Req. No. 11134 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 STATE OF OKLAHOMA 2nd Session of the 59th Legislature (2024) CONFERENCE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 2672 By: Baker and West (Tammy) of the House and Pugh of the Senate CONFERENCE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as last amended by Section 1 of Enrolled House Bill No. 3278 of the 2nd Session o f the 59th Oklahoma Legislature, which relates to graduation requirements; updating statutory language; creating an option to modify an existing graduation track; and declaring an emergency . BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11 -103.6, as last amended by Section 1 of En rolled House Bill No. 3278 of the 2nd Session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature, 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 Req. No. 11134 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 public schools of this state that are necessary to ensure there is attainment of desired levels of c ompetencies in a variet y of areas to include language, mathematics, science, social studies, communication, and health and physical education. 2. School districts shall deve lop and implement curriculum, courses and instruction in order to ensure that stud ents 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 li teracy at the elementary and secondary levels. Students shall develop skills in r eading, writing, speaking, computing, and critical thinking. For purposes of this section, critical thinking means a manner of analytical thinking which is logical and uses linear factual analysis to reach a conclusion. They shall learn about cultures an d environments - their own and those of others with whom they share the earth. All students shall receive the instruction needed to lead healthy and physically active lifest yles. Students, therefore, shall study social studies, literature, languages, the arts, health, mathematics, and science. Such curricula shall provide for 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 students shall b e tested as provided in Section 1210.508 of this title and shall be designed to prepare all Req. No. 11134 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 students for active citizenship, employment, and/or success ful completion of postsecondary education without the need for remedial coursework at the postsecondary l evel. 5. The subject matter standards shall be designed with rigor as defined in paragraph 6 of subsection F of this section. 6. The subject matter s tandards for English Language Arts shall give Classic Literature and nonfiction li terature equal consideration to other literature. In addition, emphasi s shall be given to the study of complete works of literature. 7. At a minimum, the subject matter sta ndards for mathematics shall require mastery of the standard algorithms in mathema tics, which is the most logical, efficient way of solving a problem tha t consistently works, and for students to attain fluency in Euclidian geometry. 8. The subject matter standards for history, social studies, and United States Government shall include the content of the Unit ed 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 shall be made available in physical and electronic online formats as an optional assessment tool for teachers. 9. The subject matter stand ards 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 Req. No. 11134 Page 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Oklahoma and United States citizens and of how th ose governments work. 10. The subject matter st andards 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 abi lity to obtain, process , and understand basic health information and se rvices needed to make appropriate health decisions. Health shall also include the importance of proper nutrition and exercise, mental health and wellness, substance abuse, coping skill s for understanding and managing trauma, establishing and maintaining p ositive relationships, and responsible decision making. Physical literacy shall include the ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in m ultiple environments th at benefit the healthy development of the whole person. B. Subject to the provisions of subsection C or subsection D of this section, in order to grad uate from a public high school accredited by the State Board of Education with a s tandard diploma, students enrolled in grades eight through t welve in the 2024-2025 school year shall complete the following college preparatory/work ready curriculum units o r sets of competencies at the secondary level: Req. No. 11134 Page 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1. Four units or sets of competenci es of English to includ e Grammar, Composition, Literature, or any English course approved for college admission requirements; 2. Three units or sets of competencies of mathe matics, limited to Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math Analysis, Calculus, Advanced Place ment Statistics, or any mathematics course 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 requir ements including one un it or set of competencies of life science meetin g 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 ph ysical 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 unit of Oklahoma History, 1/2 unit of United States Gover nment, 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 the same world or non- English language or two units of computer technology approved for Req. No. 11134 Page 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 college admission requirements, whether taught at a high school or a technology center school including computer programming, hardware, and business computer applications, such as word processing, databases, spreadsheet s, and graphics, excluding keyboarding or typing courses; 6. One additional unit o r set of competencie s selected from paragraphs 1 through 5 of this subsection or career and technology education courses, con currently 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 un it or set of competenci es of speech. C. In lieu of the requirements of subsection B or subsection D of this section which requires a college preparatory/work ready curriculum, a student enrolled in grades eight through twelve in the 2024-2025 school year may enroll in the core curriculum as provided in this subsection upon w ritten approval of the parent or legal guardian of the student. For students under