (b) technology center school when taken in the

6                         tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade, taught by

7                         a certified teacher, and approved by the

8                         State Board of Education and the independent

9                         district board of education,

10           i. mathematics courses taught at a technology center

11           school by a teacher certified in the secondary subject

12           area when taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth

13           grade upon approval of the State Board of Education

14           and the independent district board of education, or

15           j. any other mathematics course with content and/or rigor

16           equal to or above Algebra I;

17  3. Science � 3 Three (3) units or sets of competencies to

18 consist of 1 unit or set of competencies of Biology I or Biology I

19 taught in a contextual methodology, and two (2) units or sets of

20 competencies in the areas of life, physical, or earth science or

21 technology which may include, but are not limited to, the following

22 courses:

23           a. Chemistry I,

24           b. Physics,

    Req. No. 10343                                                 Page 9
1   c. Biology II,

2   d. Chemistry II,

3   e. Physical Science,

4   f. Earth Science,

5   g. Botany,

6   h. Zoology,

7   i. Physiology,

8   j. Astronomy,

9   k. Applied Biology/Chemistry,

10  l. Applied Physics,

11  m. Principles of Technology,

12  n. qualified agricultural education courses,

13  o. Computer Science or acceptance and successful

14  completion of one (1) year of a full-time, three-hour

15  career and technology program leading to an industry

16  credential/certificate or college credit. The State

17  Board of Career and Technology Education shall

18  promulgate rules to define the provisions of this

19  section related to the accepted industry-valued

20  credentials which are industry-endorsed or industry-

21  aligned. The list of accepted industry-valued

22  credentials shall be reviewed annually and updated at

23  least every three (3) years by the Board,

24

    Req. No. 10343                                    Page 10
1   p. (1) contextual science courses which enhance

2                   technology preparation, or

3       (2) a science, technology, engineering, and math

4                   (STEM) block course meeting the requirements for

5                   course competencies listed in paragraph 3 of

6                   subsection B of this section, whether taught at

7                   a:

8                   (a) comprehensive high school, or

9                   (b) technology center school when taken in the

10                      tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade, taught by

11                      a certified teacher, and approved by the

12                      State Board of Education and the independent

13                      district board of education,

14  p.

15  q. science courses taught at a technology center school

16      by a teacher certified in the secondary subject area

17      when taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade

18      upon approval of the State Board of Education and the

19      independent district board of education, or

20  q.

21  r. other science courses with content and/or rigor equal

22      to or above Biology I;

23  4. Social Studies � 3 Three (3) units or sets of competencies

24 to consist of 1 unit or set of competencies of United States

    Req. No. 10343                                               Page 11
1 History, 1/2 to 1 unit or set of competencies of United States

2 Government, 1/2 unit or set of competencies of Oklahoma History, and

3 1/2 to 1 unit or set of competencies which may include, but are not

4 limited to, the following courses:

5   a. World History,

6   b. Geography,

7   c. Economics,

8   d. Anthropology, or

9   e. other social studies courses with content and/or rigor

10             equal to or above United States History, United States

11             Government, and Oklahoma History;

12  5. Arts � 1 One (1) unit or set of competencies which may

13 include, but is not limited to, courses in Visual Arts and General

14 Music; and

15  6. Computer Education or World Language � 1 One (1) unit or set

16 of competencies of computer technology, whether taught at a high

17 school or a technology center school, including computer

18 programming, hardware, and business computer applications, such as

19 word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and graphics, excluding

20 keyboarding or typing courses, or 1 unit or set of competencies of

21 world or non-English language; and

22  7. One-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies of personal

23 financial literacy, as provided in the Passport to Financial

24 Literacy Act, whether taught as an elective course or when taught

    Req. No. 10343                                                Page 12
1 during instruction as provided in and subject to the standards of

2 subsection A of Section 11-103.6h of this title in coursework

3 offered by the school district or partnering technology center

4 school by a teacher certified in a relevant secondary subject area

5 and taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade.

6   D. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, students whose

7 parent or legal guardian approve modification of the existing

8 graduation track as outlined in subsections B and C of this section,

9 subject to school approval, may complete a minimum of twenty-three

10 (23) curriculum units or sets of competencies at the secondary level

11 as listed below; and students entering the eighth grade in the 2025-

12 2026 school year, in order to graduate from a public high school

13 accredited by the State Board of Education with a standard diploma,

14 students shall complete a minimum of the following twenty-three (23)

15 curriculum units or sets of competencies at the secondary level:

16  1. Four (4) units or sets of competencies of English to include

17 Grammar, Composition, Literature, or any English course;

18  2. Four (4) units or sets of competencies of mathematics, two

19 (2) of which shall be Algebra I and either Algebra II or Geometry.

