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1 STATE OF OKLAHOMA
2 2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
3 HOUSE BILL 3021 By: Lowe
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 264, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section
11-103.6), which relates to subject matter standards;
9 updating references; moving certain terms to
different subsection within the act; defining terms;
10 establishing a set curriculum of twenty-three units
for all eighth-through twelfth-grade students
11 beginning in the 2025-2026 school year; allowing
optional completion for certain students with parent
12 approval; clarifying that a certain graduation
pathway for a college-ready and career-ready diploma
13 will be unavailable to students not enrolled in a
public high school prior to the 2025-2026 school
14 year; adding classes to the list of acceptable
competencies for English requirements; adding applied
15 knowledge requirements; clarifying that the optional
core curriculum graduation track will be unavailable
16 to students not enrolled in a public high school
prior to the 2025-2026 school year; combining
17 sections that reference diploma requirements for
students participating in the Oklahoma Alternate
18 Assessment Program; eliminating reference to an
alternate diploma; clarifying that certain students
19 shall be assessed by alternate achievement standards;
eliminating reference to alternate courses; requiring
20 certain courses to be consistent with a student's
academic plan; eliminating reference to core
21 curriculum as substitute courses; allowing all
courses available be used for Oklahoma Alternate
22 Assessment Program requirements; moving certain
language regarding elective courses, receiving credit
23 multiple times, sufficient courses required, grade
requirements for certain competencies, financial
24 literacy requirements, sequence of competencies,
Req. No. 14056 Page 1
1 minimum enrollment periods, individualized education
program diplomas, the International Baccalaureate
2 Diploma Program, advanced math and science credit,
and courses approved for college admission to
3 different subsection within the act; requiring school
districts to provide information on their website
4 regarding the Horizon Digitally Enhanced Campus
Program; creating a panel to review nonstandard
5 course waivers; providing members for the panel;
establishing panel term limits; requiring State
6 Department of Education create waiver form; requiring
certain academic and vocational-technical courses
7 receive nonstandard course waiver and be taught by a
certified teacher; requiring certain Internet-based
8 courses offered by a technology center school to have
a nonstandard course waiver; requiring the Workforce
9 Commission and the Department develop a catalog of
business labor force-endorsed diplomas; providing
10 catalog requirements; setting catalog completion and
distribution date; requiring the State Board of
11 Education, State Board of Career and Technology
Education, and State Regents for Higher Education
12 adopt a joint plan to ensure courses taught meet
graduation requirements; mandating certain content be
13 included in joint plan; amending 70 O.S. 2021,
Section 11-103.6f, which relates to graduation
14 requirement exceptions; providing Oklahoma History
graduation requirement exception for certain children
15 of military families; authorizing completion of a
project or paper; repealing 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-
16 103.6, as last amended by Section 166, Chapter 452,
O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 11-103.6),
17 which relates to subject matter standards; repealing
70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as last amended by
18 Section 1, Chapter 384, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.
2025, Section 11-103.6), which relates to subject
19 matter standards; providing an effective date; and
declaring an emergency.
20
21
22
23
24
Req. No. 14056 Page 2
1 BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
2 SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as
3 last amended by Section 1, Chapter 264, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.
4 2025, Section 11-103.6), is amended to read as follows:
5 Section 11-103.6. A. 1. The State Board of Education shall
6 adopt subject matter standards for instruction of students in the
7 public schools of this state that are necessary to ensure there is
8 attainment of desired levels of competencies in a variety of areas
9 to include language, mathematics, science, social studies,
10 communication, and health and physical education.
11 2. School districts shall develop and implement curriculum,
12 courses and instruction in order to ensure that students meet the
13 skills and competencies as set forth in this section and in the
14 subject matter standards adopted by the State Board of Education.
15 3. All students shall gain literacy at the elementary and
16 secondary levels. Students shall develop skills in reading,
17 writing, speaking, computing and critical thinking. For purposes of
18 this section, critical thinking means a manner of analytical
19 thinking which is logical and uses linear factual analysis to reach
20 a conclusion. They shall learn about cultures and environments -
21 their own and those of others with whom they share the earth. All
22 students shall receive the instruction needed to lead healthy and
23 physically active lifestyles. Students, therefore, shall study
24 social studies, literature, languages, the arts, health, mathematics
Req. No. 14056 Page 3
1 and science. Such curricula shall provide for the teaching of a
2 hands-on career exploration program in cooperation with technology
3 center schools.
4 4. The subject matter standards shall be designed to teach the
5 competencies for which students shall be tested as provided in
6 Section 1210.508 of this title, and shall be designed to prepare all
7 students for active citizenship, employment and/or successful
8 completion of postsecondary education without the need for remedial
9 coursework at the postsecondary level.
10 5. The subject matter standards shall be designed with rigor as
11 defined in paragraph 3 9 of subsection G B of this section.
12 6. The subject matter standards for English Language Arts shall
13 give Classic Literature and nonfiction literature equal
14 consideration to other literature. In addition, emphasis shall be
15 given to the study of complete works of literature.
16 7. At a minimum, the subject matter standards for mathematics
17 shall require mastery of the standard algorithms in mathematics,
18 which is the most logical, efficient way of solving a problem that
19 consistently works, and for students to attain fluency in Euclidian
20 geometry.
21 8. The subject matter standards for history, social studies and
22 United States Government shall include study of important historical
23 documents, including the United States Constitution, Declaration of
24 Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, Federalist Papers and other
Req. No. 14056 Page 4
1 documents with significant history and heritage of the United
2 States, and the content of the United States naturalization test,
3 with an emphasis on the specific content of the test and the ideas
4 and concepts it references. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school
5 year, the United States naturalization test shall be administered in
6 accordance with subsection F G of this section.
