Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-11-103.6v1 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-11-103.6v1
State Board of Education - Adoption of subject
Status: in_force

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

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

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thinking which is logical and uses linear factual analysis to reach

a conclusion. They shall learn about cultures and environments -

their own and those of others with whom they share the earth. All

students shall receive the instruction needed to lead healthy and

physically active lifestyles. Students, therefore, shall study

social studies, literature, languages, the arts, health, mathematics

and science. Such curricula shall provide for the teaching of a

hands-on career exploration program in cooperation with technology

center schools.

4. The subject matter standards shall be designed to teach the

competencies for which students shall be tested as provided in

Section 1210.508 of this title, and shall be designed to prepare all

students for active citizenship, employment and/or successful

completion of postsecondary education without the need for remedial

coursework at the postsecondary level.

5. The subject matter standards shall be designed with rigor as

defined in paragraph 3 of subsection G of this section.

6. The subject matter standards for English Language Arts shall

give Classic Literature and nonfiction literature equal

consideration to other literature. In addition, emphasis shall be

given to the study of complete works of literature.

7. At a minimum, the subject matter standards for mathematics

shall require mastery of the standard algorithms in mathematics,

which is the most logical, efficient way of solving a problem that

consistently works, and for students to attain fluency in Euclidian

geometry.

8. The subject matter standards for history, social studies and

United States Government shall include study of important historical

documents, including the United States Constitution, Declaration of

Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, Federalist Papers and other

documents with significant history and heritage of the United

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

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

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

year, the United States naturalization test shall be administered in

accordance with subsection F of this section.

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

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basic health information and services needed to make appropriate

health decisions. Health shall also include the importance of

proper nutrition and exercise, mental health and wellness, substance

abuse, coping skills for understanding and managing trauma,

establishing and maintaining positive relationships and responsible

decision making. Physical literacy shall include the ability to

move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical

activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy

development of the whole person.

B. Subject to the provisions of subsection C of this section,

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

State Board of Education with a standard diploma, students shall

complete the following college preparatory/work ready curriculum

units or sets of competencies at the secondary level:

1. Four units or sets of competencies of English to include

Grammar, Composition, Literature, or any English course approved for

college admission requirements;

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

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

Calculus, Advanced Placement Statistics, or any mathematics course

with content and/or rigor above Algebra I and approved for college

admission requirements;

3. Three units or sets of competencies of laboratory science

approved for college admission requirements including one unit or

set of competencies of life science meeting the standards for

Biology I; one unit or set of competencies of physical science,

meeting the standards for Physical Science, Chemistry or Physics;

and one unit or set of competencies from the domains of physical

science, life science or earth and space science such that the

content and rigor is above Biology I or Physical Science;

4. Three units or sets of competencies of history and

citizenship skills, including one unit of American History, one-half

unit of Oklahoma History, one-half unit of United States Government

and one unit from the subjects of History, Government, Geography,

Economics, Civics, or non-Western culture and approved for college

admission requirements;

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

English language or two units of computer technology approved for

college admission requirements, whether taught at a high school or a

technology center school, including computer programming, hardware,

and business computer applications, such as word processing,

databases, spreadsheets, and graphics, excluding keyboarding or

typing courses;

6. One additional unit or set of competencies selected from

paragraphs 1 through 5 of this subsection or career and technology

education courses, concurrently enrolled courses, Advanced Placement

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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; 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.

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

which requires a college preparatory/work ready curriculum, a

student may enroll in the core curriculum as provided in subsection

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

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

(18) school districts shall require a parent or legal guardian of

the student to meet with a designee of the school prior to

enrollment in the core curriculum. The State Department of

Education shall develop and distribute to school districts a form

suitable for this purpose, which shall include information on the

benefits to students of completing the college preparatory/work

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

D. For those students subject to the requirements of subsection

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

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

students shall complete the following core curriculum units or sets

of competencies at the secondary level:

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

consist of one unit or set of competencies of grammar and

composition, and three units or sets of competencies which may

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

a. American Literature,

b. English Literature,

c. World Literature,

d. Advanced English Courses, or

e. other English courses with content and/or rigor equal

to or above grammar and composition;

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

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

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

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

a. Algebra II,

b. Geometry or Geometry taught in a contextual

methodology,

c. Trigonometry,

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d. Math Analysis or Precalculus,

e. Calculus,

f. Statistics and/or Probability,

g. Computer Science or acceptance and successful

completion of one (1) year of a full-time, three-hour

career and technology program leading to an industry

credential/certificate or college credit. The State

Board of Career and Technology Education shall

promulgate rules to define the provisions of this

section related to the accepted industry-valued

credentials which are industry-endorsed or industry-

aligned. The list of accepted industry-valued

credentials shall be reviewed annually and updated at

least every three (3) years by the Board,

h. (1) contextual mathematics courses which enhance

technology preparation, or

(2) a science, technology, engineering and math

(STEM) block course meeting the requirements for

course competencies listed in paragraph 2 of

subsection B of this section, whether taught at

a:

(a) comprehensive high school, or

(b) technology center school when taken in the

tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade, taught by

a certified teacher, and approved by the

State Board of Education and the independent

district board of education,

i. mathematics courses taught at a technology center

school by a teacher certified in the secondary subject

area when taken in the tenth, eleventh or twelfth

grade upon approval of the State Board of Education

and the independent district board of education, or

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

equal to or above Algebra I;

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

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

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

the areas of life, physical, or earth science or technology which

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

a. Chemistry I,

b. Physics,

c. Biology II,

d. Chemistry II,

e. Physical Science,

f. Earth Science,

g. Botany,

h. Zoology,

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i. Physiology,

j. Astronomy,

k. Applied Biology/Chemistry,

l. Applied Physics,

m. Principles of Technology,

n. qualified agricultural education courses,

o. (1) contextual science courses which enhance

technology preparation, or

(2) a science, technology, engineering and math

(STEM) block course meeting the requirements for

course competencies listed in paragraph 3 of

subsection B of this section, whether taught at

a:

(a) comprehensive high school, or

(b) technology center school when taken in the

tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade, taught by

a certified teacher, and approved by the

State Board of Education and the independent

district board of education,

p. science courses taught at a technology center school

by a teacher certified in the secondary subject area

when taken in the tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade

upon approval of the State Board of Education and the

independent district board of education, or

q. other science courses with content and/or rigor equal

to or above Biology I;

4. Social Studies – Three units or sets of competencies, to

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

one-half (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 content and/or rigor

equal to or above United States History, United States

Government, and Oklahoma History;

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

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

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

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school by a teacher certified in a relevant secondary subject area

and taken in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade; 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 or non-English language.

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

student who meets the definition of a student with the most

significant cognitive disabilities and who participates in the

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

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

aligned with requirements for a standard diploma, and obtained by

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

age.

F. An alternate diploma shall not terminate a Free and

Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with an

Individualized Education Program (IEP) unless they reach the maximum

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

services for students who receive an alternate diploma.

G. Students participating in the OAAP shall not be precluded

from attempting to meet the requirements of a standard diploma and

participation in the OAAP shall not determine a student's

educational setting under the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act (IDEA).

H. Students who meet requirements for an alternate diploma may

count as having received a standard diploma for purposes of

calculating and reporting the adjusted cohort graduation rate

(ACGR).

I. A student may be awarded an alternate diploma upon

completion of the following curriculum units or sets of competencies

at the secondary level:

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

alternate academic achievement standards to consist of reading

literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and

listening, and language in the following courses:

a. English 1 Alternate,

b. English 2 Alternate,

c. English 3 Alternate, and

d. English 4 Alternate;

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

alternate academic achievement standards to consist of number,

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

in the following courses:

a. Math Alternate 1,

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b. Math Alternate 2, and

c. Math Alternate 3;

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

alternate academic achievement standards to consist of life science,

physical science, and earth science in the following courses:

a. Life Science Alternate,

b. Physical Science Alternate, and

c. Earth Science Alternate;

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

on alternate academic achievement standards to consist of United

States History, United States Government, Oklahoma History,

Geography, and Social Studies in the following courses:

a. Social Studies Alternate 1,

b. Social Studies Alternate 2, and

c. Social Studies Alternate 3;

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

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

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

competencies of computer technology, whether taught at a high school

or a technology center school, including computer programming,

hardware, and business computer applications, such as word

processing, databases, spreadsheets, and graphics, excluding

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

world or non-English language;

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

including Career Readiness I, Career Readiness II, Career Readiness

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

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

and

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

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

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

Family and Consumer Science courses.

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.

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.

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2. No student shall receive credit for high school graduation

more than once for completion of the same unit or set of

competencies to satisfy the curriculum requirements of this section.

3. A school district shall not be required to offer every

course listed in subsections B and D of this section but shall offer

sufficient courses to allow a student to meet the graduation

requirements during the secondary grade years of the student.

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

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

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

school accredited by the State Board of Education, students shall

pass the United States naturalization test pursuant to the

provisions of this subsection.

2. School districts shall offer the United States

naturalization test to students at least once per school year,

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

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

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

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

questions.

3. School districts shall exempt students with disabilities

whose individualized education program (IEP), consistent with state

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

achievement standards through the OAAP.

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.

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

ensure that rigor is maintained in the content, teaching

methodology, level of expectations for student achievement, and

application of learning in all the courses taught to meet the

graduation requirements as specified in this section.

2. The State Board of Education shall allow as much flexibility

at the district level as is possible without diminishing the rigor

or undermining the intent of providing these courses. To accomplish

this purpose, the State Department of Education shall work with

school districts in reviewing and approving courses taught by

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

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

courses taken by concurrent enrollment, advanced placement, or

correspondence, or courses bearing different titles.

3. The State Board of Education shall approve an advanced

placement computer science course to meet the requirements of course

competencies listed in paragraph 2 of subsection B of this section

if the course is taken in a student's senior year and the student is

concurrently enrolled in or has successfully completed Algebra II.

4. Technology center school districts may offer programs

designed in cooperation with institutions of higher education which

have an emphasis on a focused field of career study upon approval of

the State Board of Education and the independent district board of

education. Students in the tenth grade may be allowed to attend

these programs for up to one-half (1/2) of a school day and credit

for the units or sets of competencies required in paragraphs 2, 3,

6, and 7 of subsection B or D of this section shall be given if the

courses are taught by a teacher certified in the secondary subject

area; provided, credit for units or sets of competencies pursuant to

subsection B of this section shall be approved for college admission

requirements.

5. If a student enrolls in a concurrent course, the school

district shall not be responsible for any costs incurred for that

course, unless the school district does not offer enough course

selection during the student's secondary grade years to allow the

student to receive the courses needed to meet the graduation

requirements of this section. If the school district does not offer

the necessary course selection during the student's secondary grade

years, it shall be responsible for the cost of resident tuition at

an institution in The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education,

fees, and books for the concurrent enrollment course, and providing

for transportation to and from the institution to the school site.

It is the intent of the Legislature that for students enrolled

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

district pursuant to this paragraph, the institution charge only the

supplementary and special service fees that are directly related to

the concurrent enrollment course and enrollment procedures for that

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student. It is further the intent of the Legislature that fees for

student activities and student service facilities, including the

student health care and cultural and recreational service fees, not

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

vocational courses each day, which may include arts, vocal and

instrumental music, speech classes, and physical education classes.

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

offer sets of competencies integrated or embedded within the courses

that provide for the teaching and learning of the appropriate skills

and knowledge in the subject matter standards, as adopted by the

State Board of Education, may, upon approval of the Board, in

consultation with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology

Education if the courses are offered at a technology center school

district, be counted for academic credit and toward meeting the

graduation requirements of this section.

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

that are taught by a certified teacher and provide for the teaching

and learning of the appropriate skills and knowledge in the subject

matter standards may, upon approval of the State Board of Education

and the independent district board of education, be counted for

academic credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of

this section.

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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 at a

technology center school district, if such courses incorporate

standards of nationally recognized professional organizations and

are taught by certified teachers.

4. Courses offered by a supplemental education organization

that is accredited by a national accrediting body and that are

taught by a certified teacher and provide for the teaching and

learning of the appropriate skills and knowledge in the subject

matter standards may, upon approval of the State Board of Education

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

credit and toward meeting the graduation requirements of this

section.

