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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - FLOOR VERSION
STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 59th Legislature (2023)
HOUSE BILL 1446 By: Provenzano
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2021,
Section 11-103.6, as amended by Section 1, Chapter
122, O.S.L. 2022 (70 O.S. Supp. 2022, Section 11-
103.6), which relates to subject matter standards ;
directing mathematics courses completed in certain
grades to count toward graduation requirements; and
providing an effective d ate.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11 -103.6, as
amended by Section 1, Chapter 122, O.S.L. 2022 (70 O.S. Supp. 2022,
Section 11-103.6), is amended to read as follows:
Section 11-103.6 A. 1. The State Board of Education shall
adopt subject matter standards for instruction of students in the
public schools of this state that are necessary to ensure there is
attainment of desired levels of competencies i n a variety of areas
to include language, mathematics, scien ce, social studies,
communication, and health and physical education.
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2. School districts shall develop and implement cu rriculum,
courses and instruction in order to ensure that students meet the
skills and competencies as set forth in this section and in the
subject matter standards adopted by the State Board of Education.
3. All students shall gain literacy at the elemen tary and
secondary levels. Students shall develop skills in reading,
writing, speaking, computing, and critical thinking. For purpose s
of this section, critical thinking means a manner of analytical
thinking which is logical and uses linear factual analy sis to reach
a conclusion. They shall learn about cultures and environment s -
their own and those of others with whom they share the e arth. All
students shall receive the instruction needed to lead healthy and
physically active lifestyles. Students, the refore, shall study
social studies, literature, languages, the arts, health ,
mathematics, and science. Such curricula shall provide fo r the
teaching of a hands-on career exploration program in cooperation
with technology center schools.
4. The subject matter standards shall be designed to teach the
competencies for which studen ts shall be tested as provided in
Section 1210.508 of this t itle and shall be designed to prepare all
students for active citizenship, employment, and/or successful
completion of postsecondary education without the need for remedial
coursework at the posts econdary level.
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5. The subject matter standards shall be de signed with rigor as
defined in paragraph 3 of subsection G of this section.
6. The subject matter standards for English Language Arts shall
give Classic Literature and nonfiction literature equa l
consideration to other literature. In addition, emphasis shall be
given to the study of complete works of literature.
7. At a minimum, the subject matter standards for mathemati cs
shall require mastery of the standard algorithms in mathematics,
which is the most logical, efficient way of solving a problem that
consistently works, and for students to attain fluency in Euclidian
geometry.
8. The subject matter standards for hist ory, social studies,
and United States Government shall include the content o f the United
States naturalization test, with an emphasis on the specific content
of the test and the ideas and concepts it references. The United
States naturalization test shal l be made available in physical and
electronic online formats as an optional assessment tool for
teachers.
9. The subject matter standar ds for United States Government
shall include an emphasis on civics. For the purposes of this
section, "civics" means the study of the rights and duties of
Oklahoma and United States citizens and of how those governments
work.
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10. The subject matter stan dards for health and physical
education shall include but not be limited to the domains of
physical, emotional, social, and intellectual health. Health
literacy shall include the ability to obtai n, process, and
understand basic health information and serv ices needed to make
appropriate health decisions. Health shall also include the
importance of proper nutrition and exe rcise, mental health and
wellness, substance abuse, coping skills for underst anding and
managing trauma, establishing and maintaining pos itive
relationships, and responsible decision making. Physical literacy
shall include the ability to move with compete nce and confidence in
a wide variety of physical activities in multiple envir onments that
benefit the healthy development of the whole pe rson.
B. Subject to the provisions of subsection C of this section,
in order to graduate from a public high school acc redited by the
State Board of Education with a standard diploma, students sha ll
complete the following college preparatory/work ready cur riculum
units or sets of competencies at the secondary level:
1. Four units or sets of competencies of English to incl ude
Grammar, Composition, Literature, or any English course approved for
college admission requirements;
2. Three units or sets of compe tencies of mathematics, limited
to Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math Analysis,
Calculus, Advanced Pla cement Statistics, or any mathematics course
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with content and/or rigor above Algebra I and approved for college
admission requirements;
3. Three units or sets of competencies of laboratory science
approved for college admission requirements including one unit or
set of competencies of life science meeting the standards for
Biology I; one unit or set of competencies of physical science
meeting the standards for Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics;
and one unit or set of competencies from the domains of physical
science, life science, or earth and space science such that the
content and rigor is above Biology I or Physical Science;
4. Three units or sets of competencies of history and
citizenship skills including one unit of American History, 1/2 one-
half unit of Oklahoma History, 1/2 one-half unit of United States
Government, and one unit from the subjects of History, Government,
Geography, Economics, Civics, or non -Western culture and approved
for college admission requirements;
5. Two units or sets of competencies of t he same world or non -
English language or two units of compu ter technology approved for
college admission requirements, whether taught at a high school or a
technology center school including computer programming, hardware,
and business computer application s, such as word processing,
databases, spreadsheets, and gr aphics, excluding keyboarding or
typing courses;
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6. One additional unit or set of competencies selected from
paragraphs 1 through 5 of this subsection or career and technology
education courses, c oncurrently enrolled courses, advanced placement
courses, or International Baccalaureate courses approved for college
admission requirements; and
7. One unit or set of competencies of fine arts, such as music,
art, or drama, or one unit or set of competen cies of speech.