7 9. The subject matter standards for United States Government
8 shall include an emphasis on civics, the structure and relationship
9 between the national, state, county and local governments and
10 simulations of the democratic process. For the purposes of this
11 section, "civics" means the study of the rights and duties of
12 Oklahoma and United States citizens and of how those governments
13 work.
14 10. The subject matter standards for health and physical
15 education shall include but not be limited to the domains of
16 physical, emotional, social and intellectual health. Health
17 literacy shall include the ability to obtain, process and understand
18 basic health information and services needed to make appropriate
19 health decisions. Health shall also include the importance of
20 proper nutrition and exercise, mental health and wellness, substance
21 abuse, coping skills for understanding and managing trauma,
22 establishing and maintaining positive relationships and responsible
23 decision making. Physical literacy shall include the ability to
24 move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical
Req. No. 14056 Page 5
1 activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy
2 development of the whole person.
3 B. For purposes of this section:
4 1. "Applied knowledge of content" means an educational approach
5 which aids students in connecting standards based-learning with
6 concepts across different subjects for a better understanding of the
7 real-world relevance of the subject matter to enhance critical
8 thinking, improve knowledge retention of the standard and encourage
9 creativity;
10 2. "Approved for college admission requirements" means courses
11 which are approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
12 Education for admission to an institution within the Oklahoma State
13 System of Higher Education.
14 3. "Contextual methodology" means academic content and skills
15 taught by utilizing real-world problems and projects in a way that
16 helps students understand the application of that knowledge;
17 4. "Locally approved" means a course that has received a
18 nonstandard course waiver by the academic course review panel,
19 taught by a certified teacher and approved by the local school
20 district board of education or Department of Career and Technology
21 Education;
22 5. "Math-based application course" means a course that teaches
23 math content within a real-world application;
24
Req. No. 14056 Page 6
1 6. "Nonstandard course waiver" means an application process
2 which allows a school or Department of Career and Technology
3 Education to offer a course for credit that does not fully align
4 with a single set of Oklahoma Academic Standards;
5 7. "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 8. "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 9. "Rigor" means a level of difficulty that is thorough,
19 exhaustive and accurate and is appropriate for the grade level;
20 10. "Science-based application course" means a course that
21 teaches science content within a real-world application;
22 11. "Sets of competencies" means instruction in those skills
23 and competencies that are specified in the subject matter standards
24 adopted by the State Board of Education and other skills and
Req. No. 14056 Page 7
1 competencies adopted by the Board, without regard to specified
2 instructional time; and
3 12. "Unit" means a Carnegie Unit as defined by the North
4 Central Association's Commission on Schools.
5 C. Beginning with students entering the eighth grade in the
6 2025-2026 school year, in order to graduate from a public high
7 school accredited by the State Board of Education with a standard
8 college-ready or career-ready diploma, students shall complete a
9 minimum of the following twenty-three (23) curriculum units or sets
10 of competencies at the secondary level; beginning with the 2024-2025
11 school year, with the approval of a parent or legal guardian and
12 subject to school guidance, students may optionally complete the
13 requirements in this subsection in lieu of subsection D of this
14 section to receive a college-ready or career-ready standard diploma.
15 1. Courses required for credit for high school graduation under
16 this subsection must also be approved for college admissions
17 requirements;
18 2. Four units or sets of competencies of English to include
19 Grammar, Composition, Literature, Communications, Speech or Debate,
20 any English course including an Advanced Placement Seminar taught as
21 an English course, or any English course approved for college
22 admission requirements;
23 3. Four units or sets of competencies of mathematics, two of
24 which shall include Algebra I and either Algebra II or Geometry.
Req. No. 14056 Page 8
1 The other two units may include Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry,
2 Math Analysis, Calculus, Statistics, Math of Finance, Computer
3 Science, college courses approved for dual credit, a locally
4 approved full-time postsecondary career and technology program, or
5 locally approved math-based application course, or any mathematics
6 course with applied knowledge of content and rigor above Algebra I;
7 4. Three units or sets of competencies of laboratory science
8 requirements including one unit or set of competencies of life
9 science meeting the standards for Biology I; one unit or set of
10 competencies of physical science meeting the standards for Physical
11 Science, Chemistry, or Physics; and one unit or set of competencies
12 from the domains of physical science, life science, or earth and
13 space science, or locally approved full-time postsecondary career
14 and technology program or locally approved science based application
15 course, or any science course with applied knowledge of content and
16 rigor above Biology I or Physical Science;
17 5. Three units or sets of competencies of history and
18 citizenship skills including one unit of American History, one-half
19 unit of Oklahoma History, one-half unit of United States Government,
20 and one unit from the subjects of History, Government, Geography,
21 Economics, Civics, or non-Western culture;
22 6. Six pathway units or sets of competencies approved at the
23 discretion of the school district board of education which align
24 with each student's Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and
Req. No. 14056 Page 9
1 may include, but are not limited to, any additional units or sets of
2 competencies as provided in paragraphs 2 through 5 of this
3 subsection, world or non-English language, computer technology,
4 Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), internship or
5 apprenticeship programs, career and technology education courses,
6 concurrently enrolled courses, Advanced Placement courses,
7 International Baccalaureate courses, music, art, drama, speech,
8 dance, media arts, or other approved courses;
9 7. One-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies of personal
10 financial literacy, as provided in the Passport to Financial
11 Literacy Act, whether taught as an elective course or when taught
12 during instruction as provided in and subject to the standards of
13 subsection A of Section 11-103.6h of this title in coursework
14 offered by the school district or partnering technology center
15 school by a teacher certified in a relevant secondary subject area
16 and taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade. The one-half
17 (1/2) unit in personal financial literacy required under this
18 paragraph may be fulfilled through an Advanced Placement (AP) course
19 whose content substantially addresses the required concepts; and
20 8. Three units or sets of competencies of elective courses
21 locally approved by the school district board of education.