the age of ei ghteen (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 and distribute to school districts a for m suitable for this purpose, which shall include information on the Req. No. 11134 Page 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 benefits to students of completing the coll ege preparatory/work ready curriculum as provide d for in subsection B of this section. In order to graduate from a public high school accredite d by the State Board of Education with a standard diploma, students enrolled in grades eight through twelve in th e 2024-2025 school year shall complete the following core curriculum units or sets of competencies at the secondary level: 1. Language Arts – 4 units or sets of competencies to consist of 1 unit or set of competencies of grammar an d composition, and 3 units or sets of competencies which may include, b ut are not limited to, the following courses: a. American Literature, b. English Literature, c. World Literature, d. Advanced English Courses, or e. other English courses with content a nd/or rigor equal to or above grammar and composition; 2. Mathematics – 3 units or sets of competencies to consist of 1 unit or set of competencies of Algebra I or Algebra I taught in a contextual methodology, and 2 units or sets of competencies which may include, but are not li mited to, the following courses: a. Algebra II, b. Geometry or Geometry taught in a contextual methodology, Req. No. 11134 Page 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 c. Trigonometry, d. Math Analysis or Precal culus, e. Calculus, f. Statistics and/or Probability, g. Computer Science or acce ptance and successful completion of one (1) year of a full -time, three-hour 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 accepted 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 t he Board, h. (1) contextual mathematics courses which enhance technology preparation, or (2) a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) block course meeting the requi rements for course competencies listed in paragraph 2 of subsection B of this sec tion, whether taught at a: (a) comprehensive high school, or Req. No. 11134 Page 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 (b) technology center school when taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade, taught by a certified teacher, a nd approved by the State Board of Education and the independent district board of education, i. mathematics courses taught at a technology cent er school by a teacher certified in the secondary subject area when taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade upon approval of the State Board of Education and the independent district boar d of education, or j. any other mathematics course with conte nt and/or rigor equal to or above Algebra I; 3. Science – 3 units or sets of competencies to consist of 1 unit or set of competencies of Biology I or Biology I taught in a contextual methodology , and 2 units or sets of competencies in the areas of life, physical, or earth science or technology which may include, but are not limited to, the following courses: a. Chemistry I, b. Physics, c. Biology II, d. Chemistry II, e. Physical Science, f. Earth Science, g. Botany, Req. No. 11134 Page 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 h. Zoology, i. Physiology, j. Astronomy, k. Applied Biology/Chemistry, l. Applied Physics, m. Principles of Technology, n. qualified agricultural educatio n 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 sectio n, whether taught at a: (a) comprehensive high school, or (b) technology center school when taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade, taught by a certified teacher, and approved by the State Board of Education and the independent district board of ed ucation, p. science courses taught at a technology center school by a teacher certified in the secondary subject area when taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade Req. No. 11134 Page 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 upon approval of the State Board of Education and the independent district board of ed ucation, or q. other science courses with content and/or rigor equal to or above Biology I; 4. Social Studies – 3 units or sets of competencies to cons ist of 1 unit or set of competencies of United States History, 1/2 to 1 unit or set of competencies of U nited States Government, 1/2 unit or set of competencies of Oklahoma History, and 1/2 to 1 unit or set of competencies which may include, but are not li mited 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 Unite d States History, United Stat es Government, and Oklahoma History; 5. Arts – 1 unit or set of competencies which may include, but is not limited to, courses in Visual Arts and Gene ral Music; and 6. Computer Education or World Language - 1 unit or set of competencies of computer techn ology, 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 Req. No. 11134 Page 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 keyboarding or typing courses, or 1 unit or set of competencies of world or non-English language. D. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, students whose parent or legal guardian ap prove modification of the existing graduation track as outlined in subsections B and C of this section, subject to school approval, may complete a minim um of twenty-three (23) curriculum units or sets of competencies at the secondary level as listed below; and students entering the eighth grade in the 2025 - 2026 school year, in order to graduate from a public high school accredited by the State Board of Education with a standard diploma, students shall complete a minimum of the following twenty -three (23) curriculum units or sets of competencies at the secondary level: 1. Four units or sets of competencies of English to include Grammar, Composition, Literature, or any English course; 2. Four units or sets of competencies of mathematics, two of which shall be Algebra I and either Algebra II or Geometry. The other two units may include A lgebra II, Geometry, Tri gonometry, Math Analysis, Calculus, Statistics, Math of Finance, Computer Sc ience, college courses approved for dual credit, an approved full -time postsecondary career and technology program, or locally approved math based applicati on course, or any mathem atics course with content and/or rigor above Al gebra I; 3. Three units or sets of competencies of laboratory science approved for