C. In lieu of the requirements of subsecti on B of this section
which requires a college preparatory/wo rk ready curriculum, a
student may enroll in the core curriculum as provided in subsection
D of this section upon w ritten approval of the parent or legal
guardian of the stud ent. For students under the age of eighteen
(18) school districts shall require a parent or legal guardian of
the student to meet with a designee of the school prior to
enrollment in the core curr iculum. The State Department of
Education shall develop an d distribute to school districts a form
suitable for this pu rpose, which shall include information on the
benefits to students of completing the college preparatory/work
ready curriculum as provide d for in subsection B of this section.
D. For those studen ts subject to the requirements of subsection
C of this section, in order to graduate from a public high school
accredited by the State Board of Education with a standard diploma,
students shall complete the following core curriculum units or sets
of competencies at the secondary level:
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1. Language Arts – 4 Four units or sets of competencies to
consist of 1 one unit or set of competencies of grammar and
composition, and 3 three units or sets of competencies which may
include, but are not limited to, the fol lowing courses:
a. American Literature,
b. English Literature,
c. World Literature,
d. Advanced English Courses, or
e. other English courses with content and/or rigor equal
to or above grammar and composition;
2. Mathematics – 3 Three units or sets of com petencies to
consist of 1 one unit or set of competencies of Algebra I or Algebra
I taught in a contextual methodology, and 2 two units or sets of
competencies which may include, but are not limited to, the
following courses:
a. Algebra II,
b. Geometry or Geometry taught in a contextual
methodology,
c. Trigonometry,
d. Math Analysis or Precalculus,
e. Calculus,
f. Statistics and/or Probability,
g. Computer Science or acceptance and successful
completion of one (1) year o f a full-time, three-hour
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career and technology program leading to an industry
credential/certificate or college credit. The State
Board of Career and Technology Education shall
promulgate rules to define the provisions of this
section related to the acce pted industry-valued
credentials which are industry-endorsed or industry-
aligned. The list of accepted industry-valued
credentials shall be reviewed annually and updated at
least every three (3) years by the Board,
h. (1) contextual mathematics courses wh ich enhance
technology preparation, o r
(2) a science, technology, engineering, and m ath
(STEM) block course meeting the requirements for
course competencies listed in paragraph 2 of
subsection B of this section, whether taught at
a:
(a) comprehensive high school, or
(b) technology center scho ol when taken in the
tenth, eleventh, or twelft h grade, taught by
a certified teacher, and approved by the
State Board of Education and the independent
district board of education,
i. mathematics courses taught at a tec hnology center
school by a teacher ce rtified in the secondary subject
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area when taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth
grade upon approval of the State Board of Education
and the independent district board of education, or
j. any other mathematics course with content and/or rigor
equal to or above Algebra I;
3. Science – 3 Three units or sets of competencies to consist
of 1 one unit or set of competencies of Biology I or Biology I
taught in a contextual methodology, and 2 two units or sets of
competencies in the areas of life, physical, or earth science or
technology which may include, but are not l imited to, the following
courses:
a. Chemistry I,
b. Physics,
c. Biology II,
d. Chemistry II,
e. Physical Science,
f. Earth Science,
g. Botany,
h. Zoology,
i. Physiology,
j. Astronomy,
k. Applied Biology/Chemistry,
l. Applied Physics,
m. Principles of Technology,
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n. qualified agricultural education courses,
o. (1) contextual science courses which enhance
technology preparation, or
(2) a science, technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) block course meeting the requirements for
course competencies listed in paragraph 3 of
subsection B of this section, whether taught at
a:
(a) comprehensive high school, or
(b) technology center school when taken in the
tenth, eleventh, or twel fth grade, taught by
a certified teacher, and approved by the
State Board of Educatio n and the independent
district board of education,
p. science courses taught at a technology center school
by a teacher certified in the secondary subject area
when taken in the tenth, eleventh, o r twelfth grade
upon approval of the State Board of Educatio n and the
independent district board of education, or
q. other science courses with content and/or rigor equal
to or above Biology I;
4. Social Studies – 3 Three units or sets of competencies to
consist of 1 one unit or set of competencies of United State s
History, 1/2 one-half to 1 one unit or set of competencies of United
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States Government, 1/2 one-half unit or set of competencies of
Oklahoma History, and 1/2 one-half to 1 one unit or set of
competencies which may include, but are not limited to, the
following courses:
a. World History,
b. Geography,
c. Economics,
d. Anthropology, or
e. other social studies courses with content and/or rigor
equal to or above United States History, United States
Government, and Oklahoma History;
5. Arts – 1 One unit or set of competencies which may include,
but is not limited to, courses in Visual Arts and General Music; and
6. Computer Education or World Language - 1 One unit or set of
competencies of computer t echnology, whether taught at a high school
or a technology center school including computer programming,
hardware, and business computer applications, such as word
processing, databases, spreadsheets, and graphics, excluding
keyboarding or typing courses, or 1 one unit or set of competencies
of world or non-English language.