22 D. Subject to the provisions of subsection C E of this section,
23 in order to graduate from a public high school accredited by the
24 State Board of Education with a standard college-ready or career-
Req. No. 14056 Page 10
1 ready diploma, students enrolled in grades eight through twelve in
2 the 2024-2025 school year shall complete the following college
3 preparatory/work ready curriculum units or sets of competencies
4 listed in paragraphs 1 through 8 of this subsection at the secondary
5 level:. This subsection shall be unavailable as a diploma pathway
6 to students not enrolled in a public high school accredited by the
7 State Board of Education prior to the 2025-2026 school year for the
8 completion of their diploma, and who have not previously started the
9 pathway provided in this subsection. The State Department of
10 Education shall develop and distribute to school districts a notice
11 suitable for the purposes of notifying parents and legal guardians
12 that this degree pathway is being terminated in the 2029-2030 school
13 year, and students who were not already on the pathway prior to the
14 2025-2026 school year shall not be eligible for this pathway, and
15 shall be subject to the requirements in subsection C of this
16 section; provided courses in this subsection shall be approved for
17 college admission requirements.
18 1. Four units or sets of competencies of English to include
19 Grammar, Composition, Literature, Communications, Speech, Debate, or
20 any other English course including an Advanced Placement Seminar
21 taught as an English course, or any English course approved for
22 college admission requirements;
23 2. Three units or sets of competencies of mathematics, limited
24 to Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math Analysis,
Req. No. 14056 Page 11
1 Calculus, Advanced Placement Statistics, or any mathematics course
2 with applied knowledge of content and/or and rigor above Algebra I
3 and approved for college admission requirements;
4 3. Three units or sets of competencies of laboratory science
5 approved for college admission requirements including one unit or
6 set of competencies of life science meeting the standards for
7 Biology I; one unit or set of competencies of physical science,
8 meeting the standards for Physical Science, Chemistry or Physics;
9 and one unit or set of competencies from the domains of physical
10 science, life science, or earth and space science such that the
11 applied knowledge of content and rigor is above Biology I or
12 Physical Science;
13 4. Three units or sets of competencies of history and
14 citizenship skills, including one unit of American History, one-half
15 unit of Oklahoma History, one-half unit of United States Government
16 and one unit from the subjects of History, Government, Geography,
17 Economics, Civics, or non-Western culture and approved for college
18 admission requirements;
19 5. Two units or sets of competencies of the same world or non-
20 English language or two units of computer technology approved for
21 college admission requirements, whether taught at a high school or a
22 technology center school, including computer programming, hardware,
23 and business computer applications, such as word processing,
24
Req. No. 14056 Page 12
1 databases, spreadsheets, and graphics, excluding keyboarding or
2 typing courses;
3 6. One additional unit or set of competencies selected from
4 paragraphs 1 through 5 of this subsection or career and technology
5 education courses, concurrently enrolled courses, Advanced Placement
6 courses or International Baccalaureate courses approved for college
7 admission requirements;
8 7. One-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies of personal
9 financial literacy, as provided in the Passport to Financial
10 Literacy Act, whether taught as an elective course or when taught
11 during instruction as provided in and subject to the standards of
12 subsection A of Section 11-103.6h of this title in coursework
13 offered by the school district or partnering technology center
14 school by a teacher certified in a relevant secondary subject area
15 and taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade. The one-half
16 (1/2) unit in personal financial literacy required under this
17 paragraph may be fulfilled through an Advanced Placement (AP) course
18 whose content substantially addresses the required concepts; and
19 8. One unit or set of competencies of fine arts, such as music,
20 art, or drama, or one unit or set of competencies of speech.
21 C. E. In lieu of the requirements of subsection B D of this
22 section which requires a college preparatory/work ready curriculum,
23 a student who was enrolled in grades eight through twelve in the
24 2024-2025 school year may enroll in the core curriculum as provided
Req. No. 14056 Page 13
1 in subsection D of this section subsection upon written approval of
2 the parent or legal guardian of the student. For students under the
3 age of eighteen (18) school districts shall require a parent or
4 legal guardian of the student to meet with a designee of the school
5 prior to enrollment in the core curriculum. This subsection shall
6 be unavailable as a diploma pathway to students not enrolled in a
7 public high school accredited by the State Board of Education prior
8 to the 2025-2026 school year. The State Department of Education
9 shall develop and distribute to school districts a form suitable for
10 this purpose, which shall include information on the benefits to
11 students of completing the college preparatory/work ready curriculum
12 as provided for in subsection B D of this section.
