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An Act
ENROLLED HOUSE
BILL NO. 3021 By: Lowe of the House
and
Pugh of the Senate
An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2021,
Section 11-103.6, as last amended by Section 1,
Chapter 264, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section
11-103.6), which relates to curriculum requirements
for graduation; defining terms; expanding
requirements to include certain units or sets of
competencies; prohibiting certain diploma pathway
from being available to certain students; directing
the State Department of Education to develop and
distribute certain notice; allowing certain seminar
to fulfill certain English requirement; allowing
certain indigenous language to fulfill certain world
language requirement; allowing certain course to
fulfill certain personal financial literacy
requirement; adding certain mathematics course for
alternate diploma beginning in certain school year;
removing language allowing certain core curriculum
courses to fulfill certain alternate diploma
requirement; allowing certain students to use certain
courses to fulfill certain diploma requirements;
requiring school districts to offer sufficient
courses for students to meet certain requirements;
directing certain sequence of units or sets of
competencies to be recommended by the State Board of
Education, the State Board of Career and Technology
Education, and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
Education; requiring the State Department of
Education’s Accreditation Office, in certain
consultation, to develop and publish certain
guidelines and certain standardized form; providing
for contents of form; requiring submission of form
annually by certain date; requiring the Department to
provide certain feedback and recommendations within
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certain time period; allowing the Oklahoma Department
of Career and Technology Education to submit certain
waiver for program and coursework approval or
disapproval; requiring certain framework to be
available on the State Department of Education’s
website; directing the Oklahoma Workforce Commission,
in certain coordination, to develop certain catalog
for diploma recipients; requiring production of
certain catalog by certain school year; requiring
biannual update to certain catalog; delaying required
submission of certain plan; requiring plan to include
certain information; conforming language; updating
statutory language; updating statutory references;
amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6f, which
relates to graduation requirement exceptions;
allowing a school district board of education to
waive certain graduation requirement for certain
students who complete certain project or write
certain paper; repealing 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-
103.6, as last amended by Section 166, Chapter 452,
O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 11-103.6),
which relates to curriculum requirements for
graduation; repealing 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6,
as last amended by Section 1, Chapter 384, O.S.L.
2024 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 11-103.6), which
relates to curriculum requirements for graduation;
providing an effective date; and declaring an
emergency.
SUBJECT: Schools
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, Chapter 264, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.
2025, Section 11-103.6), is amended to read as follows:
Section 11-103.6. A. 1. The State Board of Education shall
adopt subject matter standards for instruction of students in the
public schools of this state that are necessary to ensure there is
attainment of desired levels of competencies in a variety of areas
to include language, mathematics, science, social studies,
communication, and health and physical education.
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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 9 of subsection G B 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
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 4
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 G of this section.
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
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. For purposes of this section:
1. "Applied knowledge of content" means an educational approach
which aids students in connecting standards-based learning with
concepts across different subjects for a better understanding of the
real-world relevance of the subject matter to enhance critical
thinking, improve knowledge retention of the standard and encourage
creativity;
2. "Approved for college admission requirements" means 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;
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3. "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;
4. "Locally approved" means a course that has received approval
by the local school district board of education and has submitted a
nonstandard course waiver notifying the State Department of
Education;
5. "Math-based application course" means a course that teaches
math content with a real-world application;
6. "Nonstandard course waiver" means the official process which
allows a local school district to offer a course for graduation
credit that does not fully align with a single set of Oklahoma
Academic Standards allowing for flexibility among districts
throughout the state while notifying the appropriate statewide
systems;
7. "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);
8. "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;
9. "Rigor" means a level of difficulty that is thorough,
exhaustive and accurate and is appropriate for the grade level;
10. "Science-based application course" means a course that
teaches science content with a real-world application;
11. "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
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12. "Unit" means a Carnegie Unit as defined by the North
Central Association's Commission on Schools.