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.

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. 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.

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X. 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.

Y. The State Department of Education shall collect and report

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

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

section.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-17-101 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-17-101
Definitions
Status: in_force

The following words and phrases as used in Section 17-101 et

seq. of this title, unless a different meaning is clearly required

by the context, shall have the following meanings:

1. “Retirement system” shall mean the Teachers’ Retirement

System of Oklahoma, as defined in Section 17-102 of this title;

2. “Public school” shall mean a school district, a state

college or university, the State Board of Education, the State Board

of Career and Technology Education, and any other state educational

entity conducted within the state supported wholly or partly by

public funds and operating under the authority and supervision of a

legally constituted board or agency having authority and

responsibility for any function of public education. Public school

shall also mean a tuition-free, nonprofit alternative school of

choice that provides education, therapeutic counseling, and outreach

programs which is aligned with a school district and which receives

grant funds from governmental sources;

3. “Classified personnel” shall mean any teacher, principal,

superintendent, supervisor, administrator, librarian, certified or

registered nurse, college professor, or college president whose

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 707

salary is paid wholly or in part from public funds. An employee of

any state department, board, board of regents, or board of trustees,

who is in a supervisory or an administrative position, the function

of which is primarily devoted to public education, shall be

considered classified personnel under the meaning of Section 17-101

et seq. of this title, at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of

the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma. The term “teacher”

shall also include instructors and counselors employed by the

Department of Corrections and holding valid teaching certificates

issued by the State Department of Education. Provided, that a

person employed by the Department of Corrections as an instructor or

counselor shall have been actively engaged in the teaching

profession for a period not less than three (3) years prior to

employment to be eligible to participate in the Teachers’ Retirement

System of Oklahoma. The Department of Corrections shall contribute

the employer’s share to the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma;

4. “Nonclassified optional personnel” shall include persons

hired as adjunct teachers pursuant to subsection G of Section 6-

122.3 of this title, cooks, janitors, maintenance personnel not in a

supervisory capacity, bus drivers, noncertified or nonregistered

nurses, noncertified librarians, and clerical employees of the

public schools, state colleges, universities, or any state

department, board, board of regents, or board of trustees, the

functions of which are primarily devoted to public education and

whose salaries are paid wholly or in part from public funds;

5. “Employer” shall mean the state and any of its designated

agents or agencies with responsibility and authority for public

education, such as boards of education of elementary and independent

school districts, boards of regents, boards of control, or any other

agency of and within the state by which a person may be employed for

service in public education. Employer shall also mean the board of

directors of a tuition-free, nonprofit alternative school of choice

that provides education, therapeutic counseling, and outreach

programs which is aligned with a school district and which receives

grant funds from governmental sources;

6. “Member” shall mean any teacher or other employee included

in the membership of the system as provided in Section 17-103 of

this title;

7. “Board of Trustees” shall mean the board provided for in

Section 17-106 of this title to administer the retirement system;

8. “Prior service” shall mean withdrawn service, provided:

a. before July 1, 2021, prior service shall exclude

service attributable to any membership period during

which nonclassified optional members voluntarily

ceased contributions while remaining employed in

public education or voluntarily withdrew from

membership in the System, and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 708

b. on and after July 1, 2021, prior service shall exclude

service attributable to any period of time during

which nonclassified optional members opted out of

membership in the System;

9. “Membership service” shall mean service as a member of the

classified or nonclassified optional personnel as defined in

paragraphs 3 and 4 of this section;

10. “Creditable service” shall mean membership service plus any

other service authorized under this title;

11. “Annuitant” shall mean any person in receipt of an annuity

as defined in paragraph 15 of this section;

12. “Accumulated contributions” shall mean the sum of all

amounts deducted from the compensation of a member and credited to

the member’s individual account in the Teachers’ Savings Fund,

together with applicable interest as of June 30, 1968;

13. “Earnable compensation” shall mean the full rate of the

compensation that would be payable to a member who worked the full

normal working time;

14. “Average salary”:

a. for those members who joined the System prior to July

1, 1992, shall mean the average of the salaries for

the three (3) years on which the highest contributions

to the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma were

paid not to exceed the maximum contribution level

specified in Section 17-116.2 of this title or the

maximum compensation level specified in paragraph 25

of this section. Provided, no member shall retire

with an average salary in excess of Twenty-five

Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) unless the member has

made the required election and paid the required

contributions on such salary in excess of Twenty-five

Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00), or unless an eligible

member fulfills the requirements of Section 17-116.2C

of this title in order to have pre-cap removal service

included in the retirement benefit computation of the

member using the regular annual compensation of the

member for any pre-cap removal year of service so

included subject to the maximum average salary amount,

and

b. for those members who join the System after June 30,

1992, shall mean the average of the salaries for five

(5) consecutive years on which the highest

contributions to the Teachers’ Retirement System of

Oklahoma were paid. Only salary on which required

contributions have been made may be used in computing

average salary;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 709

15. “Annuity” shall mean a lifetime benefit payable in fixed

monthly installments;

16. “Retirement allowance” is one-twelfth (1/12) of the annual

retirement benefit which shall be payable monthly;

17. “Retirement Benefit Fund” shall mean the fund from which

all retirement benefits shall be paid based on such mortality tables

as shall be adopted by the Board of Trustees;

18. “Actuary” shall mean a person or firm especially skilled

through training and experience in financial calculation respecting

the expectancy and duration of life;

19. “Actuarial equivalent” shall mean a benefit of equal value

when computed upon the basis of such mortality and other tables as

shall be adopted by the Board of Trustees;

20. The masculine pronoun, whenever used, shall include the

feminine;

21. “Actuarially determined cost” shall mean the single sum

which is actuarially equivalent in value to a specified annuity

amount as determined on the basis of mortality and interest

assumptions adopted by the Board of Trustees;

22. “Normal retirement age” means the earliest date upon which:

a. a member reaches the age sixty-two (62) with respect

to a member whose first creditable service occurs

prior to November 1, 2011, unless the member reaches a

normal retirement date pursuant to subparagraph c or

subparagraph d of this paragraph,

b. a member reaches the age of sixty-five (65) with

respect to a member whose first creditable service

occurs on or after November 1, 2011, or with respect

to a member whose first creditable service occurs on

or after November 1, 2011, reaches a normal retirement

date pursuant to subparagraph d of this paragraph

having attained a minimum age of sixty (60) years,

c. the age at which the sum of a member’s age and number

of years of creditable service total eighty (80), with

respect to a member whose first creditable service

occurred prior to July 1, 1992, and who does not reach

a normal retirement age pursuant to subparagraph a of

this paragraph, or

d. the age at which the sum of a member’s age and number

of years of creditable service total ninety (90), with

respect to a member whose first creditable service

occurred on or after July 1, 1992, but prior to

November 1, 2011, if the member does not reach a

normal retirement age pursuant to subparagraph a of

this paragraph;

23. “Regular annual compensation” means salary plus fringe

benefits, excluding the flexible benefit allowance pursuant to

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 710

Section 26-105 of this title. For purposes of this definition,

regular annual compensation shall include:

a. salary which accrues on a regular basis in proportion

to the service performed including payments for staff

development,

b. amounts that would otherwise qualify as salary under

subparagraph a of this paragraph but are not received

directly by the member pursuant to a good-faith,

voluntary written salary reduction agreement in order

to finance payments to a deferred compensation or tax-

sheltered annuity program or to finance benefit

options under a cafeteria plan qualifying under the

United States Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C.,

Section 101 et seq.,

c. group health and disability insurance, group term life

insurance, annuities, and pension plans, provided on a

periodic basis to all qualified employees of the

employer, which qualify as fringe benefits under the

United States Internal Revenue Code, and

d. excluded from regular annual compensation are:

(1) expense reimbursement payments,

(2) office, vehicle, housing, or other maintenance

allowances,

(3) the flexible benefit allowance provided pursuant

to Section 26-105 of this title,

(4) payment for unused vacation and sick leave,

(5) any payment made for reason of termination or

retirement not specifically provided for in

divisions (1) through (3) of this subparagraph,

(6) maintenance or other nonmonetary compensation,

(7) payment received as an independent contractor or

consultant, pursuant to a lawful contract which

complies with the requirements of subsection B of

Section 6-101.2 of this title,

(8) any benefit payments not made pursuant to a valid

employment agreement,

(9) compensation for clinical related activity

performed in the University of Oklahoma Health

Sciences Center (OUHSC) Professional Practice

Plan or Oklahoma State University Center for

Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) Professional Practice

Plan, and

(10) any other compensation not described in

subparagraphs a through c of this paragraph;

24. “Active classroom teacher” means a person employed by a

school district to teach students specifically identified classes

for specifically identified subjects during the course of a

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 711

semester, and who holds a valid certificate or license issued by and

in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State Board of

Education;

25. “Maximum compensation level” shall, except as otherwise

authorized pursuant to the provisions of Section 17-116.2C of this

title, mean:

a. Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for

creditable service authorized and performed prior to

July 1, 1995, for members not electing a higher

maximum compensation level,

b. Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) for creditable

service authorized and performed prior to July 1,

1995, for members electing a maximum compensation

level in excess of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars

($25,000.00),

c. Twenty-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($27,500.00) for members who, as of June 30, 1995, had

elected to have a maximum compensation level not in

excess of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00),

and who were employed by an entity or institution

within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education

for creditable service authorized and performed on or

after July 1, 1995, but not later than June 30, 1996,

if such member does not elect a higher maximum

compensation level for this period as authorized by

Section 17-116.2A of this title,

d. Thirty-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($32,500.00)

for members employed by a comprehensive university if

the member meets the requirements imposed by Section

17-116.2A of this title and the member elects to

impose a higher maximum compensation level for service

performed on or after July 1, 1995, but not later than

June 30, 1996,

e. Forty-four Thousand Dollars ($44,000.00) for members

who, as of June 30, 1995, had elected to have a

maximum compensation level in excess of Twenty-five

Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00), and who were employed

by an entity or institution within The Oklahoma State

System of Higher Education for creditable service

authorized and performed on or after July 1, 1995, but

not later than June 30, 1996, if such member does not

elect a higher maximum compensation level for this

period as authorized by Section 17-116.2A of this

title,

f. Forty-nine Thousand Dollars ($49,000.00) for members

employed by a comprehensive university if the member

meets the requirements imposed by Section 17-116.2A of

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 712

this title and the member elects to impose a higher

maximum compensation level for service performed on or

after July 1, 1995, but not later than June 30, 1996,

g. the following amounts for creditable service

authorized and performed by members employed by a

comprehensive university, based upon the election of

the member in effect as of June 30, 1995:

(1) for members who elected a maximum compensation

level not in excess of Twenty-five Thousand

Dollars ($25,000.00):

(a) Thirty-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($32,500.00) for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 1996, but not

later than June 30, 1997,

(b) Thirty-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($37,500.00) for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 1997, but not

later than June 30, 1998,

(c) Forty-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($42,500.00) for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 1998, but not

later than June 30, 2000,

(d) Forty-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($47,500.00) for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 2000, but not

later than June 30, 2001,

(e) Fifty-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($52,500.00) for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 2001, but not

later than June 30, 2002,

(f) Fifty-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($57,500.00) for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 2002, but not

later than June 30, 2003,

(g) Sixty-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($62,500.00) for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 2003, but not

later than June 30, 2004,

(h) Sixty-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($67,500.00) for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 2004, but not

later than June 30, 2005,

(i) Seventy-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($72,500.00) for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 2005, but not

later than June 30, 2006,

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 713

(j) Seventy-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($77,500.00) for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 2006, but not

later than June 30, 2007, and

(k) the full amount of regular annual

compensation for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 2007, and

(2) for members who elected a maximum compensation

level in excess of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars

($25,000.00):