20 The other two (2) units may include Algebra II, Geometry,

21 Trigonometry, Math Analysis, Calculus, Statistics, Math of Finance,

22 Computer Science, college courses approved for dual credit, an

23 approved full-time postsecondary career and technology program, or

24

    Req. No. 10343                                                 Page 13
1 locally approved math based application course, or any mathematics

2 course with content and/or rigor above Algebra I;

3   3. Three (3) units or sets of competencies of laboratory

4 science approved for college admission requirements including one

5 unit or set of competencies of life science meeting the standards

6 for Biology I; one (1) unit or set of competencies of physical

7 science meeting the standards for Physical Science, Chemistry, or

8 Physics; and one (1) unit or set of competencies from the domains of

9 physical science, life science, or earth and space science, or

10 approved full-time postsecondary career and technology program or

11 locally approved science-based application course, or any science

12 course with content and/or rigor above Biology I or Physical

13 Science;

14  4. Three (3) units or sets of competencies of history and

15 citizenship skills including one unit of American History, 1/2 one-

16 half (1/2) unit of Oklahoma History, 1/2 one-half (1/2) unit of

17 United States Government, and one (1) unit from the subjects of

18 History, Government, Geography, Economics, Civics, or non-Western

19 culture;

20  5. Six (6) pathway units or sets of competencies approved at

21 the discretion of the school district board of education which align

22 with each student's Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and

23 may include, but are not limited to, any additional units or sets of

24 competencies as provided in paragraphs 1 through 4 of this

    Req. No. 10343                                                Page 14
1 subsection, world or non-English language, computer technology,

2 Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), internship or

3 apprenticeship programs, career and technology education courses,

4 concurrently enrolled courses, advanced placement courses,

5 International Baccalaureate courses approved for college admission

6 requirements, music, art, drama, speech, dance, media arts, or other

7 approved courses; and

8   6. Three (3) units or sets of competencies of elective courses

9 approved by the school district board of education; and

10  7. One-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies of personal

11 financial literacy, as provided in the Passport to Financial

12 Literacy Act, whether taught as an elective course or when taught

13 during instruction as provided in and subject to the standards of

14 subsection A of Section 11-103.6h of this title in coursework

15 offered by the school district or partnering technology center

16 school by a teacher certified in a relevant secondary subject area

17 and taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade.

18  E. A school district shall determine the specific description

19 of the locally approved math and science based application courses

20 allowed pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 of subsection D of this

21 section. Formal notification with the specific course description

22 shall be provided to the State Department of Education prior to July

23 1 of each school year. The notification shall include what courses

24

    Req. No. 10343                                                 Page 15
1 will be coded as locally approved math and science based application

2 courses for the ensuing school year.

3   F. 1. In addition to the curriculum requirements of subsection

4 B, C, or D of this section, in order to graduate from a public high

5 school accredited by the State Board of Education students shall

6 complete the requirements for a personal financial literacy passport

7 as set forth in the Passport to Financial Literacy Act and any

8 additional course requirements or recommended elective courses as

9 may be established by the State Board of Education and the district

10 school board. School districts shall strongly encourage students to

11 complete two units or sets of competencies of world languages and

12 two units or sets of competencies of physical and health education.

13  2. No student shall receive credit for high school graduation

14 more than once for completion of the same unit or set of

15 competencies to satisfy the curriculum requirements of this section.

16  3. A school district shall not be required to offer every

17 course listed in subsections B, C, and D of this section but shall

18 offer sufficient courses to allow a student to meet the graduation

19 requirements during the secondary grade years of the student A

20 school district may issue an alternate diploma to a student who

21 meets the definition of a student with the most significant

22 cognitive disabilities and who participates in the Oklahoma

23 Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP) beginning in the 2023-2024

24 school year. An alternate diploma shall be standards-based, aligned

    Req. No. 10343                                                 Page 16
1 with requirements for a standard diploma, and obtained by the school

2 year in which a student turns twenty-two (22) years of age.

3   G. An alternate diploma shall not terminate a Free and

4 Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with an

5 Individualized Education Program (IEP) unless they reach the maximum

6 age of FAPE. The IEP team shall determine subsequent courses and

7 services for students who receive an alternate diploma.