college admission re quirements including one unit or Req. No. 11134 Page 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 set of competencies of life science meeting the standards for Biology I; one unit or set of competencies of physical sc ience meeting the standards for Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics; and one unit or set of competen cies from the domains of physical science, life science, or earth and space scien ce, or approved full - time postsecondary career and technology program o r locally approved science based application course, or any science course with content and/or rigor above Biology I or Physical Science; 4. Three units or sets of competencies of hist ory and citizenship skills including one unit of American History, 1/2 unit of Oklahoma History, 1 /2 unit of United States Government, and one unit from the subjects of Histor y, Government, Geography, Economics, Civics, or non-Western culture; 5. Six pathway units or sets of com petencies approved at the discretion of the sch ool district board of educ ation which align with each student's Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICA P) and may include, but are not limited to, any additional units or sets of competencies as provided in p aragraphs 1 through 4 of this subsection, world or non-English language, computer technology, Junior Reserve Officers ' Training Corps (JROTC), internsh ip or apprenticeship programs, career and technology education courses, concurrently enrolled courses, ad vanced placement courses, International Baccala ureate courses approved fo r college admission Req. No. 11134 Page 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 requirements, music, art, drama, speech, dance, media arts , or other approved courses; and 6. Three units or sets of competencies of elect ive courses approved by the school district board of education. E. A school district shall de termine the specific description of the locally approved math and science based a pplication courses allowed pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 of subsection D of thi s section. Formal notifi cation with the specific course description shall be provided to the S tate Department of Education prior to July 1 of each school year. The notificati on shall include what courses will be coded as locally approved math and science based application courses for the ensuing school year. F. 1. In addition to the curriculum re quirements of subsection B, C, 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 requirements f or a personal financial literacy passport as set 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 di strict school board. School districts shall strongly encourage student s to complete two units or sets of competencies of world languages and two units or sets of competencies of physical and health education. Req. No. 11134 Page 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. No student shall receive credit for high sc hool graduation more than once for completion of the same unit or set o f competencies to satisf y the curriculum requirements of this section. 3. A school district shall not be required to offer every course listed in subsections B, C, and D of this sectio n but shall offer sufficient courses to allow a student to meet the gra duation 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 underst and the application o f that knowledge; 2. "Locally approved" means approved by the local school district board of education; 3. "Math based application course " means a course that tea ches math content within a real-world application; 4. "Pathway unit" means a course taken by a high school student that is aligned with the student 's current Individualized Career and Academic Plan (ICAP); 5. "Qualified agricultural education courses " means courses that have been determined by the State Board of Education to offer the sets of competencies for one or more science content areas and which correspond to academic science courses. Qualified agricultural education courses shall include, but are not limited to, horticulture, plant and soil science, natural resources and Req. No. 11134 Page 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 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 Care er and Technology Education; 6. "Rigor" means a level of difficulty t hat is thorough, exhaustive and accurate and is appropriate for the grade level; 7. "Science based application course" means a course that teaches science content within a real -world application; 8. "Sets of competencies" means instruction in those skil ls and competencies that are specified in the subject matter standards adopted by the State Board of Edu cation and other skills and competencies adopted by the Board, without regard to specified instructional time; and 9. "Unit" means a Carnegie Unit as defined by the North Central Association's Commission on Schools. H. 1. The State Board of Education, S tate Board of Career and Technology Education, and State Regents for Higher Educ ation shall adopt a joint plan and electronically submit it to the Spea ker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate b y January 1, 2025, to ensure that rigor is maintained in the content, teaching m ethodology, level of expectations for student achievement, and applicat ion of learning in all the courses taught to meet the graduation requirements specified in subsection D of this section. Req. No. 11134 Page 17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. The State Board of Education shall allow as much flexibility at the district level as is possible without diminishing the rigor or undermining the intent of providing these courses. To accomplish this purpose, the State Department of E ducation shall work with school districts in reviewing and approving courses tau ght by districts that are not specifically listed in subsections B, C, and D of this section. Options may include, but shall not be limited to, courses taken by concurrent enr ollment, advanced placement, or correspondence, or courses bearing different tit les. 3. Technology center school districts may offer programs designed in cooperation with institutions of higher education . Students in the tenth grade may be allowed to att end 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 or C and paragraphs 2 and 3 of subsection D of this section shall be given if the courses are ta ught 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. 