(a) Forty-nine Thousand Dollars ($49,000.00) for

service authorized and performed on or after

July 1, 1996, but not later than June 30,

1997,

(b) Fifty-four Thousand Dollars ($54,000.00) for

service authorized and performed on or after

July 1, 1997, but not later than June 30,

1998,

(c) Fifty-nine Thousand Dollars ($59,000.00) for

service authorized and performed on or after

July 1, 1998, but not later than June 30,

2000,

(d) Sixty-four Thousand Dollars ($64,000.00) for

service authorized and performed on or after

July 1, 2000, but not later than June 30,

2001,

(e) Sixty-nine Thousand Dollars ($69,000.00) for

service authorized and performed on or after

July 1, 2001, but not later than June 30,

2002,

(f) Seventy-four Thousand Dollars ($74,000.00)

for service authorized and performed on or

after July 1, 2002, but not later than June

30, 2003,

(g) Seventy-nine Thousand Dollars ($79,000.00)

for service authorized and performed on or

after July 1, 2003, but not later than June

30, 2004,

(h) Eighty-four Thousand Dollars ($84,000.00)

for service authorized and performed on or

after July 1, 2004, but not later than June

30, 2005,

(i) Eighty-nine Thousand Dollars ($89,000.00)

for service authorized and performed on or

after July 1, 2005, but not later than June

30, 2006,

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 714

(j) Ninety-four Thousand Dollars ($94,000.00)

for service authorized and performed on or

after July 1, 2006, but not later than June

30, 2007, and

(k) the full amount of regular annual

compensation for service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 2007, and

h. the full amount of regular annual compensation of:

(1) a member of the retirement system not employed by

an entity or institution within The Oklahoma

State System of Higher Education for all

creditable service authorized and performed on or

after July 1, 1995,

(2) a member of the retirement system first employed

on or after July 1, 1995, by an entity or

institution within The Oklahoma State System of

Higher Education for all creditable service

authorized and performed on or after July 1,

1995, but not later than June 30, 1996,

(3) a member of the retirement system employed by an

entity or institution within The Oklahoma State

System of Higher Education, other than a

comprehensive university, if the member elects to

impose a higher maximum compensation level for

service performed on or after July 1, 1995, but

not later than June 30, 1996, pursuant to

subsection B of Section 17-116.2A of this title,

(4) a member of the retirement system who is first

employed on or after July 1, 1996, by any entity

or institution within The Oklahoma State System

of Higher Education including a comprehensive

university, for creditable service authorized and

performed on or after July 1, 1996,

(5) a member of the retirement system who, as of July

1, 1996, is subject to a maximum compensation

level pursuant to subparagraph g of this

paragraph if the member terminates service with a

comprehensive university and is subsequently

reemployed by a comprehensive university,

(6) a member of the retirement system employed by a

comprehensive university for all service

performed on and after July 1, 2007, or

(7) an eligible member of the retirement system who

fulfills the requirements of Section 17-116.2C of

this title with respect to pre-cap removal

service included in the retirement benefit

computation of the member at the average salary

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 715

of the member subject to the maximum average

salary amount; and

26. “Comprehensive university” shall mean:

a. the University of Oklahoma and all of its constituent

agencies including the University of Oklahoma Health

Sciences Center, the University of Oklahoma Law

Center, and the Oklahoma Geological Survey, and

b. Oklahoma State University and all of its constituent

agencies including the Oklahoma State University

Agricultural Experiment Station, the Oklahoma State

University Agricultural Extension Division, the

Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary

Medicine, the Oklahoma State University Center for

Health Sciences, the Technical Branch at OSU-Oklahoma

City, the Oklahoma State University Institute of

Technology-Okmulgee, and Oklahoma State University-

Tulsa.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-1210.191 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-1210.191
Certification - School children - List of
Status: repealed

immunization tests required.

A. No minor child shall be admitted to any public, private or

parochial school operating in this state unless and until

certification is presented to the appropriate school authorities

from a licensed physician, or authorized representative of the State

Department of Health, that such child has received or is in the

process of receiving, immunizations against diphtheria, pertussis,

tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB), measles (rubeola),

rubella, poliomyelitis, varicella and hepatitis A or is likely to be

immune as a result of the disease.

B. Immunizations required, and the manner and frequency of

their administration, as prescribed by the State Commissioner of

Health, shall conform to recognized standard medical practices in

the state. The State Department of Health shall supervise and

secure the enforcement of the required immunization program. The

State Department of Education and the governing boards of the school

districts of this state shall render reasonable assistance to the

State Department of Health in the enforcement of the provisions

hereof.

C. The Commissioner, by rule, may alter the list of

immunizations required after notice and hearing. Any change in the

list of immunizations required shall be submitted to the next

regular session of the Legislature and such change shall remain in

force and effect unless and until a concurrent resolution of

disapproval is passed. Hearings shall be conducted by the

Commissioner, or such officer, agents or employees as the

Commissioner may designate for that purpose. The Commissioner shall

give appropriate notice of the proposed change in the list of

immunizations required and of the time and place for hearing. The

change shall become effective on a date fixed by the Commissioner.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1177

Any change in the list of immunizations required may be amended or

repealed in the same manner as provided for its adoption.

Proceedings pursuant to this subsection shall be governed by the

Administrative Procedures Act.

D. The State Department of Education and the governing boards

of the school districts of this state shall provide for release to

the Oklahoma Health Care Authority of the immunization records of

school children covered under Title XIX or Title XXI of the federal

Social Security Act who have not received the required immunizations

at the appropriate time. The information received pursuant to such

release shall be transmitted by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority

to medical providers who provide services to such children pursuant

to Title XIX or Title XXI to assist in their efforts to increase the

rate of childhood immunizations pursuant to the requirements of the

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT)

services provisions. The provisions of this subsection shall not be

construed to prohibit or affect the eligibility of any child to

receive benefits pursuant to Title XIX or Title XXI of the Social

Security Act or to require the immunization of any child if such

child is exempt from the immunization requirements pursuant to law.

The name of any child exempt from immunization pursuant to Section

1210.192 of this title shall not be included in the information

transmitted pursuant to this subsection.

E. The State Department of Education shall provide and ensure

that each school district in this state provides, on the school

district website and in any notice or publication provided to

parents regarding immunization requests, the following information

regarding immunization requirements for school attendance: “For

school enrollment, a parent or guardian shall provide one of the

following:

1. Current, up-to-date immunization records; or

2. A completed and signed exemption form.”
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-1210.901 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-1210.901
Math proficiency screening — Screening instruments —
Status: in_force

Advanced learning opportunities.

A. To identify students who have a math deficiency including

students with characteristics of dyscalculia, each student enrolled

in second, third, fourth, and fifth grade in a public school in this

state shall be screened at the beginning, middle, and end of each

school year for math proficiency including, but not limited to,

real-world problem-solving skills, procedural fluency, conceptual

understanding, and productive dispositions. A screening instrument

approved by the State Board of Education shall be utilized for the

purposes of this section. In determining which screening instrument

to approve, the State Board of Education shall take into

consideration, at a minimum, the following factors:

1. The time required to conduct the screening instrument with

the intention of minimizing the impact on instructional time;

2. The timeliness in reporting screening instrument results to

teachers, administrators, and parents or legal guardians of

students; and

3. The integration of the screening instrument into the math

curriculum.

B. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the State Board of

Education shall approve a list of screening instruments for use at

the beginning, middle, and end of the school year for monitoring

progress and measurement of math proficiency as required in

subsection A of this section. The screening instrument shall:

1. Assess mathematical proficiency, which is a combination of

real-world problem-solving skills, procedural fluency, conceptual

understanding, and productive dispositions for the grade level as

defined by the state’s subject matter standards;

2. Document the validity and reliability of each assessment;

3. Be used for identifying students who are at risk for math

deficiencies and for progress monitoring throughout the school year;

4. Be used to assess students with disabilities and English

language learners; and

5. Be accompanied by a data management system that provides

profiles of students, class, grade level, and school building. The

profiles shall identify each student’s instructional point of need,

competency for advanced math coursework, and math proficiency level.

The State Board of Education shall also determine other comparable

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1283

math assessments for diagnostic purposes to be used for students at

risk of math failure.

C. 1. Exemptions to the screening requirements required by

this section may be provided to students who have documented

evidence that they meet at least one of the following criteria as

related to the provision of classroom instruction:

a. the student participates in the Oklahoma Alternate

Assessment Program (OAAP) and is taught using

alternate methods,

b. the student’s primary expressive or receptive

communication is sign language,

c. the student’s primary form of written or read text is

Braille, or

d. the student’s primary expressive or receptive language

is not English, the student is identified as an

English learner using a state-approved identification

assessment, and the student has had less than one (1)

school year of instruction in an English-learner

program.

2. A public school that grants an exemption pursuant to

paragraph 1 of this subsection shall provide ongoing evidence of

student progression toward English language acquisition with the

same frequency as administration of screening assessments. Evidence

may include, but not be limited to, student progression toward OAAP

math essential elements, proficiency in sign language and

mathematical reasoning, and proficiency in Braille and mathematical

concepts.

D. 1. Students who are administered a screening instrument

pursuant to subsection A of this section and are found to be

exceeding grade-level targets shall be provided advanced learning

opportunities in mathematics approved for that student’s grade

level. No student who qualifies pursuant to this subsection shall

be removed from the advanced learning opportunity provided to the

student unless a parent or legal guardian of the student provides

written consent for the student to be excluded or removed after

being adequately informed that the student’s placement was

determined by the student’s achievement on the screening instrument.

2. Students who are administered a screening instrument

pursuant to subsection A of this section and are found not to be

meeting grade-level targets shall be provided a program of math

instruction designed to enable students to acquire the appropriate

grade-level math proficiency. The program of math instruction shall

be based on scientific math research and align with the subject

matter standards adopted by the State Board of Education. A program

of math instruction shall include:

a. sufficient additional in-school instructional time for

the acquisition of mathematical proficiency, which is

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1284

a combination of real-world problem-solving skills,

procedural fluency, conceptual understanding, and

productive dispositions,

b. if necessary and if funding is available, tutorial

instruction after regular school hours, on Saturdays,

and during summer; however, such instruction may not

be counted toward the one-hundred-eighty-day or one-

thousand-eighty-hour school year required in Section

1-109 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes,

c. assessments identified for diagnostic purposes and

periodic monitoring to measure the acquisition of math

proficiency including, but not limited to, real-world

problem-solving skills, procedural fluency, conceptual

understanding, and productive dispositions, as

identified in the student’s program of math

instruction,

d. high-quality instructional materials grounded in

scientifically based math research, and

e. a means of providing every family of a student in

second, third, fourth, and fifth grade access to free

online evidence-based math instruction resources to

support the student’s math development at home.

3. A student enrolled in second, third, fourth, and fifth grade

who exhibits a deficiency in math at any time based on the screening

instrument administered pursuant to subsection A of this section

shall receive an individual math intervention plan no later than

thirty (30) days after the identification of the deficiency in math.

The math intervention plan shall be provided in addition to core

math instruction that is provided to all students. The math

intervention plan shall:

a. describe the research-based math intervention services

the student will receive to remedy the deficiency in

math,

b. provide explicit and systematic instruction in real-

world problem-solving skills, procedural fluency,

conceptual understanding, and productive dispositions,

as applicable,

c. monitor the math progress of each student’s math

proficiency throughout the school year and adjust

instruction according to the student’s needs, and

d. continue until the student is determined to be meeting

grade-level targets in math based on screening

instruments administered pursuant to subsection A of

this section or assessments identified for diagnostic

purposes and periodic monitoring pursuant to

subparagraph c of paragraph 2 of this subsection.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1285

4. The math intervention plan for each student identified with

a deficiency in math shall be developed by a student math

proficiency team and shall include supplemental instructional

services and supports. Each team shall be comprised of:

a. the parent or legal guardian of the student,

b. the teacher assigned to the student who had

responsibility for math instruction in that academic

year,

c. a teacher who is responsible for math instruction and

is assigned to teach in the next grade level of the

student, and

d. a teacher who specializes in math interventions, if

one is available.

5. A school district shall notify the parent or legal guardian

of any student in second, third, fourth, and fifth grade who

exhibits a deficiency in math at any time based on the screening

instrument administered pursuant to subsection A of this section.

The notification shall occur no later than thirty (30) days after

the identification of the deficiency in math.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-18-114.3 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-18-114.3
Juris Doctorate Degree - Recognition in salary
Status: in_force

determination.

Provided that, all school districts in the State of Oklahoma,

employing certified personnel who have earned Juris Doctorate

Degree, granted by an institution of higher learning with membership

in a recognized accrediting association are required to accord to

and grant to aforesaid degrees equal recognition for salary in

contract determination.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-5-129.2 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-5-129.2
Separate accounts - Disbursements - Approval by boards
Status: in_force

of education - Transfer of funds.