C. Beginning with 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
college-ready and career-ready diploma, students shall complete a
minimum of the following twenty-three (23) curriculum units or sets
of competencies at the secondary level; beginning with the 2024-2025
school year, with the approval of a parent or legal guardian and
subject to school guidance, students may optionally complete the
requirements in this subsection in lieu of subsection D of this
section to receive a college-ready and career-ready standard
diploma:
1. Courses required for credit for high school graduation under
this subsection shall also be approved for college admissions
requirements;
2. Four units or sets of competencies of English to include
Grammar, Composition, Literature, an Advanced Placement English
Seminar, or any English course approved for college admission
requirements;
3. Four units or sets of competencies of mathematics, two of
which shall include 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, a full-time
postsecondary career and technology program that teaches math
content with a real-world application, or locally approved math-
based application course, or any mathematics course with applied
knowledge of content and rigor above Algebra I. For the purposes of
this section, a full-time postsecondary career and technology
program that teaches math content with a real-world application
shall not include courses categorized as Arts, A/V Technology and
Communications, Education and Training, Hospitality and Tourism, or
Human Services, including, but not limited to: Barbering,
Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Esthetician, Event Management,
Horticulture, or Hospitality Management;
4. Three units or sets of competencies of laboratory science
requirements including one unit or set of competencies of life
science meeting the standards for Biology I; one unit or set of
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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 full-time postsecondary career and technology
program that teaches science content with a real-world application
or locally approved science-based application course, or any science
course with applied knowledge of content and rigor above Biology I
or Physical Science. For the purposes of this section, a full-time
postsecondary career and technology program that teaches science
content with a real-world application shall not include courses
categorized as Arts, A/V Technology and Communications, Education
and Training, Hospitality and Tourism, or Human Services, including,
but not limited to: Barbering, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts,
Esthetician, Event Management, or Hospitality Management;
5. Three units or sets of competencies of history and
citizenship skills including one unit of American History, one-half
(1/2) unit of Oklahoma History, one-half (1/2) unit of United States
Government, and one unit from the subjects of History, Government,
Geography, Economics, Civics, or non-Western culture;
6. 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 2 through 5 of this
subsection, world language, indigenous language spoken in North
America, 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, music, art, drama, speech,
dance, media arts, or other approved courses;
7. One-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies of personal
financial literacy, as provided in the Passport to Financial
Literacy Act, whether taught as an elective course or when taught
during instruction as provided in and subject to the standards of
subsection A of Section 11-103.6h of this title in coursework
offered by the school district or partnering technology center
school by a teacher certified in a relevant secondary subject area
and taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade. The one-half
(1/2) unit in personal financial literacy required under this
paragraph may be fulfilled through an Advanced Placement course
whose content substantially addresses the required concepts;
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 8
8. Three units or sets of competencies of elective courses
locally approved by the school district board of education; and
9. At least two additional units or sets of competencies from
paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 which are required to be approved
for college admissions by the State Regents for Higher Education
when the student is enrolled in the eighth grade, or at any time
thereafter when the student completes the course, but prior to
graduation.
D. Subject to the provisions of subsection C E of this section,
in order to graduate from a public high school accredited by the
State Board of Education with a standard college-ready and career-
ready 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
listed in paragraphs 1 through 8 of this subsection at the secondary
level:. This subsection shall be unavailable as a diploma pathway
to students not enrolled in a public high school accredited by the
State Board of Education prior to the 2025-2026 school year for the
completion of their diploma, and who have not previously started the
pathway provided in this subsection. The State Department of
Education shall develop and distribute to school districts a notice
suitable for the purposes of notifying parents and legal guardians
that this degree pathway is being terminated in the 2029-2030 school
year, and students who were not already on the pathway prior to the
2025-2026 school year shall not be eligible for this pathway, and
shall be subject to the requirements in subsection C of this
section.
1. Four units or sets of competencies of English to include
Grammar, Composition, Literature, an Advanced Placement English
Seminar, 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 applied knowledge of content and/or and 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
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 9
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
applied knowledge of 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
(1/2) unit of Oklahoma History, one-half (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
language, indigenous language spoken in North America, 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;
7. One-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies of personal
financial literacy, as provided in the Passport to Financial
Literacy Act, whether taught as an elective course or when taught
during instruction as provided in and subject to the standards of
subsection A of Section 11-103.6h of this title in coursework
offered by the school district or partnering technology center
school by a teacher certified in a relevant secondary subject area
and taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade. The one-half
(1/2) unit in personal financial literacy required under this
paragraph may be fulfilled through an Advanced Placement course
whose content substantially addresses the required concepts; and
8. One unit or set of competencies of fine arts, such as music,
art, or drama, or one unit or set of competencies of speech.
