Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1274

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; requiring certain students to achieve certain composite score. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The modification will affect the eligibility criteria for students wishing to benefit from the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, which provides funding to eligible students to cover the cost of resident tuition for their initial terms of postsecondary education. By adding the requirement of achieving a certain ACT score, the bill intends to promote higher academic achievement among high school students and ensure that those accepted into post-secondary education programs are capable of succeeding in their academic pursuits.

Summary

Senate Bill 1274 seeks to amend the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program by introducing specific academic requirements for student eligibility. A notable change mandated by this bill is that students who wish to participate in the program must now achieve a composite ACT score of at least 22. This requirement will begin with students enrolling in the program for the 2022-2023 academic year. The bill aims to enhance the academic standards of the program, aligning it with similar initiatives across the state to ensure that students receiving state assistance are adequately prepared for post-secondary education.

Contention

While the bill is designed to raise academic standards and improve outcomes for students accessing higher education, it has faced criticism regarding the implications of standardized testing on student eligibility. Opponents of this requirement may argue that it could disproportionately affect students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who may not have the same access to preparatory resources or the educational support necessary to achieve higher ACT scores. This aspect of the bill has sparked debates surrounding equity and access within the educational system.