A. In conformance with any other law providing procedures for

the deposit of such funds, area school districts shall be authorized

to establish separate accounts for deposits received for live work,

resale items, student financial aid, tuitions and other fees. Such

funds shall be deposited to the credit of the account maintained for

that particular purpose. Disbursements from each account shall be

by check countersigned by the custodian of the account and shall not

be used for any purpose other than that for which the account was

originally created.

B. The board of education of the technology center school

district, at the beginning of each fiscal year and as needed during

each fiscal year, shall approve all accounts created pursuant to

this section and all purposes for which the monies collected in each

account may be expended. Provided, the board of education may

direct by written resolution that any balance in excess of the

amount needed to fulfill the function or purpose for which an

account was established may be transferred to another account by the

custodian.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-510.1 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-510.1
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for
Status: in_force

Military Children.

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military

Children is hereby enacted into law and entered into with all

jurisdictions legally joining therein, in the form substantially as

follows:

INTERSTATE COMPACT ON EDUCATIONAL

OPPORTUNITY FOR MILITARY CHILDREN

ARTICLE I. PURPOSE

It is the purpose of this compact to remove barriers to

educational success imposed on children of military families because

of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:

1. Facilitating the timely enrollment of children of military

families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due

to difficulty in the transfer of education records from the previous

school district(s) or variations in entrance/age requirements;

2. Facilitating the student placement process through which

children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in

attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course

content or assessment;

3. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment,

educational programs, and participation in extracurricular academic,

athletic, and social activities;

4. Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military

families;

5. Providing for the promulgation and enforcement of

administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact;

6. Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of

information between and among member states, schools and military

families under this compact;

7. Promoting coordination between this compact and other

compacts affecting military children; and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1020

8. Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the

educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve

educational success for the student.

ARTICLE II. DEFINITIONS

As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a

different construction:

1. “Active duty” means full-time duty status in the active

uniformed service of the United States, including members of the

National Guard and Military Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to

10 U.S.C., Sections 1209 and 1211;

2. “Children of military families” means a school-aged

child(ren), enrolled in Kindergarten through Twelfth grade, in the

household of an active duty member;

3. "Compact commissioner” means the voting representative of

each compacting state appointed pursuant to Article VIII of this

Compact;

4. “Deployment” means the period one (1) month prior to the

service members’ departure from their home station on military

orders though six (6) months after return to their home station;

5. “Education(al) records” means those official records, files,

and data directly related to a student and maintained by the school

or local education agency including, but not limited to, records

encompassing all the material kept in the student's cumulative

folder such as general identifying data, records of attendance and

of academic work completed, records of achievement and results of

evaluative tests, health data, disciplinary status, test protocols,

and individualized education programs;

6. “Extracurricular activities” means a voluntary activity

sponsored by the school or local education agency or an organization

sanctioned by the local education agency. Extracurricular

activities include, but are not limited to, preparation for and

involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions,

demonstrations, displays, and club activities;

7. “Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for

Military Children” means the commission that is created under

Article IX of this compact, which is generally referred to as

Interstate Commission;

8. “Local education agency” means a public authority legally

constituted by the state as an administrative agency to provide

control of and direction for Kindergarten through Twelfth grade

public educational institutions;

9. “Member state” means a state that has enacted this compact;

10. “Military installation” means a base, camp, post, station,

yard, center, homeport facility for any ship, or other activity

under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense, including any

leased facility, which is located within any of the several states,

the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1021

Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands

and any other U.S. Territory. Such term does not include any

facility used primarily for civil works, rivers and harbors

projects, or flood control projects;

11. “Nonmember state” means a state that has not enacted this

compact;

12. “Receiving state” means the state to which a child of a

military family is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought;

13. “Rule” means a written statement by the Interstate

Commission promulgated pursuant to Article XII of this compact that

is of general applicability, implements, interprets or prescribes a

policy or provision of the compact, or an organizational,

procedural, or practice requirement of the Interstate Commission,

and has the force and effect of administrative rules in a member

state, and includes the amendment, repeal, or suspension of an

existing rule;

14. “Sending state” means the state from which a child of a

military family is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought;

15. “State” means a state of the United States, the District of

Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,

Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and any other

U.S. Territory;

16. “Student” means the child of a military family for whom the

local education agency receives public funding and who is formally

enrolled in Kindergarten through Twelfth grade;

17. “Transition” means:

a. the formal and physical process of transferring from

school to school, or

b. the period of time in which a student moves from one

school in the sending state to another school in the

receiving state;

18. “Uniformed service(s)” means the Army, Navy, Air Force,

Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as the Commissioned Corps of the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health

Services; and

19. “Veteran” means a person who served in the uniformed

services and who was discharged or released therefrom under

conditions other than dishonorable.

ARTICLE III. APPLICABILITY

A. Except as otherwise provided in subsection B of this

article, this compact shall apply to the children of:

1. Active duty members of the uniformed services as defined in

this compact, including members of the National Guard and Military

Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C., Sections 1209 and

1211;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1022

2. Members or veterans of the uniformed services who are severely

injured and medically discharged or retired for a period of one (1)

year after medical discharge or retirement; and

3. Members of the uniformed services who die on active duty or as

a result of injuries sustained on active duty for a period of one (1)

year after death.

B. The provisions of this interstate compact shall only apply to

local education agencies as defined in this compact.

C. The provisions of this compact shall not apply to the

children of:

1. Inactive members of the National Guard and Military

Reserves;

2. Members of the uniformed services now retired, except as

provided in subsection A of this article;

3. Veterans of the uniformed services, except as provided in

subsection A of this article; and

4. Other United States Department of Defense personnel and

other federal agency civilian and contract employees not defined as

active duty members of the uniformed services.

ARTICLE IV. EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND ENROLLMENT

A. Unofficial or “hand-carried” education records - In the

event that official education records cannot be released to the

parents for the purpose of transfer, the custodian of the records in

the sending state shall prepare and furnish to the parent a complete

set of unofficial educational records containing uniform information

as determined by the Interstate Commission. Upon receipt of the

unofficial education records by a school in the receiving state, the

school shall enroll and appropriately place the student based on the

information provided in the unofficial records pending validation by

the official records, as quickly as possible.

B. Official education records/transcripts - Simultaneously with

the enrollment and conditional placement of the student, the school

in the receiving state shall request the student’s official

education record from the school in the sending state. Upon receipt

of this request, the school in the sending state will process and

furnish the official education records to the school in the

receiving state within ten (10) days or within such time as is

reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the Interstate

Commission.

C. Immunizations - Compacting states shall give thirty (30)

days from the date of enrollment or within such time as is

reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the Interstate

Commission, for students to obtain any immunization(s) required by

the receiving state. For a series of immunizations, initial

vaccinations must be obtained within thirty (30) days or within such

time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the

Interstate Commission.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1023

D. Kindergarten and First grade entrance age - Students shall

be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the

receiving state commensurate with their grade level (including

Kindergarten) from a local education agency in the sending state at

the time of transition, regardless of age. A student that has

satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the local

education agency in the sending state shall be eligible for

enrollment in the next highest grade level in the receiving state,

regardless of age. A student transferring after the start of the

school year in the receiving state shall enter the school in the

receiving state on their validated level from an accredited school

in the sending state.

ARTICLE V. PLACEMENT AND ATTENDANCE

A. Course placement - When the student transfers before or

during the school year, the receiving state school shall initially

honor placement of the student in educational courses based on the

student’s enrollment in the sending state school and/or educational

assessments conducted at the school in the sending state if the

courses are offered. Course placement includes, but is not limited

to, Honors, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement,

vocational, technical and career pathway courses. Continuing the

student’s academic program from the previous school and promoting

placement in academically and career challenging courses should be

paramount when considering placement. This does not preclude the

school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations

to ensure appropriate placement and continued enrollment of the

student in the course(s).

B. Educational program placement - The receiving state school

shall initially honor placement of the student in educational programs

based on current educational assessments conducted at the school in

the sending state or participation/placement in like programs in the

sending state. Such programs shall include, but are not limited to:

1. Gifted and talented programs; and

2. English as a second language (ESL).

This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from

performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of

the student.

C. Special education services.

1. In compliance with the federal requirements of the

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C.A.,

Section 1400 et seq., the receiving state shall initially provide

comparable services to a student with disabilities based on his/her

current individualized education program (IEP).

2. In compliance with the requirements of Section 504 of the

Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C.A., Section 794, and with Title II of

the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C.A., Sections 12131

through 12165, the receiving state shall make reasonable

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1024

accommodations and modifications to address the needs of incoming

students with disabilities, subject to an existing 504 or Title II

Plan, to provide the student with equal access to education.

This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from

performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of

the student.

D. Placement flexibility - Local education agency administrative

officials shall have flexibility in waiving course/program

prerequisites, or other preconditions for placement in

courses/programs offered under the jurisdiction of the local education

agency.

E. Absence as related to deployment activities - A student whose

parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed

services, as defined by the compact, and has been called to duty

for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a

combat zone or combat support posting, shall be granted additional

excused absences at the discretion of the local education agency

superintendent to visit with his or her parent or legal guardian

relative to such leave or deployment of the parent or guardian.

ARTICLE VI. ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligibility for enrollment.

1. Special power of attorney, relative to the guardianship of a

child of a military family and executed under applicable law shall

be sufficient for the purposes of enrollment and all other actions

requiring parental participation and consent.

2. A local education agency shall be prohibited from charging

local tuition to a transitioning military child placed in the care

of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis

who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent.

3. A transitioning military child, placed in the care of a

noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who

lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent, may

continue to attend the school in which he/she was enrolled while

residing with the custodial parent.

B. Eligibility for extracurricular participation - State and

local education agencies shall facilitate the opportunity for

transitioning military children’s inclusion in extracurricular

activities, regardless of application deadlines, to the extent they

are otherwise qualified.

ARTICLE VII. GRADUATION

A. In order to facilitate the on-time graduation of children of

military families, states and local education agencies shall

incorporate the following procedures:

1. Waiver requirements - Local education agency administrative

officials shall waive specific courses required for graduation if

similar course work has been satisfactorily completed in another

local education agency or shall provide reasonable justification for

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1025

denial. Should a waiver not be granted to a student who would

qualify to graduate from the sending school, the local education

agency shall provide an alternative means of acquiring required

coursework so that graduation may occur on time.

2. Exit exams - States shall accept:

a. exit or end-of-course exams required for graduation

from the sending state,

b. national norm-referenced achievement tests, or

c. alternative testing in lieu of testing requirements

for graduation in the receiving state.

In the event the above alternatives cannot be accommodated by

the receiving state for a student transferring in his or her Senior

year, then the provisions of subsection B of this article shall

apply.

B. Transfers during Senior year - Should a military student

transferring at the beginning or during his or her Senior year be

ineligible to graduate from the receiving local education agency

after all alternatives have been considered, the sending and

receiving local education agencies shall ensure the receipt of a

diploma from the sending local education agency, if the student

meets the graduation requirements of the sending local education

agency. In the event that one of the states in question is not a

member of this compact, the member state shall use best efforts to

facilitate the on-time graduation of the student in accordance with

subsection A of this article and this subsection.

ARTICLE VIII. STATE COORDINATION

A. Each member state shall, through the creation of a State

Council or use of an existing body or board, provide for the

coordination among its agencies of government, local education

agencies and military installations concerning the state’s

participation in, and compliance with, this compact and Interstate

Commission activities. While each member state may determine the

membership of its own State Council, its membership must include at

least:

1. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction;

2. The superintendent of a school district with a high

concentration of military children;

3. A representative from a military installation;

4. One representative each from the legislative and executive

branches of government; and

5. Other offices and stakeholder groups the State Council deems

appropriate.

B. A member state that does not have a school district deemed to

contain a high concentration of military children may appoint a

superintendent from another school district to represent local

education agencies on the State Council.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1026

C. The State Council of each member state shall appoint or

designate a military family education liaison to assist military

families and the state in facilitating the implementation of this

compact.

