Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-11-103.6v2

matter standards - Option for high school graduation - Adoption and

approval of promotional system.

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

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levels of competencies in a variety of areas to include language,

mathematics, science, social studies, communication, and health and

physical education.

2. School districts shall develop and implement curriculum,

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 elementary and

secondary levels. Students shall develop skills in reading,

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 and 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 lifestyles. 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 be tested as provided in

Section 1210.508 of this title, 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 postsecondary level.

5. The subject matter standards shall be designed 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 equal

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 mathematics

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 history, social studies and

United States Government shall include study of important historical

documents, including the United States Constitution, Declaration of

Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, Federalist Papers and other

documents with significant history and heritage of the United

States, and the content of the United States naturalization test,

with an emphasis on the specific content of the test and the ideas

and concepts it references. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school

year, the United States naturalization test shall be administered in

accordance with subsection F of this section.

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9. The subject matter standards for United States Government

shall include an emphasis on civics, the structure and relationship

between the national, state, county and local governments and

simulations of the democratic process. 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.

10. The subject matter standards 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 obtain, process and understand

basic health information and services needed to make appropriate
duties of

Oklahoma and United States citizens and of how those governments

work.

10. The subject matter standards 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 obtain, process and understand

basic health information and services needed to make appropriate

health decisions. Health shall also include the importance of

proper nutrition and exercise, mental health and wellness, substance

abuse, coping skills for understanding and managing trauma,

establishing and maintaining positive 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 multiple environments that benefit the healthy

development of the whole person.

B. Subject to the provisions 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 college preparatory/work ready 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 approved for

college admission requirements;

2. Three units or sets of competencies of mathematics, limited

to Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math Analysis,

Calculus, Advanced Placement 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 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, one-half

unit of Oklahoma History, 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;

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5. Two units or sets of competencies of the same world or non-

English language or two units of computer technology approved for

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, spreadsheets, and graphics, excluding keyboarding or

typing courses;

6. One additional unit or set of competencies selected from

paragraphs 1 through 5 of this subsection or career and technology

education courses, concurrently 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 competencies of speech.

C. In lieu of the requirements of subsection B of this section

which requires a college preparatory/work ready curriculum, a

student may enroll in the core curriculum as provided in subsection

D of this section upon written approval of the parent or legal

guardian of the student. For students under the age of eighteen
uch as music,

art, or drama, or one unit or set of competencies of speech.

C. In lieu of the requirements of subsection B of this section

which requires a college preparatory/work ready curriculum, a

student may enroll in the core curriculum as provided in subsection

D of this section upon written approval of the parent or legal

guardian of the student. 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 curriculum. The State Department of

Education shall develop and distribute to school districts a form

suitable for this purpose, which shall include information on the

benefits to students of completing the college preparatory/work

ready curriculum as provided for in subsection B of this section.

D. For those students 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:

1. Language Arts – Four units or sets of competencies, to

consist of one unit or set of competencies of grammar and

composition, and three units or sets of competencies which may

include, but 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 and/or rigor equal

to or above grammar and composition;

2. Mathematics – Three units or sets of competencies to consist

of one unit or set of competencies of Algebra I or Algebra I taught

in a contextual methodology, and two units or sets of competencies

which may include, but are not limited to, the following courses:

a. Algebra II,

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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 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 the Board,

h. (1) contextual mathematics 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 2 of

subsection B of this section, whether taught at

a:

(a) comprehensive high school, or
s shall be reviewed annually and updated at

least every three (3) years by the Board,

h. (1) contextual mathematics 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 2 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 twelfth 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 technology center

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 board of education, or

j. any other mathematics course with content and/or rigor

equal to or above Algebra I;

3. Science – Three units or sets of competencies to consist of

one unit or set of competencies of Biology I or Biology I taught in

a contextual methodology, and two 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,