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 10
C. E. In lieu of the requirements of subsection B D of this
section which requires a college preparatory/work ready curriculum,
a student who was enrolled in grades eight through twelve in the
2024-2025 school year may enroll in the core curriculum as provided
in subsection D of this section 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. This subsection shall
be unavailable as a diploma pathway to students not enrolled in a
public high school accredited by the State Board of Education prior
to the 2025-2026 school year. 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 D of this section.
D. For those students subject to the requirements of subsection
C of this section, in In order to graduate from a public high school
accredited by the State Board of Education with a standard diploma,
students who were 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 – 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 applied knowledge of
content and/or and 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:
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 11
a. Algebra II,
b. Geometry or Geometry taught in a contextual
methodology,
c. Trigonometry,
d. Math Analysis or Precalculus,
e. Calculus,
f. Statistics and/or Probability,
g. Computer Science or acceptance and successful
completion of one (1) year 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 D 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
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 12
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 applied knowledge of
content and/or and 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,
f. Earth Science,
g. Botany,
h. Zoology,
i. Anatomy and 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
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 13
(2) a science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) block course meeting the requirements for
course competencies listed in paragraph 3 of
subsection B D 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 applied knowledge of
content and/or and 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 (1/2) to one unit or set of competencies of United States
Government, one-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies of Oklahoma
History, and one-half (1/2) 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 applied knowledge of
content and/or and 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;
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 14
6. One-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies of personal
financial literacy, as provided in the Passport to Financial
Literacy Act, whether taught as an elective course or when taught
during instruction as provided in and subject to the standards of
subsection A of Section 11-103.6h of this title in coursework
offered by the school district or partnering technology center
school by a teacher certified in a relevant secondary subject area
and taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade. The one-half
(1/2) unit in personal financial literacy required under this
paragraph may be fulfilled through an Advanced Placement (AP) course
whose content substantially addresses the required concepts; and
7. 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 language, indigenous language spoken in North America, or non-
English language.
E. F. 1. 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 in subsection C, D,
or E of this section, and obtained by the school year in which a
student turns twenty-two (22) years of age.
F. 2. An alternate diploma issued in accordance with this
subsection 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
participating in OAAP who receive an alternate diploma under this
subsection.
G. 3. Students participating in the OAAP shall not be precluded
from attempting to meet the requirements of a standard diploma
program under this section, and participation in the OAAP shall be
assessed by alternative achievement standards that promote access to
and progress in the general education curriculum, and shall not
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 15
determine a student's educational setting under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
H. 4. Students who meet requirements for an alternate diploma
under this section may count as having received a standard diploma
for purposes of calculating and reporting the adjusted cohort
graduation rate (ACGR).
I. 5. A student may be awarded an alternate diploma upon
completion of the following curriculum units or sets of competencies
at the secondary level consistent with the academic plan of the
student:
1.
a. 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.
(1) English 1 Alternate,
b.
(2) English 2 Alternate,
c.
(3) English 3 Alternate, and
d.
(4) English 4 Alternate;,
2.
b. (1) Mathematics – For students enrolled in grades
eight through twelve in the 2024-2025 school year
and attending a public high school accredited by
the State Board of Education prior to the 2025-
2026 school year: 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.
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 16
(a) Math Alternate 1,
b.
(b) Math Alternate 2, and
c.
(c) Math Alternate 3;,
(2) Mathematics – Beginning with students entering
the eighth grade in the 2025-2026 school year:
Four 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,
(c) Math Alternate 3, and
(d) Math Alternate 4,
3.
c. 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.
(1) Life Science Alternate,
b.
(2) Physical Science Alternate, and
c.
(3) Earth Science Alternate;,
4.
d. 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:
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 17
a.