D. The compact commissioner responsible for the administration

and management of the state's participation in the compact shall be

appointed by the Governor or as otherwise determined by each member

state.

E. The compact commissioner and the military family education

liaison designated herein shall be ex officio members of the State

Council, unless either is already a full voting member of the State

Council.

ARTICLE IX. INTERSTATE COMMISSION ON

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR MILITARY CHILDREN

The member states hereby create the “Interstate Commission on

Educational Opportunity for Military Children”. The activities of

the Interstate Commission are the formation of public policy and are

a discretionary state function. The Interstate Commission shall:

1. Be a body corporate and joint agency of the member states

and shall have all the responsibilities, powers and duties set forth

herein, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by a

subsequent concurrent action of the respective Legislatures of the

member states in accordance with the terms of this compact;

2. Consist of one Interstate Commission voting representative

from each member state who shall be that state’s compact

commissioner.

a. Each member state represented at a meeting of the

Interstate Commission is entitled to one vote.

b. A majority of the total member states shall constitute

a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a

larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the

Interstate Commission.

c. A representative shall not delegate a vote to another

member state. In the event the compact commissioner

is unable to attend a meeting of the Interstate

Commission, the Governor or State Council may delegate

voting authority to another person from their state

for a specified meeting.

d. The bylaws may provide for meetings of the Interstate

Commission to be conducted by telecommunication or

electronic communication;

3. Consist of ex officio, nonvoting representatives who are

members of interested organizations. Such ex officio members, as

defined in the bylaws, may include, but not be limited to, members

of the representative organizations of military family advocates,

local education agency officials, parent and teacher groups, the

United States Department of Defense, the Education Commission of the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1027

States, the Interstate Agreement on the Qualification of Educational

Personnel and other interstate compacts affecting the education of

children of military members;

4. Meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may

call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority

of the member states, shall call additional meetings;

5. Establish an executive committee, whose members shall

include the officers of the Interstate Commission and such other

members of the Interstate Commission as determined by the bylaws.

Members of the executive committee shall serve one-year terms.

Members of the executive committee shall be entitled to one vote

each. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf

of the Interstate Commission, with the exception of rulemaking,

during periods when the Interstate Commission is not in session.

The executive committee shall oversee the day-to-day activities of

the administration of the compact including enforcement and

compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws and rules,

and other such duties as deemed necessary. The United States

Department of Defense shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member

of the executive committee;

6. Establish bylaws and rules that provide for conditions and

procedures under which the Interstate Commission shall make its

information and official records available to the public for

inspection or copying. The Interstate Commission may exempt from

disclosure information or official records to the extent they would

adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests;

7. Public notice shall be given by the Interstate Commission of

all meetings, and all meetings shall be open to the public, except

as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact.

The Interstate Commission and its committees may close a meeting, or

portion thereof, where it determines by two-thirds (2/3) vote that

an open meeting would be likely to:

a. relate solely to the Interstate Commission’s internal

personnel practices and procedures,

b. disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure

by federal and state statute,

c. disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial

information which is privileged or confidential,

d. involve accusing a person of a crime, or formally

censuring a person,

e. disclose information of a personal nature where

disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted

invasion of personal privacy,

f. disclose investigative records compiled for law

enforcement purposes, or

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1028

g. specifically relate to the Interstate Commission’s

participation in a civil action or other legal

proceeding;

8. For a meeting, or portion of a meeting, closed pursuant to

this provision, the Interstate Commission’s legal counsel or

designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall

reference each relevant exemptible provision. The Interstate

Commission shall keep minutes which shall fully and clearly describe

all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and

accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefor,

including a description of the views expressed and the record of a

roll call vote. All documents considered in connection with an

action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and

documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to

release by a majority vote of the Interstate Commission;

9. The Interstate Commission shall collect standardized data

concerning the educational transition of the children of military

families under this compact as directed through its rules which

shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection and

data exchange and reporting requirements. Such methods of data

collection, exchange and reporting shall, insofar as is reasonably

possible, conform to current technology and coordinate its

information functions with the appropriate custodian of records as

identified in the bylaws and rules; and

10. The Interstate Commission shall create a process that

permits military officials, education officials and parents to

inform the Interstate Commission if and when there are alleged

violations of the compact or its rules or when issues subject to the

jurisdiction of the compact or its rules are not addressed by the

state or local education agency. This section shall not be

construed to create a private right of action against the Interstate

Commission or any member state.

ARTICLE X. POWERS AND DUTIES

OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

The Interstate Commission shall have the following powers:

1. To provide for dispute resolution among member states;

2. To promulgate rules and take all necessary actions to effect

the goals, purposes and obligations as enumerated in this compact.

The rules shall have the force and effect of administrative rules

and shall be binding in the compact states to the extent and in the

manner provided in this compact;

3. To issue, upon request of a member state, advisory opinions

concerning the meaning or interpretation of the interstate compact,

its bylaws, rules and actions;

4. To enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules

promulgated by the Interstate Commission, and the bylaws, using all

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1029

necessary and proper means including, but not limited to, the use of

judicial process;

5. To establish and maintain offices which shall be located

within one or more of the member states;

6. To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;

7. To borrow, accept, hire or contract for services of

personnel;

8. To establish and appoint committees including, but not

limited to, an executive committee as required by paragraph 5 of

Article IX, which shall have the power to act on behalf of the

Interstate Commission in carrying out its powers and duties

hereunder;

9. To elect or appoint such officers, attorneys, employees,

agents, or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their

duties and determine their qualifications; and to establish the

Interstate Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to

conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of

personnel;

10. To accept any and all donations and grants of money,

equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive,

utilize, and dispose of it;

11. To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of,

or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use any property, real,

personal, or mixed;

12. To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange,

abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or

mixed;

13. To establish a budget and make expenditures;

14. To adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and

operation of the Interstate Commission;

15. To report annually to the Legislatures, Governors,

judiciary, and State Councils of the member states concerning the

activities of the Interstate Commission during the preceding year.

Such reports shall also include any recommendations that may have

been adopted by the Interstate Commission;

16. To coordinate education, training and public awareness

regarding the compact, its implementation and operation for

officials and parents involved in such activity;

17. To establish uniform standards for the reporting,

collecting and exchanging of data;

18. To maintain corporate books and records in accordance with

the bylaws;

19. To perform such functions as may be necessary or

appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact; and

20. To provide for the uniform collection and sharing of

information between and among member states, schools and military

families under this compact.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1030

ARTICLE XI. ORGANIZATION AND

OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

A. The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the

members present and voting, within twelve (12) months after the

first Interstate Commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its

conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes

of the compact including, but not limited to:

1. Establishing the fiscal year of the Interstate Commission;

2. Establishing an executive committee and such other

committees as may be necessary;

3. Providing for the establishment of committees and for

governing any general or specific delegation of authority or

function of the Interstate Commission;

4. Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting

meetings of the Interstate Commission and ensuring reasonable notice

of each such meeting;

5. Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers

and staff of the Interstate Commission;

6. Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the

Interstate Commission and the return of surplus funds that may exist

upon the termination of the compact after the payment and reserving

of all of its debts and obligations; and

7. Providing "start-up" rules for initial administration of the

compact.

B. The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the

members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson, a

vice-chairperson, and a treasurer, each of whom shall have such

authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The

chairperson or, in the chairperson’s absence or disability, the

vice-chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the Interstate

Commission. The officers so elected shall serve without

compensation or remuneration from the Interstate Commission;

provided that, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the

officers shall be reimbursed for ordinary and necessary costs and

expenses incurred by them in the performance of their

responsibilities as officers of the Interstate Commission.

C. Executive committee, officers, and personnel.

1. The executive committee shall have such authority and duties

as may be set forth in the bylaws including, but not limited to:

a. managing the affairs of the Interstate Commission in a

manner consistent with the bylaws and purposes of the

Interstate Commission,

b. overseeing an organizational structure within, and

appropriate procedures for the Interstate Commission

to provide for the creation of rules, operating

procedures, and administrative and technical support

functions, and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1031

c. planning, implementing, and coordinating

communications and activities with other state,

federal and local government organizations in order to

advance the goals of the Interstate Commission.

2. The executive committee may, subject to the approval of the

Interstate Commission, appoint or retain an executive director for

such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such

compensation, as the Interstate Commission may deem appropriate.

The executive director shall serve as secretary to the Interstate

Commission, but shall not be a member of the Interstate Commission.

The executive director shall hire and supervise such other persons

as may be authorized by the Interstate Commission.

D. 1. The Interstate Commission’s executive director and its

employees shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally

or in their official capacity, for a claim for damage to or loss of

property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or

arising out of or relating to an actual or alleged act, error, or

omission that occurred, or that such person had a reasonable basis

for believing occurred, within the scope of Interstate Commission

employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided, that such person

shall not be protected from suit or liability for damage, loss,

injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton

misconduct of such person.

2. The liability of the Interstate Commission’s executive

director and employees or Interstate Commission representatives,

acting within the scope of such person's employment or duties for

acts, errors, or omissions occurring within such person’s state may

not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the Constitution

and laws of that state for state officials, employees, and agents.

The Interstate Commission is considered to be an instrumentality of

the states for the purposes of any such action. Nothing in this

subsection shall be construed to protect such person from suit or

liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the

intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of such person.

3. The Interstate Commission shall defend the executive

director and its employees and, subject to the approval of the

Attorney General or other appropriate legal counsel of the member

state represented by an Interstate Commission representative, shall

defend such Interstate Commission representative in any civil action

seeking to impose liability arising out of an actual or alleged act,

error or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate

Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the

defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the

scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or

responsibilities; provided, that the actual or alleged act, error,

or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton

misconduct on the part of such person.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1032

4. To the extent not covered by the state involved, member

state, or the Interstate Commission, the representatives or

employees of the Interstate Commission shall be held harmless in the

amount of a settlement or judgment, including attorney fees and

costs, obtained against such persons arising out of an actual or

alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of

Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or

that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred

within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or

responsibilities; provided, that the actual or alleged act, error,

or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton

misconduct on the part of such persons.

ARTICLE XII. RULEMAKING FUNCTIONS

OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

A. The Interstate Commission shall promulgate reasonable rules

in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of this

compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Interstate

Commission exercises its rulemaking authority in a manner that is

beyond the scope of the purposes of this act, or the powers granted

hereunder, then such an action by the Interstate Commission shall be

invalid and have no force or effect.

B. Rules shall be made pursuant to a rulemaking process that

substantially conforms to the “Model State Administrative Procedure

Act” of 1981 Act, Uniform Laws Annotated, Vol. 15, p. 1 (2000) as

amended, as may be appropriate to the operations of the Interstate

Commission.

C. Not later than thirty (30) days after a rule is promulgated,

any person may file a petition for judicial review of the rule;

provided, that the filing of such a petition shall not stay or

otherwise prevent the rule from becoming effective unless the court

finds that the petitioner has a substantial likelihood of success.

The court shall give deference to the actions of the Interstate

Commission consistent with applicable law and shall not find the

rule to be unlawful if the rule represents a reasonable exercise of

the Interstate Commission's authority.

D. If a majority of the Legislatures of the compacting states

rejects a rule by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same

manner used to adopt the compact, then such rule shall have no further

force and effect in any compacting state.

ARTICLE XIII. OVERSIGHT,

ENFORCEMENT, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

A. Oversight.

1. The executive, legislative and judicial branches of state

government in each member state shall enforce this compact and shall

take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the

compact’s purposes and intent. The provisions of this compact and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1033

the rules promulgated hereunder shall have standing as

administrative rules.

2. All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the

rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state

pertaining to the subject matter of this compact which may affect

the powers, responsibilities or actions of the Interstate

Commission.

3. The Interstate Commission shall be entitled to receive all

service of process in any such proceeding and shall have standing to

intervene in the proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide

service of process to the Interstate Commission shall render a

judgment or order void as to the Interstate Commission, this compact

or promulgated rules.

