The bill amends Section 1210.508 of the Oklahoma Statutes regarding the statewide system of student assessments. It directs the State Board of Education to issue a request for proposals for at least three alternative assessments that comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and can be administered to students in grades nine through twelve. The Board is required to provide school districts with these alternative assessments starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, the bill stipulates that students in grades nine through twelve may opt out of the primary assessments if their parent or guardian provides written consent, but they must take an alternative assessment that aligns with their postsecondary goals.

Furthermore, the bill modifies graduation requirements by allowing students to take alternative assessments instead of the primary assessments selected by the Board. It mandates that all assessments measure academic competencies in line with the Oklahoma Academic Standards and requires the State Board of Education to report on the performance levels of students, disaggregated by various demographics. The bill also includes provisions for the evaluation of assessment results and the development of programming to ensure students receive appropriate instruction in mathematics. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and an emergency clause is included for immediate implementation upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-1210.508