8   H. Students participating in the OAAP shall not be precluded

9 from attempting to meet the requirements of a standard diploma, and

10 participation in the OAAP shall not determine a student's

11 educational setting under the Individuals with Disabilities

12 Education Act (IDEA).

13  I. Students who meet the requirements for an alternate diploma

14 may count as having received a standard diploma for purposes of

15 calculating and reporting the adjusted cohort graduation rate

16 (ACGR).

17  J. A student may be awarded an alternate diploma upon

18 completion of the following curriculum units or sets of competencies

19 at the secondary level:

20  1. Language Arts � Four (4) units or sets of competencies based

21 on alternate academic achievement standards to consist of reading

22 literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and

23 listening, and language in the following courses:

24          a. English 1 Alternate,

    Req. No. 10343                                                Page 17
1   b. English 2 Alternate,

2   c. English 3 Alternate, and

3   d. English 4 Alternate;

4   2. Mathematics � Four (4) units or sets of competencies based

5 on alternate academic achievement standards to consist of quantities

6 or measurement, algebra, functions or statistics, probability, and

7 geometry in the following courses:

8   a. Math Alternate 1,

9   b. Math Alternate 2,

10  c. Math Alternate 3, and

11  d. Math Alternate 4;

12  3. Science � Three (3) units or sets of competencies based on

13 alternate academic achievement standards to consist of life science,

14 physical science, and earth science in the following courses:

15  a. Life Science Alternate,

16  b. Physical Science Alternate, and

17  c. Earth Science Alternate;

18  4. Social Studies � Three (3) units or sets of competencies

19 based on alternate academic achievement standards to consist of

20 United States history, United States government, Oklahoma history,

21 geography, and social studies in the following courses:

22  a. Social Studies Alternate 1,

23  b. Social Studies Alternate 2, and

24  c. Social Studies Alternate 3;

    Req. No. 10343                                                Page 18
1   5. Arts � One (1) unit or set of competencies which may

2 include, but is not limited to, courses in Visual Arts and General

3 Music;

4   6. Computer Education or World Language � One (1) unit or set

5 of competencies of computer technology, whether taught at a high

6 school or a technology center school, including computer

7 programming, hardware, and business computer applications, such as

8 word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and graphics, excluding

9 keyboarding or typing courses, or one unit or set of competencies of

10 world or non-English language;

11  7. Career Readiness � at least two (2) units of Career

12 Readiness, including Career Readiness I, Career Readiness II, Career

13 Readiness III, or Career Readiness IV. Each Career Readiness course

14 may be substituted for Careers/Exploration, Internship I, or

15 Internship II; and

16  8. Life Skills � at least two (2) units of Life Skills, such as

17 Life Skills I, Life Skills II, Life Skills III, or Life Skills IV.

18 Each Life Skills course may be substituted for the Life Skills or

19 Family and Consumer Science course.

20  K. Courses in the core curriculum may be used as a substitute

21 for corresponding courses required by the alternate diploma. Other

22 courses may be substituted as determined by the State Board of

23 Education.

24

    Req. No. 10343                                                 Page 19
1   L. 1. In addition to the curriculum requirements of either

2 subsection B, C, or D of this section, in order to graduate from a

3 public high school accredited by the State Board of Education,

4 students shall complete any additional course requirements or

5 recommended elective courses as may be established by the State

6 Board of Education and the district school board. School districts

7 shall strongly encourage students to complete two units or sets of

8 competencies of world languages and two units or sets of

9 competencies of physical and health education.

10  2. No student shall receive credit for high school graduation

11 more than once for completion of the same unit or set of

12 competencies to satisfy the curriculum requirements of this section.

13  3. A school district shall not be required to offer every

14 course listed in subsections B, C, and D of this section but shall

15 offer sufficient courses to allow a student to meet the graduation

16 requirements during the secondary grade years of the student.

17  M. The State Board of Education may develop rules to determine

18 if courses on aviation are eligible for nonelective academic credit

19 toward meeting the graduation requirements set forth in subsections

20 B and D of this section.

21  G. N. For purposes of this section:

22  1. "Contextual methodology" means academic content and skills

23 taught by utilizing real-world problems and projects in a way that

24 helps students understand the application of that knowledge;

    Req. No. 10343                                                Page 20
1   2. "Locally approved" means approved by the local school

2 district board of education;

3   3. "Math based application course" means a course that teaches

4 math content within a real-world application;