B. Default, technical assistance, suspension and termination.

If the Interstate Commission determines that a member state has

defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities

under this compact, or the bylaws or promulgated rules, the

Interstate Commission shall:

1. Provide written notice to the defaulting state and other

member states, of the nature of the default, the means of curing the

default and any action taken by the Interstate Commission. The

Interstate Commission shall specify the conditions by which the

defaulting state must cure its default;

2. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance

regarding the default;

3. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default, the

defaulting state shall be terminated from the compact upon an

affirmative vote of a majority of the member states and all rights,

privileges and benefits conferred by this compact shall be

terminated from the effective date of termination. A cure of the

default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or

liabilities incurred during the period of the default;

4. Suspension or termination of membership in the compact shall

be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have

been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be

given by the Interstate Commission to the Governor, the majority and

minority leaders of the defaulting state's Legislature, and each of

the member states;

5. The state which has been suspended or terminated is

responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities

incurred through the effective date of suspension or termination

including obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the

effective date of suspension or termination;

6. The Interstate Commission shall not bear any costs relating

to any state that has been found to be in default or which has been

suspended or terminated from the compact, unless otherwise mutually

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1034

agreed upon in writing between the Interstate Commission and the

defaulting state; and

7. The defaulting state may appeal the action of the Interstate

Commission by petitioning the U.S. District Court for the District

of Columbia or the federal district where the Interstate Commission

has its principal offices. The prevailing party shall be awarded

all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorney fees.

C. Dispute resolution.

1. The Interstate Commission shall attempt, upon the request of

a member state, to resolve disputes which are subject to the compact

and which may arise among member states and between member and

nonmember states.

2. The Interstate Commission shall promulgate a rule providing

for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as

appropriate.

D. Enforcement.

1. The Interstate Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its

discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact.

2. The Interstate Commission may, by majority vote of the

members, initiate legal action in the United States District Court

for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the Interstate

Commission, in the federal district where the Interstate Commission

has its principal offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions

of the compact, its promulgated rules and bylaws, against a member

state in default. The relief sought may include both injunctive

relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary,

the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation

including reasonable attorney fees.

3. The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of

the Interstate Commission. The Interstate Commission may avail

itself of any other remedies available under state law or the

regulation of a profession.

ARTICLE XIV. FINANCING OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

A. The Interstate Commission shall pay, or provide for the

payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment,

organization and ongoing activities.

B. The Interstate Commission may levy on and collect an annual

assessment from each member state to cover the cost of the

operations and activities of the Interstate Commission and its staff

which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the Interstate

Commission’s annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate

annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to

be determined by the Interstate Commission, which shall promulgate a

rule binding upon all member states.

C. The Interstate Commission shall not incur obligations of any

kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1035

shall the Interstate Commission pledge the credit of any of the

member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.

D. The Interstate Commission shall keep accurate accounts of

all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of

the Interstate Commission shall be subject to the audit and

accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all

receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Interstate

Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public

accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and

become part of the annual report of the Interstate Commission.

ARTICLE XV. MEMBER STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE AND AMENDMENT

A. Any state is eligible to become a member state.

B. The compact shall become effective and binding upon

legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than ten of

the states. The effective date shall be no earlier than December 1,

2007. Thereafter it shall become effective and binding as to any

other member state upon enactment of the compact into law by that

state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees shall

be invited to participate in the activities of the Interstate

Commission on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by

all states.

C. The Interstate Commission may propose amendments to the

compact for enactment by the member states. No amendment shall

become effective and binding upon the Interstate Commission and the

member states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous

consent of the member states.

ARTICLE XVI. WITHDRAWAL AND DISSOLUTION

A. Withdrawal.

1. Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and

remain binding upon each and every member state; provided, that a

member state may withdraw from the compact by specifically repealing

the statute which enacted the compact into law.

2. Withdrawal from this compact shall be by the enactment of a

statute repealing the same, but shall not take effect until one (1)

year after the effective date of such statute and until written

notice of the withdrawal has been given by the withdrawing state to

the Governor of each other member jurisdiction.

3. The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the

chairperson of the Interstate Commission in writing upon the

introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the

withdrawing state. The Interstate Commission shall notify the other

member states of the withdrawing state’s intent to withdraw within

sixty (60) days of its receipt thereof.

4. The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments,

obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of

withdrawal, including obligations, the performance of which extends

beyond the effective date of withdrawal.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1036

5. Reinstatement following withdrawal of a member state shall

occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon such

later date as determined by the Interstate Commission.

B. Dissolution of compact.

1. This compact shall dissolve effective upon the date of the

withdrawal or default of the member state which reduces the

membership in the compact to one member state.

2. Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact becomes

null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the

business and affairs of the Interstate Commission shall be concluded

and surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the

bylaws.

ARTICLE XVII. SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION

A. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and, if

any phrase, clause, sentence or provision is deemed unenforceable,

the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable.

B. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed

to effectuate its purposes.

C. Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prohibit the

applicability of other interstate compacts to which the states are

members.

ARTICLE XVIII. BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS

A. Other laws.

1. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of

a member state that is not inconsistent with this compact.

2. All member states' laws conflicting with this compact are

superseded to the extent of the conflict.

B. Binding effect of the compact.

1. All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including

all rules and bylaws promulgated by the Interstate Commission, are

binding upon the member states.

2. All agreements between the Interstate Commission and the

member states are binding in accordance with their terms.

3. In the event any provision of this compact exceeds the

constitutional limits imposed on the Legislature of any member

state, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the

conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that

member state.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-2118 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-2118
Unlawful operation
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle

bearing a special license plate as provided for in Section 5 of this

act on any street, road, or highway in this state for any purpose

other than in connection with any technical education, training,

maintenance, or other similar educational program, or in the

administration of the program. Violation of the provisions of this

section shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed Fifty Dollars

($50.00).
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-1745 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-1745
Cooperative agreement for establishment and operation of rehabilitation center for deaf
Status: in_force

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 70

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 71

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 72

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 73

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 74

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 75rehabilitation center for deaf people.

The Oklahoma School for the Deaf of the State Board of Education

and the Oklahoma Vocational Rehabilitation Division of the State

Board for Vocational Education are hereby authorized to enter into a

cooperative agreement that is mutually acceptable to both Boards,

whereby an evaluation and rehabilitation center can be established,

maintained and operated to serve the deaf and hard-of-hearing

citizens of Oklahoma who are fifteen (15) years of age or older at

the State School for the Deaf.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-13-127 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-13-127
Timely payments and reimbursements
Status: in_force

The legal requirements for timely payment and reimbursement for

services under contract pursuant to Sections 34.71 through 34.74 of

Title 62 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall govern the services,

programs and activities for the State of Oklahoma's implementation

of Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-4511 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-4511
Continuous school program
Status: in_force

All public school districts of any type or class are authorized

to establish, maintain and operate their educational program under a

continuous school program, to be conducted throughout the entire

year.

The board of education of any school district may, after

notification to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction,

establish and operate in one or more of the schools within the

district, or in all schools within the district, a continuous school

program pursuant to the provisions of this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-1210.404 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-1210.404
Development of advanced science and math programs
Status: in_force

A. The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics shall solicit

proposals and award grants for pilot projects that develop and

establish model programs implementing advanced science and math

curriculum at local technology center school sites, local colleges

or universities, or at local school sites via distance learning. At

least two grants shall be awarded during the 1997-98 school year for

implementation beginning the fall of 1997. The Oklahoma School of

Science and Mathematics shall determine pilot project criteria. The

pilot project proposals shall be considered on a statewide

competitive basis.

B. A Selection Committee shall be established to assist the

Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in selecting sites for

model programs. The Selection Committee shall consist of the

following members:

1. The Director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and

Technology Education or a designee;

2. The Superintendent of Public Instruction or a designee; and

3. The Director of the Oklahoma School of Science and

Mathematics or a designee.

C. An Advisory Council shall be established to assist the

Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in development of the

model programs. The Advisory Council shall establish eligibility

criteria for student participation in the program. The Advisory

Council shall have final approval of the curriculum and shall set

academic standards for the program. The Advisory Council shall

consist of the following members:

1. A superintendent of a participating local school district

within the technology center school district elected by the majority

of the participating superintendents or a designee;

2. The superintendent of a technology center school district

participating in the program or a designee; and

3. The Director of the Oklahoma School of Science and

Mathematics or a designee.

D. The Advisory Council and participating technology center

schools shall work with the Oklahoma School of Science and

Mathematics in determining advanced science and math curriculum

needs for the area served by the program. A representative from the

Advisory Council and participating technology center school or

participating local school site shall work with a representative

from the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in the

recruitment and hiring of faculty for the program. Faculty

positions shall be approved by a majority vote of the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1217

representatives from the Advisory Council, technology center school

and the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics.

E. The participating technology center school district shall

provide transportation for those students attending the program at

the technology center school site. Local schools at their option

may provide transportation for students attending at college or

university sites.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-24-137 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-24-137
Renumbered as § 6-101.47 of this title by Laws 1989,
Status: in_force

1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 119, operative July 1, 1990.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-2119.2 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-2119.2
Protection for student's exercise of religion
Status: in_force

A. In addition to the protections provided in Section 2 of this

act, no public institution of higher education may substantially

burden a student's exercise of religion, even if the burden results

from a rule of general applicability, except as provided in

subsection B of this section.

B. A public institution of higher education may substantially

burden a student's exercise of religion only if that institution

demonstrates that application of the burden to the student:

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1341

1. Is in furtherance of a compelling interest of the public

institution of higher education;

2. Actually furthers that interest; and

3. Is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-2119.1 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-2119.1
Protection for religious student associations
Status: in_force

A. No public institution of higher education may take any

action or enforce any policy that would deny a religious student

association any benefit available to any other student association,

or discriminate against a religious student association with respect

to such benefit, based on that association's requirement that its

leaders or members:

1. Adhere to the association's sincerely held religious

beliefs;

2. Comply with the association's sincere religious observance

requirements;

3. Comply with the association's sincere religious standards of

conduct; or

4. Be committed to furthering the association's religious

missions,

as such religious beliefs, observance requirements, standards of

conduct or missions are defined by the religious student

association, or the religion upon which the association is based.

B. The legal standard provided in subsection B of Section 3 of

this act shall not apply to this section.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-11-103.6 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-11-103.6
See the following versions:
Status: in_force

OS 70-11-103.6v1 (HB 2158, Laws 2024, c. 264, § 1).

OS 70-11-103.6v2 (SB 2038, Laws 2024, c. 452, § 166).

OS 70-11-103.6v3 (HB 2672, Laws 2024, c. 384, § 1).
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-3953.3 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-3953.3
Trust fund - Scholarships
Status: in_force

A. There is hereby created a trust fund to be known as the

"Oklahoma GEAR UP Scholarship Trust Fund". The Oklahoma State

Regents for Higher Education shall be the trustees of said Trust

Fund.

B. The State Regents shall utilize said Trust Fund to fund

scholarships in accordance with the federal Gaining Early Awareness

and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) grant.

C. The Trust Fund principal shall consist of monies received

from the GEAR UP grant for scholarship purposes, any monies the

Legislature appropriates or transfers to the Oklahoma State Regents

for Higher Education for the Trust Fund, and any monies or assets

contributed to the Trust Fund from any other source, public or

private.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1580

D. Notwithstanding other provisions of law, income and

investment return on Trust Fund principal shall accrue to the Trust

Fund for use as provided by authorization of the trustees for the

purposes provided in subsection B of this section. The State

Regents may also utilize the Trust Fund principal for the purpose

provided in subsection B of this section. Except as otherwise

provided by law, no such income or investment return or principal

shall be used for administrative expenses.

E. The State Regents shall adopt rules for accomplishing

transfer of funds from the Oklahoma GEAR UP Scholarship Trust Fund

to the appropriate institutional Educational and General Operations

Revolving Funds, as provided in Section 3901 of Title 70 of the

Oklahoma Statutes, to private institutions, and to the appropriate

vocational-technical area school district to cover scholarships for

eligible students pursuant to the GEAR UP grant. Allocations from

the Trust Fund may be made only for the purpose of covering the

scholarship costs. No portion of the Trust Fund may be used or

allocated for administrative or operating expenses of any higher

education or vocational-technical institution.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-24-110 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-24-110
Oklahoma Statehood Day - Program for
Status: in_force

The several school boards of this state and the superintendents,

principals, and other school officials may on "Oklahoma Statehood

Day" plan and conduct programs commemorating Oklahoma history and

the achievements of Oklahoma from an historical viewpoint and may in

other appropriate manner conduct a program or programs for the

purpose of teaching and inspiring the school children of our state

in the appreciation of the rich Oklahoma heritage and the

achievements of the sons and daughters of Oklahoma in peace and war.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-3980.7 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-3980.7
Power to borrow money and issue bonds - Bond
Status: in_force

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 84resolutions - Bonds deemed negotiable instruments.

