Oklahoma House Bill HB3197

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

School curriculum; authorizing school district board of education to adopt certain curricula for history, social studies, and United States Government; effective date.

Impact

The codification of this bill into Oklahoma law as Section 11-103.6b-1 of Title 70 will exempt these specific curricula from the traditional state review process, which supporters argue will facilitate a more tailored educational experience. Proponents believe that bypassing the State Textbook Committee will allow for quicker adoption of instructional materials that reflect a particular historical narrative or patriotic viewpoint. This move could potentially lead to a more diverse range of teaching materials in state classrooms.

Summary

House Bill 3197 proposes a significant shift in how school curricula for history, social studies, and United States Government are adopted within Oklahoma school districts. The bill allows local school district boards of education to adopt specific curricula, namely The Hillsdale 1776 Curriculum or WallBuilders curriculum, without the need for review and approval by the State Textbook Committee. This change aims to provide schools with greater autonomy in selecting educational materials that align with their educational goals and philosophies.

Contention

Opponents of HB3197 could contend that permitting the adoption of these specific curricula without state oversight raises concerns about the educational content and the potential for biased teaching materials. Critics may argue that the bill undermines the integrity of educational standards by allowing curricula that may not meet comprehensive educational criteria or represent a balanced historical perspective. This bill might ignite a broader discussion on educational transparency and the potential for local decisions to reflect prevailing political ideologies rather than established educational norms.