5   4. "Pathway unit" means a course taken by a high school student

6 that is aligned with the student's current Individualized Career and

7 Academic Plan (ICAP);

8   5. "Qualified agricultural education courses" means courses

9 that have been determined by the State Board of Education to offer

10 the sets of competencies for one or more science content areas and

11 which correspond to academic science courses. Qualified

12 agricultural education courses shall include, but are not limited

13 to, horticulture, plant and soil science, natural resources and

14 environmental science, and animal science. The courses shall be

15 taught by teachers certified in agricultural education and comply

16 with all rules of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology

17 Education;

18  6. "Rigor" means a level of difficulty that is thorough,

19 exhaustive and accurate and is appropriate for the grade level;

20  7. "Science-based application course" means a course that

21 teaches science content within a real-world application;

22  8. "Sets of competencies" means instruction in those skills and

23 competencies that are specified in the subject matter standards

24 adopted by the State Board of Education and other skills and

    Req. No. 10343                                               Page 21
1 competencies adopted by the Board, without regard to specified

2 instructional time; and

3   9. "Unit" means a Carnegie Unit as defined by the North Central

4 Association's Commission on Schools.

5   H. O. 1. The State Board of Education, State Board of Career

6 and Technology Education, and State Regents for Higher Education

7 shall adopt a joint plan and electronically submit it to the Speaker

8 of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the President Pro

9 Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate by January 1, 2025, to ensure

10 that rigor is maintained in the content, teaching methodology, level

11 of expectations for student achievement, and application of learning

12 in all the courses taught to meet the graduation requirements

13 specified in subsection D of this section.

14  2. The State Board of Education shall allow as much flexibility

15 at the district level as is possible without diminishing the rigor

16 or undermining the intent of providing these courses. To accomplish

17 this purpose, the State Department of Education shall work with

18 school districts in reviewing and approving courses taught by

19 districts that are not specifically listed in subsections B, C, and

20 D of this section. Options may include, but shall not be limited

21 to, courses taken by concurrent enrollment, advanced placement, or

22 correspondence, or courses bearing different titles.

23  3. Technology center school districts may offer programs

24 designed in cooperation with institutions of higher education.

    Req. No. 10343                                                 Page 22
1 Students in the tenth grade may be allowed to attend these programs

2 for up to one-half (1/2) of a school day and credit for the units or

3 sets of competencies required in paragraphs 2, 3, and 6 of

4 subsection B or C and paragraphs 2 and 3 of subsection D of this

5 section shall be given if the courses are taught by a teacher

6 certified in the secondary subject area; provided, credit for units

7 or sets of competencies pursuant to subsection B of this section

8 shall be approved for college admission requirements.

9   4. If a student enrolls in a concurrent course, the school

10 district shall not be responsible for any costs incurred for that

11 course, unless the school district does not offer enough course

12 selection during the student's secondary grade years to allow the

13 student to receive the courses needed to meet the graduation

14 requirements of this section. If the school district does not offer

15 the necessary course selection during the student's secondary grade

16 years, it shall be responsible for the cost of resident tuition at

17 an institution in The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education,

18 fees, and books for the concurrent enrollment course, and providing

19 for transportation to and from the institution to the school site.

20  It is the intent of the Legislature that for students enrolled

21 in a concurrent enrollment course which is paid for by the school

22 district pursuant to this paragraph, the institution charge only the

23 supplementary and special service fees that are directly related to

24 the concurrent enrollment course and enrollment procedures for that

    Req. No. 10343                                               Page 23
1 student. It is further the intent of the Legislature that fees for

2 student activities and student service facilities including the

3 student health care and cultural and recreational service fees not

4 be charged to such students.

5   5. Credit for the units or sets of competencies required in

6 subsection B, C, or D of this section shall be given when such units

7 or sets of competencies are taken prior to ninth grade if the

8 teachers are certified or authorized to teach the subjects for high

9 school credit and the required rigor is maintained.

10  6. The units or sets of competencies in mathematics required in

11 subsection B, C, or D of this section may be completed at any time

12 during the eighth through twelfth grades. If a student completes

13 any required courses or sets of competencies in mathematics prior to

14 eighth grade, the student may take any other mathematics courses or

15 sets of competencies to fulfill the requirement to complete the

16 units or sets of competencies in grades eight through twelve after

17 the student has satisfied the requirements of subsection B, C, or D

18 of this section.

19  7. All units or sets of competencies required for graduation

20 may be taken in any sequence recommended by the school district.