A. An authorized issuer shall have the power and is hereby

authorized to borrow money and to issue bonds in such principal

amounts as the authorized issuer determines shall be necessary to

provide sufficient funds for:

1. The providing of financing for all or any part of any

projects of the Regents as authorized under this act;

2. The payment of principal and interest on bonds of the

authorized issuer;

3. The establishment of reserves to secure the bonds; and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1604

4. All other expenditures of the authorized issuer incident to

and necessary or convenient to carry out its purposes and powers,

including the payment of any credit enhancement fees and costs of

issuance incurred in connection with the issuance of bonds. The

authorized issuer shall have the power to make expenditures for

purposes of insuring and securing holders of bonds as provided in

this act.

B. The authorized issuer shall have the power to refund any

bonds and any bonds, notes or other obligations heretofore or

hereafter issued by any other issuer of bonds in the state if the

authorized issuer is authorized hereunder to issue bonds for the

purpose the refunded bonds were issued by the issuance of new bonds,

whether the bonds to be refunded have or have not matured, and to

issue bonds partly to refund bonds then outstanding and partly for

any of its corporate purposes. Refunding bonds may be issued in

such amount as the authorized issuer may determine, but not

exceeding an amount sufficient to refund the principal amount of the

bonds or notes to be refunded, together with any unpaid interest

accrued and to accrue thereon and any premiums, expenses and

commissions incurred in connection with the issuance of such

refunding bonds and any reserve established in connection with the

issuance of such refunding bonds. The refunding bonds may be sold

and the proceeds applied to the purchase, redemption, or payment of

the bonds to be refunded or exchanged for the bonds to be refunded,

all as determined by the authorized issuer.

C. All bonds of the authorized issuer issued pursuant to this

section shall be special and limited obligations of the authorized

issuer, secured and payable solely out of the revenues and receipts,

excluding appropriations from tax receipts, derived pursuant to a

financing agreement, but in no case shall such obligations be

general obligations of the State of Oklahoma.

D. The bonds shall be authorized by resolution or resolutions

of the authorized issuer, shall be dated such date or dates, and

shall mature at such time or times as such resolution or resolutions

may provide. The bonds shall bear interest at such rate or rates or

contain terms providing for the means of determining such rate or

rates, including variations in such rates, be in such denomination,

be in such form, either coupon or registered, or in book-entry form,

carry such registration privileges, be executed in such manner, be

payable in such medium of payment, at such place or places, and be

subject to such term of redemption, including redemptions prior to

maturity, as such resolution or resolutions may provide. The bonds

of the authorized issuer may be sold by the authorized issuer at

public or private sale, and at the price or prices as the authorized

issuer shall determine.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1605

E. Any resolution or resolutions authorizing any bonds or any

issue thereof may contain provisions, which shall be a part of the

contract or contracts with the owners thereof, as to:

1. Pledging all or any part of the revenues to secure the

payment of the bonds or of any issue thereof, subject to such

agreements with bondowners as may then exist;

2. Pledging all or any part of the assets of the authorized

issuer, including mortgages and obligations securing the same, to

secure the payment of the bonds or of any issue of bonds, subject to

the agreements with bondowners as may then exist;

3. The use and disposition of the gross income from assets of

any type owned by the authorized issuer and payment of principal of

assets of any type owned by the authorized issuer;

4. The setting aside of reserves or sinking funds and the

regulations and disposition thereof;

5. Limitations on the purpose to which the proceeds of sale of

bonds may be applied and pledging the proceeds to secure the payment

of the bonds;

6. Limitations on the issuance of additional bonds, the terms

upon which additional bonds may be issued and secured, and the

refunding of outstanding or other bonds;

7. The procedure, if any, by which the terms of any contract

with bondowners may be amended or abrogated, the amount of bonds the

owners of which must consent thereto, and the manner in which the

consent may be given;

8. Vesting in a trustee such property, rights, powers and

duties in trust as the authorized issuer may determine, which may

include any or all of the rights, powers, and duties of the trustee

appointed by the bondowners pursuant to this act and limiting or

abrogating the right of bondowners to appoint a trustee under this

act or limiting the rights, powers, and duties of the trustee;

9. Defining the acts or omissions to act which shall constitute

a default in the obligations and duties of the authorized issuer to

the owners of the bonds and providing for the rights and remedies of

the owners of the bonds in the event of default, including as a

matter of right the appointment of a receiver; but the rights and

remedies shall not be inconsistent with the general laws of the

state and other provisions of this act; and

10. Any other matters, of like or different character, which in

any way affect the security or protection of the owners of the

bonds.

F. Any pledge made by the authorized issuer shall be valid and

binding from the time when the pledge is made. The revenues,

monies, or property so pledged and thereafter received by the

authorized issuer shall immediately be subject to the lien of such

pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the

lien of any such pledge shall be valid and binding as against all

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1606

parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise

against the authorized issuer, irrespective of trust indenture

whether the parties have notice thereof. Neither the resolution,

trust indenture nor any other instrument by which a pledge is

created need be recorded.

G. Bonds of the authorized issuer may be secured by resolution

of the authorized issuer or a trust indenture or similar document by

and between the authorized issuer and a corporate trustee, which may

be any bank having the power of a trust company or any trust company

as provided by law. Such resolution, trust indenture or similar

document may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing

the rights and remedies of the bondowners as may be reasonable and

proper and not in violation of law, including covenants setting

forth the duties of the authorized issuer in relation to the

exercise of its corporate powers and the custody, safeguarding and

application of all monies. The authorized issuer may provide by the

resolution or trust indenture for the payment of the proceeds of the

bonds and the revenues to the trustee under the trust indenture or

other depository, and for the method of disbursement thereof, with

such safeguards and restrictions as it may determine.

H. Whether or not the bonds are of the form and character as to

be negotiable instruments under the terms of the Uniform Commercial

Code, the bonds are hereby made negotiable instruments within the

meaning of and for all the purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code,

subject only to the provisions of the bonds relating to

registration.

I. In the event that any of the members or officers of the

authorized issuer shall cease to be members or officers of the

authorized issuer prior to the delivery of any bonds or coupons

signed by them, their signatures or facsimiles thereof shall

nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as

if such members or officers had remained in office until such

delivery.

J. Neither the members of the authorized issuer nor any other

person executing the bonds issued under this act shall be subject to

personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance

thereof.

K. The authorized issuer shall have the power to provide for

the replacement of lost, destroyed, or mutilated bonds.

L. Except as otherwise provided by this act, bonds issued

pursuant to the provisions of this act shall never constitute an

indebtedness of the state within the meaning of any state

constitutional provision or statutory limitation, but such bonds

shall be indebtedness payable solely from sources indicated on the

bond documents, and shall never constitute nor give rise to a

pecuniary liability of this state or a charge against the general

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1607

credit of the state or taxing powers of the state, and such fact

shall be plainly stated on the face of each bond.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-24-103 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-24-103
Bribes in connection with school bonds and school
Status: in_force

supplies.

It is hereby declared to be unlawful for any officer or employee

of the State Board of Education, member of a board of education or

employee thereof, to solicit, take, retain, or receive any money,

property or thing of value in the nature of commissions or otherwise

for the purchase or sale of school bonds, or for the purchase of any

furniture or supplies, and the soliciting, taking, retaining or

receiving of any such money or other thing of value is hereby

declared to be a misdemeanor.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 931
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-13-115.2 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-13-115.2
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in the Oklahoma Educational Interpreter for the Deaf

Act:

1. “Communication mode or language” means one or more of the

following systems or methods of communication applicable to deaf and

hard-of-hearing students:

a. American Sign Language,

b. English-based sign systems, or

c. oral, aural, or other speech-based communication;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 624

2. “Educational Interpreter” means a person who possesses a

combination of interpreting skills for expressing and receiving

information in a variety of signed and oral languages and modes;

3. The Oklahoma “Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST)” means

a tool used for the comprehensive evaluation of interpreters;

4. “Interpreter Training Program” means a training program in

an accredited college or university for preparing interpreters for

the deaf;

5. “Work Experience” means a minimum of three (3) years of

full-time-equivalent work in the field of deaf education; and

6. “Comparable Level of Proficiency” means a comparable level

of proficiency on any other national- or state-recognized

educational interpreter assessment as determined and recognized by

the State Department of Education.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-5-129.1 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-5-129.1
Funds exempted from provisions of Section 5-129 of
Status: in_force

this title.

Those funds which are collected by programs for student

achievement and by parent-teacher associations and organizations

that are sanctioned by the school district board of education shall

be exempt from the provisions as outlined in Section 5-129 of this

title. Each school district board of education shall adopt policies

providing guidelines for the sanctioning of organizations and

associations exempted or applying to be exempted pursuant to the

provisions of this section. The guidelines may include but not be

limited to examinations of financial and performance audits

performed on each such organization and association.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-14-118 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-14-118
Funds
Status: in_force

The Board, superintendent and director of the center shall

explore all possible sources of funding and in-kind contributions

from federal, local and private sources in establishing and

enhancing the center and its programs.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-3307 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-3307
University Hospital Psychiatry and Neurology Service -
Status: in_force

Definitions - Chief of service - Admission, release and transfer of

patients.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1469

A. It shall be the policy of the State and is the intent of

this section to provide the citizens of Oklahoma with a diagnostic

and remedial psychiatry and neurology service, to provide the School

of Medicine of the University of Oklahoma with a means of furnishing

professional education and research in psychiatry and neurology, to

provide for the administration and use of the facilities, located in

the University Hospital, for this purpose.

B. The following terms when used in this section shall mean as

herein defined:

1. "University Hospitals" shall include University Hospital,

Oklahoma Children's Hospital and any and all inpatient and

outpatient hospital and clinical facilities and office and research

buildings, facilities or property owned by or under the management

and control of the University Hospitals Authority or the University

Hospitals Trust;

2. "Psychiatry and Neurology Service" shall mean the diagnostic

and therapeutic service for mental patients established in the

psychiatric and neurological facilities of the University Hospital;

3. "Psychiatric and neurological facilities" shall mean the

psychiatry and neurology unit of the University Hospital and such

ancillary facilities as may be necessary for its operation;

4. "Chief" shall mean the Chief of the Psychiatry and Neurology

Service;

5. "School of Medicine" shall mean the School of Medicine of

the University of Oklahoma Medical Center; and

6. "Board" shall mean the Board of Regents of the University of

Oklahoma.

C. The psychiatry and neurology unit (commonly called the

neuro-psychiatric unit) of the University Hospital shall be such

clinics and laboratories of the University Hospital as may be

required, together with the psychiatric and neurological facilities

of the School of Medicine and the University Hospital.

D. The Board shall establish a Psychiatry and Neurology Service

in the psychiatric and neurological facilities, to be used as a

training and research unit for the teaching of psychiatry and

neurology. The Service shall be established and operated under such

conditions and terms as may be instituted by the School of Medicine

and University Hospital with the approval of the Board and subject

to the provisions of this section.

E. The Board shall appoint a full time Chief of Psychiatry and

Neurology Service. The Chief of Psychiatry and Neurology Service

shall be:

1. Licensed to practice medicine in this state and shall be

qualified to supervise residency training and shall meet the

standards established by the American Board of Psychiatry and

Neurology or its successor;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1470

2. Appointed as a member of the faculty of the School of

Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology; and

3. In charge of the Psychiatry and Neurology Service, subject

to the general policies and direction of the University Hospital

administration.