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f. Earth Science,

g. Botany,

h. Zoology,

i. Physiology,

j. Astronomy,

k. Applied Biology/Chemistry,

l. Applied Physics,

m. Principles of Technology,

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 twelfth grade, taught by

a certified teacher, and approved by the

State Board of Education 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 or twelfth grade

upon approval of the State Board of Education 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 – Three units or sets of competencies, to

consist of one unit or set of competencies of United States History,

one-half to one unit or set of competencies of United States

Government, one-half unit or set of competencies of Oklahoma

History, and one-half to 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 – 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 - One unit or set of

competencies of computer technology, whether taught at a high school

or a technology center school, including computer programming,

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hardware, and business computer applications, such as word

processing, databases, spreadsheets and graphics, excluding

keyboarding or typing courses, or one unit or set of competencies of

world or non-English language.

E. The State Board of Education may develop rules 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.

F. A school district may issue an alternate diploma to a
, excluding

keyboarding or typing courses, or one unit or set of competencies of

world or non-English language.

E. The State Board of Education may develop rules 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.

F. A school district may issue an alternate diploma to a

student who meets the definition of a student with the most

significant cognitive disabilities and who participates in the

Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP) beginning in the 2023-

2024 school year. An alternate diploma shall be standards-based,

aligned with requirements for a standard diploma, and obtained by

the school year in which a student turns twenty-two (22) years of

age.

G. An alternate diploma shall not terminate a Free and

Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with an

Individualized Education Program (IEP) unless they reach the maximum

age of FAPE. The IEP team shall determine subsequent courses and

services for students who receive an alternate diploma.

H. Students participating in the OAAP shall not be precluded

from attempting to meet the requirements of a standard diploma and

participation in the OAAP shall not determine a student’s

educational setting under the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act (IDEA).

I. Students who meet requirements for an alternate diploma may

count as having received a standard diploma for purposes of

calculating and reporting the adjusted cohort graduation rate

(ACGR).

J. A student may be awarded an alternate diploma upon

completion of the following curriculum units or sets of competencies

at the secondary level:

1. Language Arts – Four units or sets of competencies based on

alternate academic achievement standards to consist of reading

literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and

listening, and language in the following courses:

a. English 1 Alternate,

b. English 2 Alternate,

c. English 3 Alternate, and

d. English 4 Alternate;

2. Mathematics – Three units or sets of competencies based on

alternate academic achievement standards to consist of number,

quantities, algebra, functions/statistics, probability, and geometry

in the following courses:

a. Math Alternate 1,

b. Math Alternate 2, and

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c. Math Alternate 3;

3. Science – Three units or sets of competencies based on

alternate academic achievement standards to consist of life science,

physical science, and earth science in the following courses:

a. Life Science Alternate,

b. Physical Science Alternate, and

c. Earth Science Alternate;

4. Social Studies – Three units or sets of competencies based

on alternate academic achievement standards to consist of United

States History, United States Government, Oklahoma History,

Geography, and Social Studies in the following courses:

a. Social Studies Alternate 1,

b. Social Studies Alternate 2, and

c. Social Studies Alternate 3;

5. Arts – One unit or set of competencies which may include,

but is not limited to, courses in Visual Arts and General Music;

6. Computer Education or World Language - One unit or set of

competencies of computer technology, 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 one unit or set of competencies of

world or non-English language;

7. Career Readiness – at least two units of Career Readiness,

including Career Readiness I, Career Readiness II, Career Readiness

III, or Career Readiness IV. Each Career Readiness course may be

substituted for Careers/Exploration, Internship I, or Internship II;

and

8. Life Skills – at least two units of Life Skills, such as

Life Skills I, Life Skills II, Life Skills III, or Life Skills IV.
7. Career Readiness – at least two units of Career Readiness,

including Career Readiness I, Career Readiness II, Career Readiness

III, or Career Readiness IV. Each Career Readiness course may be

substituted for Careers/Exploration, Internship I, or Internship II;

and

8. Life Skills – at least two units of Life Skills, such as

Life Skills I, Life Skills II, Life Skills III, or Life Skills IV.

Each Life Skills course may be substituted for the Life Skills or

Family and Consumer Science courses.