(1) Social Studies Alternate 1,
b.
(2) Social Studies Alternate 2, and
c.
(3) Social Studies Alternate 3;,
5.
e. Arts – One unit or set of competencies which may
include, but is not limited to, courses in Visual Arts
and General Music;,
6.
f. 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 language, indigenous language
spoken in North America or non-English language;,
7.
g. 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.
h. 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., and
J. 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.
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 18
K. 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 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 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.
L.
i. any course available at the school consistent with the
student's academic plan may be used as corresponding
courses required for a student participating in OAAP
to achieve a diploma. Other courses may be locally
approved.
G. 1. In addition to the curriculum requirements of either
subsection B or C, D, or E 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
and federal law, indicates that the student is to be assessed with
alternate achievement standards through the OAAP.
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 19
M. 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
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.
In addition to the curriculum requirements of subsection C, D,
or E 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.
5. The one-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies in personal
financial literacy required in subsection C, D, or E of this section
shall be completed in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade to
fulfill the requirements for graduation.
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 20
6. A school district shall not be required to offer every
course listed in subsections C, D, and E of this section but
districts shall offer sufficient courses to allow students to meet
the graduation requirements and ensure the student meets the
coursework requirements established for Oklahoma's Promise by the
Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education.
7. 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.
8. All units or sets of competencies required for graduation
may be taken in any sequence recommended by the school district, the
State Board of Education, State Board of Career and Technology
Education, and State Regents for Higher Education.
9. 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, consistent with and
meeting minimum school day and hour requirements as prescribed by
state law, that allows for instruction in sets of competencies, of
rigorous academic, concurrent enrollment, apprenticeships, and
rigorous vocational courses each day, which may include arts, vocal
and instrumental music, speech classes, and physical education
classes.
10. The units or sets of competencies in mathematics required
in subsection C, D, or E of this section shall be completed in 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 C, D, or E of
this section.
11. Credit for the units or sets of competencies required in
subsection C, D, or E 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.
12. A school district shall determine the specific description
of the locally approved math- and science-based application courses
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 21
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.
H. 1. The State Department of Education's Accreditation
Office, in consultation with the Oklahoma Department of Career and
Technology Education and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
Education, shall develop and publish guidelines for local curriculum
development, and a standardized form for submission for notification
and review. The form shall be called a Nonstandard Course Waiver
for the purposes of reviewing and standardizing the rigor of courses
locally approved by public school district boards of education. The
Nonstandard Course Waiver shall require, at minimum, the following
information:
a. name of the course to be considered,
b. specific description,
c. learning objectives,
d. a course syllabus,
e. a crosswalk of the course syllabus and objectives to
the appropriate course or courses' Oklahoma Academic
Standards,
f. proposed credit to be granted for the course, and
g. date and vote of approval by the local district school
board.
2. Courses shall be presented to local district boards of
education utilizing the Nonstandard Course Waiver, and any
additional information required by the appropriate local boards.
3. The Nonstandard Course Waiver shall be submitted to the
State Department of Education's Accreditation Office no later than
March 1 annually for new locally approved courses. Courses locally
approved by local school district boards of education shall be
reviewed for completion by the State Department of Education's
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 22
Accreditation Office. Locally approved courses with changes to the
student learning outcomes in the syllabus shall be resubmitted.
4. The State Department of Education Accreditation Office shall
return any feedback and recommendations to the local district no
later than thirty (30) days following receipt of the waiver.
5. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
may submit the Nonstandard Course Waiver to the Oklahoma State
Regents for Higher Education for program and coursework approval or
disapproval for college admissions requirements.
6. Framework for locally approved courses approved by local
school district boards of education, to include the Oklahoma
Academic Standards crosswalk, locally developed syllabus, and
district contact name shall all be made publicly available on the
State Department of Education website.
N. I. 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 C,
D, and E 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 D 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. Any student who completes the curriculum requirements of the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program shall be awarded a
standard diploma.
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 23
5. 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 3 or 4, as
appropriate, of subsection C or paragraph 2 or 3 of subsection D or
E of this section.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 3, 4,
6, and 7 of subsection C or paragraphs 2, 3, 6, and 7 of subsection
B or D or E 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 C,
D, or E of this section shall be approved are subject to approval
for college admission requirements.