13 D. For those students subject to the requirements of subsection
14 C of this section, in In order to graduate from a public high school
15 accredited by the State Board of Education with a standard diploma,
16 students who were enrolled in grades eight through twelve in the
17 2024-2025 school year shall complete the following core curriculum
18 units or sets of competencies at the secondary level:
19 1. Language Arts � Four units or sets of competencies, to
20 consist of one unit or set of competencies of grammar and
21 composition, and three units or sets of competencies which may
22 include, but are not limited to, the following courses:
23 a. American Literature,
24 b. English Literature,
Req. No. 14056 Page 14
1 c. World Literature,
2 d. Advanced English Courses, or
3 e. other English courses with applied knowledge of
4 content and/or and rigor equal to or above grammar and
5 composition;
6 2. Mathematics � Three units or sets of competencies to consist
7 of one unit or set of competencies of Algebra I or Algebra I taught
8 in a contextual methodology, and two units or sets of competencies
9 which may include, but are not limited to, the following courses:
10 a. Algebra II,
11 b. Geometry or Geometry taught in a contextual
12 methodology,
13 c. Trigonometry,
14 d. Math Analysis or Precalculus,
15 e. Calculus,
16 f. Statistics and/or Probability,
17 g. Computer Science or acceptance and successful
18 completion of one (1) year of a full-time, three-hour
19 career and technology program leading to an industry
20 credential/certificate or college credit. The State
21 Board of Career and Technology Education shall
22 promulgate rules to define the provisions of this
23 section related to the accepted industry-valued
24 credentials which are industry-endorsed or industry-
Req. No. 14056 Page 15
1 aligned. The list of accepted industry-valued
2 credentials shall be reviewed annually and updated at
3 least every three (3) years by the Board,
4 h. (1) contextual mathematics courses which enhance
5 technology preparation, or
6 (2) a science, technology, engineering and math
7 (STEM) block course meeting the requirements for
8 course competencies listed in paragraph 2 of
9 subsection B D of this section, whether taught at
10 a:
11 (a) comprehensive high school, or
12 (b) technology center school when taken in the
13 tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade, taught by
14 a certified teacher, and approved by the
15 State Board of Education and the independent
16 district board of education,
17 i. mathematics courses taught at a technology center
18 school by a teacher certified in the secondary subject
19 area when taken in the tenth, eleventh or twelfth
20 grade upon approval of the State Board of Education
21 and the independent district board of education, or
22 j. any other mathematics course with applied knowledge of
23 content and/or and rigor equal to or above Algebra I;
24
Req. No. 14056 Page 16
1 3. Science � Three units or sets of competencies to consist of
2 one unit or set of competencies of Biology I or Biology I taught in
3 a contextual methodology, and two units or sets of competencies in
4 the areas of life, physical, or earth science or technology which
5 may include, but are not limited to, the following courses:
6 a. Chemistry I,
7 b. Physics,
8 c. Biology II,
9 d. Chemistry II,
10 e. Physical Science,
11 f. Earth Science,
12 g. Botany,
13 h. Zoology,
14 i. Physiology,
15 j. Astronomy,
16 k. Applied Biology/Chemistry,
17 l. Applied Physics,
18 m. Principles of Technology,
19 n. qualified agricultural education courses,
20 o. (1) contextual science courses which enhance
21 technology preparation, or
22 (2) a science, technology, engineering and math
23 (STEM) block course meeting the requirements for
24 course competencies listed in paragraph 3 of
Req. No. 14056 Page 17
1 subsection B D of this section, whether taught at
2 a:
3 (a) comprehensive high school, or
4 (b) technology center school when taken in the
5 tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade, taught by
6 a certified teacher, and approved by the
7 State Board of Education and the independent
8 district board of education,
9 p. science courses taught at a technology center school
10 by a teacher certified in the secondary subject area
11 when taken in the tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade
12 upon approval of the State Board of Education and the
13 independent district board of education, or
14 q. other science courses with applied knowledge of
15 content and/or and rigor equal to or above Biology I;
16 4. Social Studies � Three units or sets of competencies, to
17 consist of one unit or set of competencies of United States History,
18 one-half (1/2) to one unit or set of competencies of United States
19 Government, one-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies of Oklahoma
20 History, and one-half (1/2) to one unit or set of competencies which
21 may include, but are not limited to, the following courses:
22 a. World History,
23 b. Geography,
24 c. Economics,
Req. No. 14056 Page 18
1 d. Anthropology, or
2 e. other social studies courses with applied knowledge of
3 content and/or and rigor equal to or above United
4 States History, United States Government, and Oklahoma
5 History;
6 5. Arts � One unit or set of competencies which may include,
7 but is not limited to, courses in Visual Arts and General Music;
8 6. One-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies of personal
9 financial literacy, as provided in the Passport to Financial
10 Literacy Act, whether taught as an elective course or when taught
11 during instruction as provided in and subject to the standards of
12 subsection A of Section 11-103.6h of this title in coursework
13 offered by the school district or partnering technology center
14 school by a teacher certified in a relevant secondary subject area
15 and taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade. The one-half
16 (1/2) unit in personal financial literacy required under this
17 paragraph may be fulfilled through an Advanced Placement (AP) course
18 whose content substantially addresses the required concepts; and
19 7. Computer Education or World Language - One unit or set of
20 competencies of computer technology, whether taught at a high school
21 or a technology center school, including computer programming,
22 hardware and business computer applications, such as word
23 processing, databases, spreadsheets and graphics, excluding
24 keyboarding or typing courses, or one unit or set of competencies of
Req. No. 14056 Page 19
1 world language, indigenous language spoken in North America, or non-
2 English language.
3 E. F. 1. A school district may issue an alternate a diploma to
4 a student who meets the definition of a student with the most
5 significant cognitive disabilities and who participates in the
6 Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP) beginning in the 2023-
7 2024 school year. An alternate Such diploma shall be standards-
8 based, aligned with requirements for a standard diploma in
9 subsections C, D, or E of this section, and obtained by the school
10 year in which a student turns twenty-two (22) years of age.
11 F. An alternate 2. A diploma issued in accordance with this
12 subsection shall not terminate a Free and Appropriate Public
13 Education (FAPE) for students with an Individualized Education
14 Program (IEP) unless they reach the maximum age of FAPE. The IEP
15 team shall determine subsequent courses and services for students
16 participating in OAAP who receive an alternate a diploma under this
17 subsection.