4. If a student enrolls in a concurrent course, th e school district shall not be responsible for any costs incurred for that course, unless the school dist rict 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 g raduation Req. No. 11134 Page 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 requirements of this section. If the school district does not offer the necessary course selec tion during the student's secondary grade years, it shall be responsible for the cost of resident tuition at an institution in The Oklahoma State Syste m of Higher Education, fees, and books for the concurrent enrollment course, a nd providing for transportation to and from the institution to the scho ol site. It is the intent of the Legislature that for students enrolled in a concurrent enrollment course w hich is paid for by the school district pursuant to this paragraph, the instit ution charge only the supplementary and special service fees that are d irectly related to the concurrent enrollment course and enrollment procedures for that student. It is furt her the intent of the Legislature that fees for student activities and student service facilities includi ng the student health care and cultural and recreational service fees not be charged to such students. 5. Credit for the units or sets of competencies required in subsection B, C, or D of this section shall be given when such u nits or sets of competencies are taken prior to ninth grade if the teachers are certified or authorized to teach the subjects for high school credit and the required rigor is main tained. 6. The units or sets of competencies in mathematics required in subsection B, C, or D of this se ction may be completed at any time during the eighth through twelfth grades. If a student completes any required courses or sets of competencies in ma thematics prior to Req. No. 11134 Page 19 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 eighth grade, the student may take any other mathematics courses or sets of competencies to fulfill the requirement to complete the units or sets of competencies in grades eight through twelve after the student has satisfied the requirem ents of subsection B, C, or D of this section. 7. All units or sets of com petencies required for graduat ion may be taken in any sequence recommen ded by the school district. I. As a condition of receiving accreditation from the State Board of Education, a ll students in grades nine through twelve shall enroll in a minimum of six periods, or the equivalent in block scheduling or other scheduling stru cture that allows for instruction in sets of competencies, of rigorous academic and/or rigorous vocational courses each day, which may include arts, vocal and instrumental music, speech classes, and physical educati on classes. J. 1. Academic and vocation al-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 and knowledge in the subject matter standards , as adopted by the State Board of Educat ion, may upon approval of the Board, in consultation with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education if the courses are offered at a technology center school district, be counted for academic credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of this section. Req. No. 11134 Page 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. Internet-based courses offered by a technology center school that are taught by a c ertified teacher and provide for the teaching and learning of the appropria te skills and knowledge in the subject matter standards may, upon appro val 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 vocat ional-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 consultation with the Oklahoma Departmen t of Career and Technology Educ ation if the courses are offered by a technology center school district, if such courses incorporate standards of nationally recognized professional or ganizations and are taught by certified teachers. 4. Courses offered by a supplemental education organiz ation that is accredited by a national ac crediting body and that are taught by a certified teacher and provide for the teaching and learning of the appropriate skills and knowledge in the subject matter standards may, upon a pproval of the State Board of Ed ucation and the school district board of education, be counted for academic credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of this section. Req. No. 11134 Page 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 K. The State Board of Education shall provide an option for high school graduation based upon attainment of the desired levels of competencies as req uired in 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 attainmen t by students of specified levels of competencies in each area of the core curriculum. M. Children who have individualized education programs pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilit ies Education Act (IDEA), and who satisfy the graduation requirements t hrough the individualized education program for that student shall be awarded a standard diploma. N. Any student who completes the curriculum requirements of the International Baccalau reate Diploma Program shall be awarded a standard diploma. O. 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 par agraph 2 or 3, as appropriate, of subsec tion B, C, or D of this section. P. For purposes of this section, the courses approved for college admission requirements shall be courses which are approved Req. No. 11134 Page 22 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 by the Oklahoma State Reg ents for Higher Education for ad mission to an institution within The Ok lahoma State System of Higher Education. Q. Students who have been denied a standard diploma by th e 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 provided remediation or intervention and the opportunity to complete the curriculum units or sets of competencies req uired by this section to obtain a standard diploma. Students who re -enroll in the school district to meet the graduation requirements of this section shall be exempt from the hourly instructional requirements of Section 1 - 111 of this title and the six -period enrollment requirements of this section. SECTION 2. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, healt h or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof thi s act shall take effect and be in full force from and after i ts passage and approval. 59-2-11134 MJ 05/22/24