Oklahoma Senate Bill SB137

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Schools; directing the State Department of Education to implement certain pilot program. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The pilot program serves a dual function: it aims to bolster students' knowledge of critical civic topics, while also providing a measurable assessment of comprehension through mandatory testing. Successful completion of the courses will allow students to take assessments, the results of which will be publicly posted to enhance transparency. This integration of civics into standard curricula is designed to ensure that future generations possess the foundational knowledge necessary for informed citizenship.

Summary

Senate Bill 137 proposes the implementation of a four-year pilot program that aims to enhance civics education in Oklahoma high schools. The program, which is set to begin in the 2023-2024 school year, requires the State Department of Education to offer online courses covering essential topics in United States history, government, and civics specifically for eleventh-grade students in public schools and public charter schools. Courses will include subjects such as the United States Constitution, civil rights, and historical criticisms of government structures, facilitating a broader understanding of American democratic principles.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding SB 137 involves the selection of materials and course content, as there are concerns about potential biases in how historical events and governmental principles are presented. Additionally, the funding model and the efficacy of implementing online education in the context of civic studies could also raise issues among educators and stakeholders who worry about the quality of learning outcomes being achieved through a digital medium. Critics may also question the state’s involvement and oversight in educational curriculum, arguing that local entities should hold more control over education standards.