OK
Oklahoma Senate Bill SB139

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB139

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Schools; modifying certain subject matter standards; requiring certain students to read certain texts. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill's impact stretches across educational policies by reinforcing civics education and ensuring students engage with foundational U.S. historical documents. This could lead to an increased emphasis on understanding governmental structures and civic responsibilities among students. The legislation aims to elevate the importance of literacy in history and social studies across the public education system, potentially fostering a more informed citizenry in Oklahoma.

Summary

Senate Bill 139, introduced in Oklahoma, seeks to amend existing education standards by mandating that public high school students read specific historical texts as part of their curriculum. This includes essential documents such as the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and works by significant authors like Frederic Bastiat and others. The requirement stipulates that ninth graders starting in the 2023-2024 school year must read these texts annually until graduation, thereby emphasizing civics education within the state's educational framework.

Contention

While the bill may receive support for its aim to enhance students' understanding of their government and history, it faces potential criticism regarding the perceived imposition of a specific ideological framework in education. Opponents may argue that such mandates could limit teachers' flexibility in choosing curriculum materials and stifle the inclusion of diverse perspectives in educational discussions. Concerns might also arise regarding the appropriateness of required texts and whether they align with current educational values focused on inclusivity and comprehensive historical narratives.

Latest SB139 Activity

Companion Bills

OK SB139

Carry Over Schools; modifying certain subject matter standards; requiring certain students to read certain texts. Effective date. Emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK SB139

Schools; modifying certain subject matter standards; requiring certain students to read certain texts. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB138

Schools; directing social studies subject matter standards to include certain instruction. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2674

Schools; subject matter standards; modifying computer science curriculum requirements; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2158

Schools; subject matter standards; modifying graduation requirement to complete a personal financial literacy course; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1041

Schools; subject matter standards; authorizing school district to issue alternate diploma to students in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2258

Schools; subject matter standards; including agricultural power and technology, agricultural communications, or agricultural horticulture in certain curriculum; effective date.

OK SB154

Schools; providing exemptions from certain reading screening instruments to certain students. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2673

Schools; statewide system of student assessments; adding optional career-readiness assessments for certain students; effective date; emergency.

OK SB213

Schools; requiring personal financial literacy to be taught by teachers with certain certification. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB550

Higher education; subjecting certain private and out-of-state institutions of higher education to certain standards. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

OK HB2030

Schools; requiring administration of United States naturalization test; effective date.

OK HB3278

Schools; modifying graduation curriculum requirements beginning in certain school year; emergency.

OK HB1521

Schools; subject matter standards; personal financial literacy; AP courses; updating references; permitting alternate diploma for certain students; repealer; effective date; emergency.

OK SB410

Schools; requiring students beginning certain school year to complete a computer science unit to graduate with standard diploma. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1041

Schools; subject matter standards; authorizing school district to issue alternate diploma to students in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1041

Schools; subject matter standards; authorizing school district to issue alternate diploma to students in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1304

Schools; subject matter standards; computer science courses; curriculum; rules; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2269

Schools; amending certain subject matter standards for students of military families who have completed certain requirements; effective date; emergency.