5.
9. a. 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
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 24
enrollment course, and providing for transportation to
and from the institution to the school site.
b. 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.
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. The one-half (1/2) unit or set of competencies in personal
financial literacy required in subsection B or D of this section
shall be completed in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade to
fulfill the requirements for graduation.
9. All units or sets of competencies required for graduation
may be taken in any sequence recommended by the school district.
O. 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
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 25
vocational courses each day, which may include arts, vocal and
instrumental music, speech classes, and physical education classes.
P. 1. 10. 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. 11. 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. 12. 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 at a
technology center school district, if such courses incorporate
standards of nationally recognized professional organizations and
are taught by certified teachers.
4. 13. 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.
Q. 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.
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 26
R. 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.
S. 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.
T. 14. 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.
U. Any student who completes the curriculum requirements of the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program shall be awarded a
standard diploma.
V. 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.
W. 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.
X. 15. 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.
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 27
Y. J. Consistent with its existing mission and outreach, the
Workforce Commission, in coordination with the State Department of
Education, shall develop a catalog of Oklahoma business labor force
endorsements for diploma recipients identifying entry-level
positions throughout the state that are available, potentially
hiring, in need, and fillable by students graduating with a high
school diploma pursuant to subsections C and F of this section. The
catalog shall identify the company, positions, area of the state,
demand for the job positions, and high school courses that would
create an ideal candidate graduating from an accredited Oklahoma
high school. The first production of the catalog shall be made
available to the State Department of Education for distribution to
public school districts by the beginning of the 2027-2028 school
year and shall be updated biannually.
K. 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 E of this
section. 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, 2027, 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 subsections C, D, E, and F of this section. Such plan shall
include, but not be limited to, the number of nonstandard course
waivers submitted, rejected, and approved pursuant to subsection H
of this section, and graduation rates for each school district.
SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6f,
is amended to read as follows:
Section 11-103.6f. A. Prior to September 1, 2003, the State
Board of Education shall adopt rules to ensure that students who
transfer into an Oklahoma school district from out of state after
the junior year of high school of the student shall not be denied,
due to differing graduation requirements, the opportunity to be
awarded a standard diploma.
B. The rules shall allow district boards of education to make
exceptions on an individual student basis to the high school
graduation requirements of Section 11-103.6 of this title for such
students who would be unable to meet the specific graduation
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 28
requirements without extending the date of graduation. Each
district board of education that grants exceptions pursuant to this
subsection shall report to the State Department of Education on or
before July 1 of each year the number of students granted exceptions
and reasons for the exceptions.
C. By December 1, 2015, the State Board of Education shall
adopt rules requiring school district boards of education to waive
the Oklahoma history high school graduation requirements of Section
11-103.6 of this title for children of military families as defined
in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military
Children, set forth in Section 510.1 of this title, who transition
with the military from another state and who have satisfactorily
completed a similar state history class or other one-half (1/2) unit
or set of competencies in history or citizenship skills in another
state. The school district board of education may also waive the
Oklahoma History high school graduation requirements for a student
who meets the criteria provided in this subsection if the student
completes a project or writes a paper, without the assistance of
artificial intelligence, subject to approval of the school district,
that demonstrates competencies and knowledge of Oklahoma history or
United States Government.
SECTION 3. REPEALER 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as
last amended by Section 166, Chapter 452, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.
2025, Section 11-103.6), is hereby repealed.
SECTION 4. REPEALER 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-103.6, as
last amended by Section 1, Chapter 384, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp.
2025, Section 11-103.6), is hereby repealed.
SECTION 5. This act shall become effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 6. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
ENR. H. B. NO. 3021 Page 29
Passed the House of Representatives the 7th day of May, 2026.
Presiding Officer of the House
of Representatives
Passed the Senate the 14th day of May, 2026.
Presiding Officer of the Senate
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Received by the Office of the Governor this ____________________
day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________
Approved by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma this _________
day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
_________________________________
Governor of the State of Oklahoma
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________
day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________