18 G. 3. Students participating in the OAAP shall not be precluded
19 from attempting to meet the requirements of a standard any diploma
20 program under this section, and participation in the OAAP shall be
21 assessed by alternative achievement standards that promote access to
22 and progress in the general education curriculum, and shall not
23 determine a student's educational setting under the Individuals with
24 Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Req. No. 14056 Page 20
1 H. 4. Students who meet requirements for an alternate a diploma
2 under this section may count as having received a standard diploma
3 for purposes of calculating and reporting the adjusted cohort
4 graduation rate (ACGR).
5 I. 5. A student may be awarded an alternate a diploma upon
6 completion of the following curriculum units or sets of competencies
7 at the secondary level:
8 1.
9 a. Language Arts � Four units or sets of competencies
10 based on alternate academic achievement standards to
11 consist of reading literature, reading informational
12 text, writing, speaking and listening, and language in
13 the following courses:
14 a. English 1 Alternate,
15 b. English 2 Alternate,
16 c. English 3 Alternate, and
17 d. English 4 Alternate;, and consistent with the
18 student's academic plan,
19 2.
20 b. Mathematics � Three units or sets of competencies
21 based on alternate academic achievement standards to
22 consist of number, quantities, algebra,
23 functions/statistics, probability, and geometry in the
24 following courses:
Req. No. 14056 Page 21
1 a. Math Alternate 1,
2 b. Math Alternate 2, and
3 c. Math Alternate 3;, and consistent with the student's
4 academic plan,
5 3.
6 c. Science � Three units or sets of competencies based on
7 alternate academic achievement standards to consist of
8 life science, physical science, and earth science in
9 the following courses:
10 a. Life Science Alternate,
11 b. Physical Science Alternate, and
12 c. Earth Science Alternate;, and consistent with the
13 student's academic plan,
14 4.
15 d. Social Studies � Three units or sets of competencies
16 based on alternate academic achievement standards to
17 consist of United States History, United States
18 Government, Oklahoma History, Geography, and Social
19 Studies in the following courses:
20 a. Social Studies Alternate 1,
21 b. Social Studies Alternate 2, and
22 c. Social Studies Alternate 3;, and consistent with the
23 student's academic plan,
24 5.
Req. No. 14056 Page 22
1 e. Arts � One unit or set of competencies which may
2 include, but is not limited to, courses in Visual Arts
3 and General Music;,
4 6.
5 f. Computer Education or World Language - One unit or set
6 of competencies of computer technology, whether taught
7 at a high school or a technology center school,
8 including computer programming, hardware, and business
9 computer applications, such as word processing,
10 databases, spreadsheets, and graphics, excluding
11 keyboarding or typing courses, or one unit or set of
12 competencies of world language, indigenous language
13 spoken in North America or non-English language;,
14 7.
15 g. Career Readiness � at least two units of Career
16 Readiness, including Career Readiness I, Career
17 Readiness II, Career Readiness III, or Career
18 Readiness IV. Each Career Readiness course may be
19 substituted for Careers/Exploration, Internship I, or
20 Internship II; and,
21 8.
22 h. Life Skills � at least two units of Life Skills, such
23 as Life Skills I, Life Skills II, Life Skills III, or
24 Life Skills IV. Each Life Skills course may be
Req. No. 14056 Page 23
1 substituted for the Life Skills or Family and Consumer
2 Science courses., and
3 J. Courses in the core curriculum may be used as a substitute
4 for corresponding courses required by the alternate diploma. Other
5 courses may be substituted as determined by the State Board of
6 Education
7 K. 1. In addition to the curriculum requirements of either
8 subsection B or D of this section, in order to graduate from a
9 public high school accredited by the State Board of Education
10 students shall complete any additional course requirements or
11 recommended elective courses as may be established by the State
12 Board of Education and the district school board. School districts
13 shall strongly encourage students to complete two units or sets of
14 competencies of world languages and two units or sets of
15 competencies of physical and health education.
16 2. No student shall receive credit for high school graduation
17 more than once for completion of the same unit or set of
18 competencies to satisfy the curriculum requirements of this section.
19 3. A school district shall not be required to offer every
20 course listed in subsections B and D of this section but shall offer
21 sufficient courses to allow a student to meet the graduation
22 requirements during the secondary grade years of the student.
23 L.
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1 i. any course available at the school consistent with the
2 student's academic plan may be used as corresponding
3 courses required for a student participating in OAAP
4 to achieve a diploma. Other courses may be locally
5 approved.
6 G. 1. In addition to the curriculum requirements of either
7 subsection B or D C, D, E, or F of this section, beginning with
8 ninth graders in the 2021-22 school year, in order to graduate from
9 a public high school accredited by the State Board of Education,
10 students shall pass the United States naturalization test pursuant
11 to the provisions of this subsection.
12 2. School districts shall offer the United States
13 naturalization test to students at least once per school year,
14 beginning as early as eighth grade at the discretion of the school
15 district; provided, any student may retake the exam upon request,
16 and as often as desired, until earning a passing score. For
17 purposes of this subsection, a passing score shall be 60 out of 100
18 questions.
19 3. School districts shall exempt students with disabilities
20 whose individualized education program (IEP), consistent with state
21 and federal law, indicates that the student is to be assessed with
22 alternate achievement standards through the OAAP.
