Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-11-103.6v3

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

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

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 574

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 6 of subsection F 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 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. 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 standards 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.

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

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 575

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
ices 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 or subsection D of

this section, in order to graduate from a public high school

accredited by the State Board of Education with a standard diploma,

students enrolled in grades eight through twelve in the 2024-2025

school year 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, 1/2 unit

of Oklahoma History, 1/2 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 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;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 576

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 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 written approval of the parent or legal

guardian of the student. For students under the age of eighteen
h.

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 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.

In order to graduate from a public high school accredited by the

State Board of Education with a standard diploma, students enrolled

in grades eight through twelve in the 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 and composition, and 3

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 – 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 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,

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 577

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
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 – 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,

h. Zoology,

i. Physiology,

j. Astronomy,

k. Applied Biology/Chemistry,

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 578

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 – 3 units or sets of competencies to consist

of 1 unit or set of competencies of United States History, 1/2 to 1

unit or set of competencies of United 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 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 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 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 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 approve modification of the existing

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 579

graduation track as outlined in subsections B and C of this section,

subject to school approval, may complete a minimum of twenty-three
ing 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 approve modification of the existing

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 579

graduation track as outlined in subsections B and C of this section,

subject to school approval, may complete a minimum 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 Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math

Analysis, Calculus, Statistics, Math of Finance, Computer Science,

college courses approved for dual credit, an approved full-time

postsecondary career and technology program, or locally approved

math based application course, or any mathematics course with

content and/or rigor above Algebra I;

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, or approved full-

time postsecondary career and technology program or 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 history 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 History, Government, Geography, Economics,

Civics, or non-Western culture;

5. Six pathway units or sets of competencies approved at the

discretion of the school district board of education which align

with each student's Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and

may include, but are not limited to, any additional units or sets of

competencies as provided in paragraphs 1 through 4 of this

subsection, world or non-English language, computer technology,

Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), internship or

apprenticeship programs, career and technology education courses,

concurrently enrolled courses, advanced placement courses,

International Baccalaureate courses approved for college admission

requirements, music, art, drama, speech, dance, media arts, or other

approved courses; and

6. Three units or sets of competencies of elective courses

approved by the school district board of education.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 580

E. A school district shall determine the specific description

of the locally approved math and science based application courses

allowed pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 of subsection D of this

section. Formal notification with the specific course description

shall be provided to the State Department of Education prior to July

1 of each school year. The notification 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 requirements 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
f Education prior to July

1 of each school year. The notification 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 requirements 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 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.

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, C, 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.

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. "Locally approved" means approved by the local school

district board of education;

3. "Math based application course" means a course that teaches

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

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;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 581

6. "Rigor" means a level of difficulty that 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 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

9. "Unit" means a Carnegie Unit as defined by the North Central

Association's Commission on Schools.

H. 1. The State Board of Education, State Board of Career and

Technology Education, and State Regents for Higher Education shall

adopt a joint plan and electronically submit it to the Speaker of

the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore

of the Oklahoma State Senate by January 1, 2025, 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 specified

in subsection D of 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
ng methodology, level of

expectations for student achievement, and application of learning in

all the courses taught to meet the graduation requirements specified

in subsection D of 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, C, 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. Technology center school districts may offer programs

designed in cooperation with institutions of higher 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 C and paragraphs 2 and 3 of subsection 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.

4. 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

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 582

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

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.

5. Credit for the units or sets of competencies required in

subsection B, C, 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.

6. The units or sets of competencies in mathematics required in

subsection B, C, or D of this section may be completed at any time

during the eighth through twelfth grades. If a student completes

any required courses or sets of competencies in mathematics prior to

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 requirements of subsection B, C, or D

of this section.

7. 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 twelve shall

enroll in a minimum of six periods, or the equivalent in block
ent has satisfied the requirements of subsection B, C, or D

of this section.

7. 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 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.

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

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

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 583

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

of Career and Technology Education if the courses are offered by 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.

K. 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.

L. 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.

M. Children who have individualized education programs 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. Any student who completes the curriculum requirements of the

International Baccalaureate 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 paragraph 2 or 3, as

appropriate, of subsection B, C, or D of this section.

P. For purposes of this section, the courses approved for
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 paragraph 2 or 3, as

appropriate, of subsection 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

by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for admission to

an institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 584

Q. 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

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.