E. The State Board of Education may develop ru les to determine
if courses on aviation are eligible for non -elective academic credit
toward meeting the graduation requirements set forth in subsections
B and D of this section.
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F. 1. In addition to the curriculum requirements of either
subsection B or D of this section, in order to graduate from a
public high school accredited by the State Board of Education
students shall complete the r equirements for a personal financial
literacy passport as se t forth in the Passport to Financial Literacy
Act and any additional course requirements or recommended elective
courses as may be established by the State Board of Education and
the district school board. School districts shall strongly
encourage students to complete two units or sets of competencies of
world languages and two units or sets of competencies of physical
and health education.
2. No student shall receive credit for high scho ol graduation
more than once for completion of the same unit or set of
competencies to satisfy the curriculum requirements of this section.
3. A school district shall not be required to offer every
course listed in subsections B and D of this section but shall offer
sufficient courses to allow a student to meet the gradua tion
requirements during the secondary grade years of the student.
G. For purposes of this section:
1. "Contextual methodology " means academic content and skills
taught by utilizing real -world problems and projects in a way that
helps students understand the application of that knowledge;
2. "Qualified agricultural education courses " means courses
that have been determined by the State Board of Education to offer
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the sets of competencies for one or more science content areas and
which correspond to acade mic science courses. Qualified
agricultural education cou rses shall include, but are not limited
to, horticulture, plant and soil science, natural resources and
environmental science, and animal science. The courses shall be
taught by teachers certified in agricultural education and comply
with all rules of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology
Education;
3. "Rigor" means a level of difficulty that is thorough,
exhaustive and accurate and is appropriate for the grade level;
4. "Sets of competencies" means instruction in those skills and
competencies that are specified in the subject matter standards
adopted by the State Board of Education and other skills and
competencies adopted by the Board, without regard to specified
instructional time; an d
5. "Unit" means a Carnegie Unit as defined by the North Central
Association's Commission on Schools.
H. 1. The State Board of Education shall adopt a plan to
ensure that rigor is main tained in the content, teaching
methodology, level of expectations f or student achievement, and
application of learning in all the courses taught to meet the
graduation requirements as specified in this section.
2. The State Board of Education shall allow as much flexibility
at the district level as is possible without di minishing the rigor
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or undermining the intent of providing these courses. To accomplish
this purpose, the State Department of Education shall work with
school districts in reviewing and a pproving courses taught by
districts that are not specifically liste d in subsections B and D of
this section. Options may inc lude, but shall not be limited to,
courses taken by concurrent enrollment, advanced placement, or
correspondence, or courses beari ng different titles.
3. The State Board of Education shall approve an advanced
placement computer science course to meet the requirements of course
competencies listed in paragraph 2 of subsection B of this section
if the course is taken in a student 's senior year and the student is
concurrently enrolled in or has success fully completed Algebra II.
4. Technology center school d istricts may offer programs
designed in cooperation with institutions of higher education which
have an emphasis on a focused fiel d of career study upon approval of
the State Board of Education and the independent district board of
education. Students in the tenth grade may be allowed to attend
these programs for up to one -half (1/2) of a school day and credit
for the units or sets of competencies required in paragraphs 2, 3,
and 6 of subsection B o r D of this section shall be given if the
courses are taught by a teacher certified in the secondary subject
area; provided, credit for units or sets of competencies pursuant to
subsection B of this section shall be approved for college admission
requirements.
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5. If a student enrolls in a concurrent course, the school
district shall not be responsible for any costs incurred for that
course, unless the school district does not offer enough course
selection during the student's secondary grade years to allow the
student to receive the courses needed to meet the gra duation
requirements of this section. If the school district does not offer
the necessary course selection during the student 's secondary grade
years, it shall be responsible for the cost of reside nt tuition at
an institution in The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education,
fees, and books for the concurrent enrollment course, and providing
for transportation to and from the instit ution to the school site.
It is the intent of the Legislature that f or students enrolled
in a concurrent enrollment course whi ch is paid for by the school
district pursuant to this paragraph, the institution charge only the
supplementary and special servic e fees that are directly related to
the concurrent enrollment course and enrollment procedures for that
student. It is furthe r the intent of the Legislature that fees for
student activities and student service facilities including the
student health care and cultural and recreational service fees not
be charged to such st udents.