23 M. For purposes of this section:
24
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1 1. "Contextual methodology" means academic content and skills
2 taught by utilizing real-world problems and projects in a way that
3 helps students understand the application of that knowledge;
4 2. "Qualified agricultural education courses" means courses
5 that have been determined by the State Board of Education to offer
6 the sets of competencies for one or more science content areas and
7 which correspond to academic science courses. Qualified
8 agricultural education courses shall include, but are not limited
9 to, Horticulture, Plant and Soil Science, Natural Resources and
10 Environmental Science, and Animal Science. The courses shall be
11 taught by teachers certified in agricultural education and comply
12 with all rules of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology
13 Education;
14 3. "Rigor" means a level of difficulty that is thorough,
15 exhaustive and accurate and is appropriate for the grade level;
16 4. "Sets of competencies" means instruction in those skills and
17 competencies that are specified in the subject matter standards
18 adopted by the State Board of Education and other skills and
19 competencies adopted by the Board, without regard to specified
20 instructional time; and
21 5. "Unit" means a Carnegie Unit as defined by the North Central
22 Association's Commission on Schools.
23 In addition to the curriculum requirements of subsection C, D,
24 or E of this section, in order to graduate from a public high school
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1 accredited by the State Board of Education, students shall complete
2 the requirements for a personal financial literacy passport as set
3 forth in the Passport to Financial Literacy Act and any additional
4 course requirements or recommended elective courses as may be
5 established by the State Board of Education and the district school
6 board.
7 5. The one-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies in personal
8 financial literacy required in subsection C, D, or E of this section
9 shall be completed in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade to
10 fulfill the requirements for graduation.
11 6. A school district shall not be required to offer every
12 course listed in subsections C, D, and E of this section but shall
13 offer sufficient courses to allow a student to meet the graduation
14 requirements during the secondary grade years of the student.
15 School districts shall provide on their website and to families
16 information from the Statewide Charter School Board regarding
17 Horizon Digitally Enhanced Campus Program and the courses available
18 for students which meet the graduation requirements during the
19 secondary grade years of the student.
20 7. No student shall receive credit for high school graduation
21 more than once for completion of the same unit or set of
22 competencies to satisfy the curriculum requirements of this section.
23 8. All units or sets of competencies required for graduation
24 may be taken in any sequence recommended by the school district, the
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1 State Board of Education, State Board of Career and Technology
2 Education, and State Regents for Higher Education.
3 9. As a condition of receiving accreditation from the State
4 Board of Education, all students in grades nine through twelve shall
5 enroll in a minimum of six periods, or the equivalent in block
6 scheduling or other scheduling structure, consistent with and
7 meeting minimum school day and hour requirements as prescribed by
8 state law, that allows for instruction in sets of competencies, of
9 rigorous academic, concurrent enrollment, apprenticeships, and
10 rigorous vocational courses each day, which may include arts, vocal
11 and instrumental music, speech classes, and physical education
12 classes.
13 10. The units or sets of competencies in mathematics required
14 in subsection C, D, or E of this section shall be completed in the
15 eighth through twelfth grades. If a student completes any required
16 courses or sets of competencies in mathematics prior to eighth
17 grade, the student may take any other mathematics courses or sets of
18 competencies to fulfill the requirement to complete the units or
19 sets of competencies in grades eight through twelve after the
20 student has satisfied the requirements of subsection C, D, or E of
21 this section.
22 11. Credit for the units or sets of competencies required in
23 subsection C, D, or E of this section shall be given when such units
24 or sets of competencies are taken prior to ninth grade if the
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1 teachers are certified or authorized to teach the subjects for high
2 school credit and the required rigor is maintained.
3 12. A school district shall determine the specific description
4 of the locally approved math and science based application courses
5 allowed pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 of subsection D of this
6 section. Formal notification with the specific course description
7 shall be provided to the State Department of Education prior to July
8 1 of each school year. The notification shall include what courses
9 will be coded as locally approved math- and science-based
10 application courses for the ensuing school year.
11 H. 1. There shall be created a panel for the purposes of
12 reviewing and approving or disapproving Nonstandard Course Waivers
13 submitted by school districts. The panel shall consist of seven (7)
14 members with knowledge of, experience with, or expertise in the
15 Oklahoma Academic Standards or curriculum adoption. The panel
16 members shall be designees selected and appointed by the following:
17 a. the Chancellor of the Regents of Higher Education;
18 b. the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
19 c. the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
20 d. the Superintendent of Public Instruction;
21 e. the Director of Career and Technology Education;
22 f. the Secretary of Education; and
23
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1 g. the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA).
2 The OSSBA's panel designee shall be a locally elected
3 school board member.
4 2. Each designee appointed under this subsection shall serve at
5 the pleasure of the appointing authority, but shall not serve more
6 than six (6) consecutive years.
7 3. Waivers shall be due to the panel no later than June 1 for
8 the subsequent school year. Upon approval of a waiver, a district
9 shall not be required to resubmit the waiver request unless the
10 nonstandard course is changed or the standards under which the
11 approval was obtained are changed or updated. The panel shall
12 review waiver requests no later than forty-five (45) days after the
13 date of receipt, or June 30, whichever is first. The panel may
14 approve the request or reject with comments. In approving or
15 rejecting waivers, the panel shall use the waiver form and criteria
16 for approval provided by the State Department of Education. If a
17 waiver is rejected with comments, the local district shall have no
18 more than thirty (30) days to resubmit the waiver request for
19 approval with changes. After thirty (30) days have passed, a new
20 waiver request shall be required.
21 4. The State Department of Education shall create and provide a
22 uniform waiver form for school district use in accordance with this
23 subsection. The State Department of Education shall create, and
24
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1 provide to the panel, criteria for approval which shall include the
2 process for comparing courses to Oklahoma academic standards.
3 5. The panel shall report the approval or rejection of all
4 nonstandard course waivers to the State Department of Education.
5 6. The panel shall be required to meet monthly as necessary to
6 fulfill the requirements of paragraph 3 of this subsection.
7 N. I. 1. The State Board of Education shall adopt a plan to
8 ensure that rigor is maintained in the content, teaching
9 methodology, level of expectations for student achievement, and
10 application of learning in all the courses taught to meet the
11 graduation requirements as specified in this section.
