Oklahoma Senate Bill SB661

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Students; requiring students to take and pass certain citizenship test to graduate. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The introduction of SB661 is expected to reinforce civic knowledge among high school graduates, aligning their education more closely with the responsibilities of citizenship. Supporters argue that such a requirement will better prepare students to engage in civic-minded behaviors and participate in democratic processes. However, the implementation of this bill will require districts to adjust their curriculums and ensure that all students receive adequate preparation for the test.

Summary

Senate Bill 661 requires students in Oklahoma to take and pass the United States Citizenship Test in order to graduate from public high school starting in the 2022-2023 academic year. This legislation mandates that school districts administer the test to eleventh and twelfth grade students, with a minimum passing score set at 60% of correct answers on the 100-question test. Additionally, students who do not pass the test will have the opportunity to retake it as needed until they achieve a passing score.

Contention

Notably, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of SB661 for students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and English language learners (ELLs). The bill stipulates that appropriate accommodations must be provided to these students, which could add complexity to the test administration process. Critics of the bill argue that imposing a citizenship test as a graduation requirement may disproportionately affect students with differing educational needs and undermine efforts to foster an inclusive educational environment.