House Bill No. 1521, introduced by Representative Lowe, amends Section 11-103.6 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes to enhance educational standards in public schools. The bill introduces computer science as an acceptable course for science credits and mandates personal financial literacy as a required curriculum unit. It clarifies that certain Advanced Placement (AP) seminars may count as English courses and allows for an alternate diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities, ensuring they can earn a diploma aligned with standard requirements. The State Department of Education is also empowered to create rules regarding aviation courses and emerging computer science technologies.

In terms of graduation requirements, the bill specifies that students must complete a minimum of 23 units, including four units of English, four units of mathematics, three units of laboratory science, and three units of history and citizenship skills, along with a half unit of personal financial literacy. It also allows internet-based and vocational-technical courses to count towards graduation, provided they meet certain standards. The bill emphasizes maintaining rigorous academic content while allowing flexibility for school districts and mandates that all students in grades nine through twelve enroll in a minimum of six periods of rigorous courses each day. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.