12 2. The State Board of Education shall allow as much flexibility
13 at the district level as is possible without diminishing the rigor
14 or undermining the intent of providing these courses. To accomplish
15 this purpose, the State Department of Education shall work with
16 school districts in reviewing and approving courses taught by
17 districts that are not specifically listed in subsections B and D C,
18 D, and E of this section. Options may include, but shall not be
19 limited to, courses taken by concurrent enrollment, advanced
20 placement, or correspondence, or courses bearing different titles.
21 3. The State Board of Education shall approve an advanced
22 placement computer science course to meet the requirements of course
23 competencies listed in paragraph 2 of subsection B D of this section
24
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1 if the course is taken in a student's senior year and the student is
2 concurrently enrolled in or has successfully completed Algebra II.
3 4. Any student who completes the curriculum requirements of the
4 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program shall be awarded a
5 standard diploma.
6 5. 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 3 or 4, as
10 appropriate, of subsection C or paragraph 2 or 3 of subsection D or
11 E of this section.
12 6. 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 7. 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 8. Children who have an IEP pursuant to the IDEA, and who
22 satisfy the graduation requirements through the individualized
23 education program for that student shall be awarded a standard
24 diploma.
Req. No. 14056 Page 32
1 9. Technology center school districts may offer programs
2 designed in cooperation with institutions of higher education which
3 have an emphasis on a focused field of career study upon approval of
4 the State Board of Education and the independent district board of
5 education. Students in the tenth grade may be allowed to attend
6 these programs for up to one-half (1/2) of a school day and credit
7 for the units or sets of competencies required in paragraphs 3, 4,
8 6, and 7 of subsection C or paragraphs 2, 3, 6, and 7 of subsection
9 B or D or E of this section shall be given if the courses are taught
10 by a teacher certified in the secondary subject area; provided,
11 credit for units or sets of competencies pursuant to subsection B D
12 of this section shall have received a nonstandard course waiver and
13 shall be approved for college admission requirements.
14 5.
15 10. a. If a student enrolls in a concurrent course, the
16 school district shall not be responsible for any costs
17 incurred for that course, unless the school district
18 does not offer enough course selection during the
19 student's secondary grade years to allow the student
20 to receive the courses needed to meet the graduation
21 requirements of this section. If the school district
22 does not offer the necessary course selection during
23 the student's secondary grade years, it shall be
24 responsible for the cost of resident tuition at an
Req. No. 14056 Page 33
1 institution in The Oklahoma State System of Higher
2 Education, fees, and books for the concurrent
3 enrollment course, and providing for transportation to
4 and from the institution to the school site.
5 b. It is the intent of the Legislature that for students
6 enrolled in a concurrent enrollment course which is
7 paid for by the school district pursuant to this
8 paragraph, the institution charge only the
9 supplementary and special service fees that are
10 directly related to the concurrent enrollment course
11 and enrollment procedures for that student. It is
12 further the intent of the Legislature that fees for
13 student activities and student service facilities,
14 including the student health care and cultural and
15 recreational service fees, not be charged to such
16 students.
17 6. Credit for the units or sets of competencies required in
18 subsection B or D of this section shall be given when such units or
19 sets of competencies are taken prior to ninth grade if the teachers
20 are certified or authorized to teach the subjects for high school
21 credit and the required rigor is maintained.
22 7. The three units or sets of competencies in mathematics
23 required in subsection B or D of this section shall be completed in
24 the ninth through twelfth grades. If a student completes any
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1 required courses or sets of competencies in mathematics prior to
2 ninth grade, the student may take any other mathematics courses or
3 sets of competencies to fulfill the requirement to complete three
4 units or sets of competencies in grades nine through twelve after
5 the student has satisfied the requirements of subsection B or D of
6 this section.
7 8. The one-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies in personal
8 financial literacy required in subsection B or D of this section
9 shall be completed in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade to
10 fulfill the requirements for graduation.
11 9. All units or sets of competencies required for graduation
12 may be taken in any sequence recommended by the school district.
13 O. As a condition of receiving accreditation from the State
14 Board of Education, all students in grades nine through twelve shall
15 enroll in a minimum of six periods, or the equivalent in block
16 scheduling or other scheduling structure that allows for instruction
17 in sets of competencies, of rigorous academic and/or rigorous
18 vocational courses each day, which may include arts, vocal and
19 instrumental music, speech classes, and physical education classes.
20 P. 1. 11. Academic and vocational-technical courses which
21 have received a nonstandard course waiver that are designed to offer
22 sets of competencies integrated or embedded within the courses that
23 provide for the teaching and learning of the appropriate skills and
24 knowledge in the subject matter standards, as adopted by the State
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1 Board of Education, may, upon approval of the Board, in consultation
2 with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education if
3 the courses are offered at a technology center school district, be
4 counted for academic credit and toward meeting the graduation
5 requirements of this section 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 subsections C, D, or E of this
8 section shall be approved for college admission requirements.
9 2. 12. Internet-based courses offered by a technology center
10 school which have received a nonstandard course waiver that are
11 taught by a certified teacher and provide for the teaching and
12 learning of the appropriate skills and knowledge in the subject
13 matter standards may, upon approval of the State Board of Education
14 and the independent district board of education, be counted for
15 academic credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of
16 this section; provided, credit for units or sets of competencies
17 pursuant to subsections C, D, or E of this section shall be approved
18 for college admission requirements.
19 3. 13. Internet-based courses or vocational-technical courses
20 which have received a nonstandard course waiver that are utilizing
21 integrated or embedded skills for which no subject matter standards
22 have been adopted by the State Board of Education may be approved by
23 the Board, in consultation with the Oklahoma Department of Career
24 and Technology Education if the courses are offered at a technology
Req. No. 14056 Page 36
1 center school district, if such courses incorporate standards of
2 nationally recognized professional organizations and are taught by
3 certified teachers.