6. Credit for the units or sets of competencies r equired in
subsection B or D of this section shall be given when such units or
sets of competencies are taken prior to ninth grade if the teachers
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are certified or authorized to teach the subjects f or high school
credit and the required rigor is maintained .
7. The Except as provided in this paragraph, three units or
sets of competencies in mathematics required in subsection B or D of
this section shall be completed in the ninth through twelfth grade s.
If a student completes any required courses or sets of competencies
in mathematics prior to ninth grade, the student may take any other
mathematics those courses or sets of competencies shall count toward
the units necessary to fulfill the requirement to complete three
units or sets of competencies in grades nine through twelve after
the student has satisfied the requirements of mathematics as
required in subsection B or D of this se ction.
8. All units or sets of competencies required for graduation
may be taken in any sequence recommended by the school district.
I. As a condition of receiving accreditation from the State
Board of Education, all students in grades nine through twelv e shall
enroll in a minimum of six periods, or the equivalent in block
scheduling or other scheduling structure t hat allows for instruction
in sets of competencies, of rigorous academic and/or rigorous
vocational courses each day, which may include arts, v ocal and
instrumental music, speech classes, and physical education cla sses.
J. 1. Academic and vocational -technical courses designed to
offer sets of competencies integrated or embedded within the course
that provide for the teaching and learning of the appropriate skills
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and knowledge in the subject matter standards, as a dopted by the
State Board of Education, ma y upon approval of the Board, in
consultation with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology
Education if the courses are offered at a t echnology center school
district, be counted for academic credit and to ward meeting the
graduation requirements o f this section.
2. Internet-based courses offered by a technology center school
that are taught by a certified teacher and provide for the tea ching
and learning of the appropriate skills and knowledge in the subje ct
matter standards may, upon approval of the State Board of Education
and the independent district board of education, be counted for
academic credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of
this section.
3. Internet-based courses or vocational -technical courses
utilizing integrated or embedded skills for which no subject matter
standards have been adopted by the State Board of Education may be
approved by the Board, in consul tation with the Oklahoma Department
of Career and Technology Education if the courses are offered at a
technology center school district, if such courses incorporate
standards of nationally recognized professional organizations and
are taught by certified teachers.
4. Courses offered by a supplemental education organization
that is accredited by a national accrediti ng body and that are
taught by a certified teacher and provide for the teaching and
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learning of the appropriate skills and knowledge in the sub ject
matter standards may, upon approval of the State Board of Educatio n
and the school district board of educati on, be counted for academic
credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of this
section.
K. The State Board of Education shall provi de an option for
high school graduation based upon attainment of the de sired levels
of competencies as required i n tests pursuant to the provisions of
Section 1210.508 of this title. Such option shall be in lieu of the
amount of course credits earned.
L. The State Board of Education shall prescribe, adopt and
approve a promotion system based on the attainment by st udents of
specified levels of competencies in each area of the core
curriculum.
M. Children Students who have individualized education program s
pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ,
and who satisfy the graduation requirements through the
individualized education program for that student shall be awarded a
standard diploma.
N. Students who enter the ninth grade in o r prior to the 2007-
08 school year who are enrolled in an alternative e ducation program
and meet the requirements of their plans leading to high school
graduation developed pursuant to Section 1210.568 of this title
shall be awarded a standard diploma.
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O. Any student who completes the curriculum requirements of the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program shall be awarded a
standard diploma.
P. Any student who successfully completes an advanced
mathematics or science course offered pursuant to Section 1210.404
of this title shall be granted academic credit toward meeting the
graduation requirements pursuant to paragraph 2 or 3, as
appropriate, of subsection B or D of this section.
Q. For purposes of this section, the courses approved for
college admission requirements shall be courses which are approved
by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education fo r admission to
an institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
R. Students who have been denied a standard diploma by the
school district in which the student is or was enrolled for failing
to meet the requirements of this section may re-enroll in the school
district that denied the student a standard diploma following the
denial of a standard diploma. The student shall be provide d
remediation or intervention and the opportunity to complete the
curriculum units or sets of competencies required by this section to
obtain a standard diploma. Students who re -enroll in the school
district to meet the graduation requirements of this sec tion shall
be exempt from the hourly instructional requirements of Sect ion 1-
111 of this title and the six -period enrollment requirements of this
section.
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S. The State Department of Education shall collect and report
data by school site and district on th e number of students who
enroll in the core curriculum as provided in s ubsection D of this
section.
SECTION 2. This act shall become effective November 1, 2023.
COMMITTEE REPORT BY: COMMITTEE ON COMMON EDUCATION, dated 02/21/2023
- DO PASS.