21  I. P. As a condition of receiving accreditation from the State

22 Board of Education, all students in grades nine through twelve shall

23 enroll in a minimum of six periods, or the equivalent in block

24 scheduling or other scheduling structure that allows for instruction

    Req. No. 10343                                                 Page 24
1 in sets of competencies, of rigorous academic and/or rigorous

2 vocational courses each day, which may include arts, vocal and

3 instrumental music, speech classes, and physical education classes.

4   J. Q. 1. Academic and vocational-technical courses designed to

5 offer sets of competencies integrated or embedded within the course

6 that provide for the teaching and learning of the appropriate skills

7 and knowledge in the subject matter standards, as adopted by the

8 State Board of Education, may upon approval of the Board, in

9 consultation with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology

10 Education if the courses are offered at a technology center school

11 district, be counted for academic credit and toward meeting the

12 graduation requirements of this section.

13  2. Internet-based courses offered by a technology center school

14 that are taught by a certified teacher and provide for the teaching

15 and learning of the appropriate skills and knowledge in the subject

16 matter standards may, upon approval of the State Board of Education

17 and the independent district board of education, be counted for

18 academic credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of

19 this section.

20  3. Internet-based courses or vocational-technical courses

21 utilizing integrated or embedded skills for which no subject matter

22 standards have been adopted by the State Board of Education may be

23 approved by the Board, in consultation with the Oklahoma Department

24 of Career and Technology Education if the courses are offered by a

    Req. No. 10343                                                Page 25
1 technology center school district, if such courses incorporate

2 standards of nationally recognized professional organizations and

3 are taught by certified teachers.

4   4. Courses offered by a supplemental education organization

5 that is accredited by a national accrediting body and that are

6 taught by a certified teacher and provide for the teaching and

7 learning of the appropriate skills and knowledge in the subject

8 matter standards may, upon approval of the State Board of Education

9 and the school district board of education, be counted for academic

10 credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of this

11 section.

12  K. R. The State Board of Education shall provide an option for

13 high school graduation based upon attainment of the desired levels

14 of competencies as required in tests pursuant to the provisions of

15 Section 1210.508 of this title. Such option shall be in lieu of the

16 amount of course credits earned.

17  L. S. The State Board of Education shall prescribe, adopt and

18 approve a promotion system based on the attainment by students of

19 specified levels of competencies in each area of the core

20 curriculum.

21  M. T. Children who have individualized education programs

22 pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),

23 and who satisfy the graduation requirements through the

24

    Req. No. 10343                                                Page 26
1 individualized education program for that student shall be awarded a

2 standard diploma.

3   N. U. Any student who completes the curriculum requirements of

4 the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program shall be awarded a

5 standard diploma.

6   O. V. Any student who successfully completes an advanced

7 mathematics or science course offered pursuant to Section 1210.404

8 of this title shall be granted academic credit toward meeting the

9 graduation requirements pursuant to paragraph 2 or 3, as

10 appropriate, of subsection B, C, or D of this section.

11  P. W. For purposes of this section, the courses approved for

12 college admission requirements shall be courses which are approved

13 by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for admission to

14 an institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.

15  Q. X. Students who have been denied a standard diploma by the

16 school district in which the student is or was enrolled for failing

17 to meet the requirements of this section may re-enroll in the school

18 district that denied the student a standard diploma following the

19 denial of a standard diploma. The student shall be provided

20 remediation or intervention and the opportunity to complete the

21 curriculum units or sets of competencies required by this section to

22 obtain a standard diploma. Students who re-enroll in the school

23 district to meet the graduation requirements of this section shall

24 be exempt from the hourly instructional requirements of Section 1-

    Req. No. 10343                                              Page 27
1 111 of this title and the six-period enrollment requirements of this

2 section.

3   Y. The State Department of Education shall promulgate rules

4 reflecting that all levels and grades of the Oklahoma Academic

5 Standards for Computer Science shall include instruction on the

6 fundamental concepts of emerging computer science technologies such

7 as artificial intelligence (AI), including an understanding of what

8 AI is and how it works.

9   SECTION 2.      REPEALER  70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as

10 last amended by Section 1, Chapter 264, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.

11 2024, Section 11-103.6), is hereby repealed.

12  SECTION 3.      REPEALER  70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as

13 last amended by Section 166, Chapter 452, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.

14 2024, Section 11-103.6), is hereby repealed.

15  SECTION 4. This act shall become effective July 1, 2025.

16  SECTION 5. It being immediately necessary for the preservation

17 of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby

18 declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and

19 be in full force from and after its passage and approval.

20

21  60-1-10343      SW     01/13/25

22

23

24

    Req. No. 10343                                                Page 28
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