4 4. 14. Courses which have received a nonstandard course waiver
5 that are offered by a supplemental education organization that is
6 accredited by a national accrediting body and that are taught by a
7 certified teacher and provide for the teaching and learning of the
8 appropriate skills and knowledge in the subject matter standards
9 may, upon approval of the State Board of Education and the school
10 district board of education, be counted for academic credit and
11 toward meeting the graduation requirements of this section.
12 Q. 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 R. 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 S. Children who have an IEP pursuant to the IDEA, and who
22 satisfy the graduation requirements through the individualized
23 education program for that student shall be awarded a standard
24 diploma.
Req. No. 14056 Page 37
1 T. 15. Students who enter the ninth grade in or prior to the
2 2007-08 school year who are enrolled in an alternative education
3 program and meet the requirements of their plans leading to high
4 school graduation developed pursuant to Section 1210.568 of this
5 title shall be awarded a standard diploma.
6 U. Any student who completes the curriculum requirements of the
7 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program shall be awarded a
8 standard diploma.
9 V. Any student who successfully completes an advanced
10 mathematics or science course offered pursuant to Section 1210.404
11 of this title shall be granted academic credit toward meeting the
12 graduation requirements pursuant to paragraph 2 or 3, as
13 appropriate, of subsection B or D of this section.
14 W. For purposes of this section, the courses approved for
15 college admission requirements shall be courses which are approved
16 by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for admission to
17 an institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
18 X. 16. Students who have been denied a standard diploma by the
19 school district in which the student is or was enrolled for failing
20 to meet the requirements of this section may re-enroll in the school
21 district that denied the student a standard diploma following the
22 denial of a standard diploma. The student shall be provided
23 remediation or intervention and the opportunity to complete the
24 curriculum units or sets of competencies required by this section to
Req. No. 14056 Page 38
1 obtain a standard diploma. Students who re-enroll in the school
2 district to meet the graduation requirements of this section shall
3 be exempt from the hourly instructional requirements of Section 1-
4 111 of this title and the six-period enrollment requirements of this
5 section.
6 Y. J. Consistent with its existing mission and outreach, the
7 Workforce Commission, in coordination with State Department of
8 Education, shall develop a catalog of Oklahoma business labor force-
9 endorsed diplomas identifying entry-level positions throughout the
10 state that are available, potentially hiring, in need, and fillable
11 by students graduating with a high school diploma pursuant to
12 subsection C of this section. The catalog shall identify the
13 company, positions, area of the state, demand for the job positions,
14 and high school courses that would create an ideal candidate
15 graduating from an accredited Oklahoma high school. The first
16 production of the catalog shall be made available to the State
17 Department of Education for distribution to public school districts
18 by the beginning of the 2027-2028 school year and shall be updated
19 biannually.
20 K. The State Department of Education shall collect and report
21 data by school site and district on the number of students who
22 enroll in the core curriculum as provided in subsection D E of this
23 section. The State Board of Education, State Board of Career and
24 Technology Education, and State Regents for Higher Education shall
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1 adopt a joint plan and electronically submit it to the Speaker of
2 the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore
3 of the Oklahoma State Senate by January 1, 2027, to ensure that
4 rigor is maintained in the content, teaching methodology, level of
5 expectations for student achievement, and application of learning in
6 all the courses taught to meet the graduation requirements specified
7 in subsections C, D, E, and F of this section. Such plan shall
8 include, but not be limited to, the number of nonstandard course
9 waivers submitted, rejected, and approved pursuant to subsection H
10 of this section, and graduation rates for each school district.
11 SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6f,
12 is amended to read as follows:
13 Section 11-103.6f. A. Prior to September 1, 2003, the State
14 Board of Education shall adopt rules to ensure that students who
15 transfer into an Oklahoma school district from out of state after
16 the junior year of high school of the student shall not be denied,
17 due to differing graduation requirements, the opportunity to be
18 awarded a standard diploma.
19 B. The rules shall allow district boards of education to make
20 exceptions on an individual student basis to the high school
21 graduation requirements of Section 11-103.6 of this title for such
22 students who would be unable to meet the specific graduation
23 requirements without extending the date of graduation. Each
24 district board of education that grants exceptions pursuant to this
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1 subsection shall report to the State Department of Education on or
2 before July 1 of each year the number of students granted exceptions
3 and reasons for the exceptions.
4 C. By December 1, 2015, the State Board of Education shall
5 adopt rules requiring school district boards of education to waive
6 the Oklahoma history high school graduation requirements of Section
7 11-103.6 of this title for children of military families as defined
8 in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military
9 Children, set forth in Section 510.1 of this title, who transition
10 with the military from another state and who have satisfactorily
11 completed a similar state history class or other one-half unit or
12 set of competencies in history or citizenship skills in another
13 state. The school district board of education may also waive the
14 Oklahoma History high school graduation requirements for a student
15 who meets the criteria provided in this subsection if the student
16 completes a project or writes a paper, subject to approval of the
17 school district, that demonstrates competencies and knowledge of
18 Oklahoma history or United States Government.
19 SECTION 3. REPEALER 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as
20 last amended by Section 166, Chapter 452, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.
21 2025, Section 11-103.6), is hereby repealed.
22 SECTION 4. REPEALER 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as
23 last amended by Section 1, Chapter 384, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.
24 2025, Section 11-103.6), is hereby repealed.
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1 SECTION 5. This act shall become effective July 1, 2026.
2 SECTION 6. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
3 of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby
4 declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and
5 be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
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Req. No. 14056 Page 42Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record.