K. Courses in the core curriculum may be used as a substitute

for corresponding courses required by the alternate diploma. Other

courses may be substituted as determined by the State Board of

Education.

L. 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 requirements for 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 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.

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2. No student shall receive credit for high school 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 graduation

requirements during the secondary grade years of the student.

M. 1. In addition to the curriculum requirements of either

subsection B or D of this section, beginning with ninth graders in

the 2021-22 school year, in order to graduate from a public high

school accredited by the State Board of Education, students shall

pass the United States naturalization test pursuant to the

provisions of this subsection.

2. School districts shall offer the United States

naturalization test to students at least once per school year,

beginning as early as eighth grade at the discretion of the school

district; provided, any student may retake the exam upon request,

and as often as desired, until earning a passing score. For

purposes of this subsection, a passing score shall be 60 out of 100

questions.

3. School districts shall exempt students with disabilities

whose individualized education program (IEP), consistent with state

law, indicates that the student is to be assessed with alternate

achievement standards through the OAAP.

N. 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

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

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
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; and

5. “Unit” means a Carnegie Unit as defined by the North Central

Association’s Commission on Schools.

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O. 1. The State Board of Education shall adopt a plan to

ensure that rigor is maintained in the content, teaching

methodology, level of expectations for 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 diminishing the rigor

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 approving courses taught by

districts that are not specifically listed in subsections B and D of

this section. Options may include, but shall not be limited to,

courses taken by concurrent enrollment, advanced placement, or

correspondence, or courses bearing 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 successfully completed Algebra II.

4. Technology center school districts may offer programs

designed in cooperation with institutions of higher education which

have an emphasis on a focused field 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 or 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.

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 graduation

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 resident 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 institution to the school site.

It is the intent of the Legislature that for students enrolled

in a concurrent enrollment course which is paid for by the school

district pursuant to this paragraph, the institution charge only the

supplementary and special service fees that are directly related to

the concurrent enrollment course and enrollment procedures for that

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student. It is further 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
ge only the

supplementary and special service fees that are directly related to

the concurrent enrollment course and enrollment procedures for that

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student. It is further 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 students.

6. Credit for the units or sets of competencies required 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

are certified or authorized to teach the subjects for high school

credit and the required rigor is maintained.

7. The 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 grades. If a student completes any

required courses or sets of competencies in mathematics prior to

ninth grade, the student may take any other mathematics courses or

sets of competencies 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 subsection B or D of

this section.

8. All units or sets of competencies required for graduation

may be taken in any sequence recommended by the school district.

P. As a condition of receiving accreditation from the State

Board of Education, all students in grades nine through twelve shall

enroll in a minimum of six periods, or the equivalent in block

scheduling or other scheduling structure 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 education classes.

Q. 1. Academic and vocational-technical courses designed to

offer sets of competencies integrated or embedded within the courses

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 Education, 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.

2. Internet-based courses offered by a technology center school

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 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 consultation with the Oklahoma Department

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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 accrediting 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 approval of the State Board of Education

and the school district board of education, be counted for academic

credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of this

section.

R. The State Board of Education shall provide an option for
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 approval of the State Board of Education

and the school district board of education, be counted for academic

credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of this

section.

R. The State Board of Education shall provide an option for

high school graduation based upon attainment of the desired levels

of competencies as required 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.

S. The State Board of Education shall prescribe, adopt and

approve a promotion system based on the attainment by students of

specified levels of competencies in each area of the core

curriculum.

T. Children who have an IEP pursuant to the IDEA, and who

satisfy the graduation requirements through the individualized

education program for that student shall be awarded a standard

diploma.

U. Students who enter the ninth grade in or prior to the 2007-

08 school year who are enrolled in an alternative education 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.

V. Any student who completes the curriculum requirements of the

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program shall be awarded a

standard diploma.

W. 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.

X. 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 for admission to

an institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.

Y. 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 provided

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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 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.

Z. The State Department of Education shall collect and report

data by school site and district on the number of students who

enroll in the core curriculum as provided in subsection D of this

section.