F. The admission of patients to the University Hospital

Psychiatry and Neurology Service and the trial release of patients

shall be based on the following criteria:

1. Admission shall be on the basis of the teaching needs, and

requirements of the School of Medicine, in accordance with

regulations approved by the Board;

2. Admission shall be in conformity with the mental health laws

providing for the admission of mental patients to mental hospitals;

3. "Trial release" from inpatient to outpatient status is

authorized in conformity with the state mental health laws in

recognition of special therapeutic requirements of certain mental

patients as determined by the Chief. Such trial release shall be in

the custody of the responsible relative or guardian; and

4. In case such custody is not assumed by the responsible

relative or guardian within one week after written notice from theOklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 80atient status is

authorized in conformity with the state mental health laws in

recognition of special therapeutic requirements of certain mental

patients as determined by the Chief. Such trial release shall be in

the custody of the responsible relative or guardian; and

4. In case such custody is not assumed by the responsible

relative or guardian within one week after written notice from the

Chief, the patient may be committed or transferred by the Director

of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to

the appropriate state mental hospital.

G. 1. Authority is hereby provided for the transfer of any

patient of the psychiatric and neurological facilities and services

of the University Hospital to a component facility of the Department

of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and for the transfer

of any patient of a component facility of that Department to the

University Hospital psychiatric and neurological facilities and

services under such procedures as the Department and the School of

Medicine may adopt, subject to the provisions of this section and

the mental health laws of this state.

2. The transfer of such patients shall be for the following

purposes:

a. to provide necessary patients for the teaching of

diagnosis and therapy of mental illness, according to

the needs of the School of Medicine,

b. to make special diagnostic and/or therapeutic measures

available to the patients, and

c. to maintain the Psychiatry and Neurology Service of

the University Hospital as a short term diagnostic and

therapeutic facility.

3. The procedure for transfer of patients provided for in this

subsection and in paragraph 4 of subsection F of this section shall

be determined by a board of three (3) members, one each to be

appointed by the Director of the Department of Mental Health and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1471

Substance Abuse Services, the Superintendent of the University

Hospital, and the State Commissioner of Health.

H. The discharge of certified patients from the Psychiatry and

Neurology Service shall be determined by the consensus of a board of

three (3) members from the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology

including the Chief. The Chief shall notify the court, which

certified the patient originally, that the Board has concluded that

the patient so certified is mentally well and is being discharged.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-17-207 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-17-207
Initial and additional funding surcharges – Benefits
Status: in_force

not considered salary, fringe benefits or compensation – Allocation

of assets – Calculation of liability.

A. Participating institutions establishing an alternate

retirement plan pursuant to this act shall pay an initial funding

surcharge, and if applicable an additional funding surcharge to the

Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma in an amount to amortize the

unfunded accrued liability of the members of the participating

institutions in the System.

B. The initial funding surcharge is intended to ensure

amortization of the unfunded accrued liability of the participating

institutions over a period of thirty (30) years or the amortization

period of the System. The initial funding surcharge shall equal two

and one-half percent (2.5%) of the regular annual compensation of

the electing employees and the eligible employees, who are not

participating in the System but who would have been mandated to

participate in the System under the laws and rules applicable to the

System in effect on June 30, 2004. The initial funding surcharge

but not the additional funding surcharge, if any, shall remain in

effect until the earlier of June 30, 2034, or the June 30th of the

year in which the unfunded accrued liability of the participating

institutions is reduced to zero.

C. In addition to the initial funding surcharge described

above, the participating institutions shall pay to the System an

additional funding surcharge, if required, in an amount necessary to

provide for amortization of the unfunded accrued liability of the

participating institutions over the applicable amortization period

of thirty (30) years, or the amortization period of the System, if

longer. The additional funding surcharge shall be reviewed and

adjusted in subsequent years based on changes in the assets and

liabilities of the membership in the System of the participating

institutions. The additional funding surcharge shall be determined

by the Board of Trustees of the System and the participating

institutions pursuant to the separate agreement of understanding

provided in subsection H of this section. Any change in the

additional funding surcharge indicated to be necessary by the annual

actuarial valuation shall be adopted by the Board of Trustees of the

System provided that such change shall become effective on July 1 of

the year following such annual valuation and the participating

institutions shall be notified by the System no later than January 1

of such year. Provided, the additional funding surcharge determined

for any year shall not be greater than an additional funding

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 806

surcharge determined under the separate agreement of understanding

but using the “individual entry age normal cost method” as described

in Revenue Procedure 2000-40, Approval 8, to determine the normal

cost/normal cost percentage of the participating institutions.

D. Any payments made to the Teachers’ Retirement System of

Oklahoma pursuant to this section shall not be considered as salary,

fringe benefits or compensation due to the eligible employee or

electing employee for the purpose of meeting any legislative or

contractual obligation of the employer of such person.

E. To determine the amount of assets of the participating

institutions at any point in time after June 30, 2003, the

participating institutions shall have allocated to such institutions

Five Hundred Ninety-two Million Nine Hundred Seventy-four Thousand

Two Hundred Sixty-four Dollars ($592,974,264.00) of the assets of

the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma which reflects their

portion of assets in the System as of June 30, 2003, plus future

employer and employee contributions including service purchases

attributable to the participating institutions and its members, nine

and forty-one hundredths percent (9.41%) of all federal and state

funding received by the System during the applicable year and other

assets contributed to the System allocable to the participating

institutions subject to the limitations in this subsection, earnings

on investments less distributions and expenses allocable to the

participating institutions. Provided, the allocation of nine and

forty-one hundredths percent (9.41%) of federal and state funding

received by the System to the participating institutions shall not

exceed the unfunded accrued liability and shall remain in effect

until the earlier of June 30, 2034, or when the unfunded accrued

liability of the participating institutions is reduced to zero.

However, if for any applicable year during the thirty-year

amortization period commencing July 1, 2004, there is any unfunded

accrued liability allocable to the participating institutions in the

System, then the allocable percentage of federal and state funding

shall be nine and forty-one hundredths percent (9.41%) but not

exceed the unfunded accrued liability. Provided further, after the

expiration of such thirty-year amortization period, the allocation

of federal and state funding to the participating institutions for

any year shall equal the percentage of all such federal and state

funding received by the System determined by dividing the actuarial

accrued liability of the participating institutions by the actuarial

accrued liability of the System, and such methodology to determine

such allocation shall be made for all years thereafter.

F. After June 30, 2004, the liabilities associated with the

members of the participating institutions participating in the

Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma shall be determined on a

separate basis, reflecting the level of benefits based on the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 807

actuarial methods and assumptions used by the System as applied to

the participating institutions under this act.

G. The actuarial methods and assumptions applicable to the

participating institutions in determining an allocable share of

assets, liabilities and associated costs as provided in this act

shall be reviewed at least every five (5) years.

H. The Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System of

Oklahoma and the participating institutions shall enter into a

separate agreement of understanding which details the procedures to

be applied to implement the required review and subsequent

adjustments to the assets, liabilities and the additional funding

surcharge attributable to the participating institutions or the

actuarial methods or assumptions applied to determine the

appropriate share of assets and liabilities applicable to the

participating institutions. Except as otherwise provided in this

act, the Board of Trustees of the System shall be the final

authority to determine all actuarial methods or assumptions to be

used by the System and all such actuarial methods or assumptions

shall be applied on a sound actuarial basis and on a uniform, fair

and consistent basis which methods and assumptions reflect the

actual experience of the members of the participating institutions.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-509.6 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-509.6
Meetings with representatives – Good-faith negotiations
Status: in_force

Once an organization has been recognized, the board of education

or its duly designated representative must meet with the duly

designated representative of the organization and within sixty (60)

days shall complete an agreement outlining negotiation procedures.

The board of education and the representatives of the organization

must negotiate in good faith on wages, hours, fringe benefits and

other terms and conditions of employment. One-time incentive pay

and one-time retention incentive pay for returning a second year

shall not be subject to a negotiated agreement. To negotiate in

good faith shall mean both parties must be willing to consider

proposals in an effort to find a mutually satisfactory basis for

agreement and must be willing to discuss their respective contract

proposals. If either party objects to the other's contract

proposals, the objecting party must support its objections with

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1015

rationale. Any allegation by either party that there has been a

failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall be

resolved through the dispute resolution procedure for resolving a

unit determination dispute as set forth in subsection A of Section

509.2 of this title.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-17-104 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-17-104
Credit for years of service — Prior service credits
Status: in_force

A. The Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System of

Oklahoma shall fix and determine by appropriate rules and

regulations how much service in any year is equivalent to one (1)

year of service, but in no case shall more than one (1) year of

service be creditable for all services in one (1) school year.

Service rendered for a regular school year shall be equivalent to

one (1) year of service.

B. If a member who has previously withdrawn service returns to

service in Oklahoma and completes one (1) year of membership service

credit, the member may reestablish prior service credit by

redepositing the amount formerly withdrawn, with the interest at ten

percent (10%) per annum. No member shall be permitted to redeposit

prior service more than one time.

C. The Board of Trustees may adopt such other rules and

regulations to verify, process, and credit the service herein

claimed.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-4407 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-4407
Standards and regulations - Courses - Degrees
Status: in_force

Each community junior college shall comply with, and be

accredited under, standards and regulations prescribed by the State

Regents; and shall offer courses of study and educational programs

and shall grant certificates and degrees as authorized by the State

Regents in order that the educational activities of the junior

college shall be coordinated with the total public effort for higher

education in the state.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-1210.196.3 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-1210.196.3
Diabetes medical management plan
Status: in_force

A. A diabetes medical management plan shall be developed for

each student with diabetes who will seek care for diabetes while at

school or while participating in a school activity. The plan shall

be developed by the personal health care team of each student. The

personal health care team shall consist of the principal or designee

of the principal, the school nurse, if a school nurse is assigned to

the school, the parent or legal guardian of the student, and to the

extent practicable, the physician responsible for the diabetes

treatment of the student.

B. The diabetes medical management plan shall indicate whether

the parent or legal guardian of the student with diabetes has given

written consent for a school nurse, a school employee trained by a

health care professional, or a volunteer diabetes care assistant, as

defined by Section 1210.196.2 of this title, to provide diabetes

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1181

care in accordance with Section 1210.196.5 of this title including

but not limited to the administration of glucagon to a student

experiencing a hypoglycemic emergency.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-6-194 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-6-194
See the following versions:
Status: in_force

OS 70-6-194v1 (SB 553, Laws 2025, c. 101, § 5)

OS 70-6-194v2 (HB 1096, Laws 2025, c. 277, § 1)

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 452
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-35e — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-35e
Dropouts - Reports - Tabulation of statistics -
Status: in_force

Dissemination of information - Report to Legislature - Definition.

A. It shall be the duty of the superintendent, principal or

head teacher of each public or private middle, junior high and high

school accredited by the State Department of Education in the State

of Oklahoma to notify the Department annually as scheduled by the

Department of the name, address, race and age of any pupil dropping

out from the school during the preceding year. The report shall be

made on forms prescribed and furnished by the Department.

B. The State Board of Education shall cause these statistics of

school dropouts to be tabulated by grade and school district.

Information of school dropouts shall be made available to the

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, the Bureau

of Indian Affairs, the Military Department of the State of Oklahoma

for use in the youth educational programs provided by the Department

and the State Department of Health.

C. The State Department of Education shall make an annual

report to the Legislature prior to the convening of each regular

session thereof of information received and tabulated pursuant to

this section.

D. For the purposes of this section, school dropout means any

student who is under the age of nineteen (19) and has not graduated

from high school and is not attending any public or private school

or is otherwise receiving an education pursuant to law for the full

term the schools of the school district in which the student resides

are in session.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-3601.1 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-3601.1
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
Status: in_force

Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts, located at Chickasha,

Oklahoma, is hereby officially named and shall be designated in all

future references as "University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma."
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-1-101 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-1-101
Oklahoma School Code
Status: in_force

This act shall be known as the Oklahoma School Code.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-3206 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-3206
State Regents - Powers and duties
Status: in_force

As provided in Article XIII-A of the Constitution of Oklahoma,

the State Regents shall constitute a coordinating board of control

for all state educational institutions, with the following specific

powers:

(a) It shall prescribe standards of higher education applicable

to each institution.

(b) It shall determine the functions and courses of study in

each of the institutions to conform to the standards prescribed.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1416

(c) It shall grant degrees and other forms of academic

recognition for completion of the prescribed courses in all of such

institutions.

(d) It shall recommend to the State Legislature the budget

allocations to each institution.

(e) It shall have the power to recommend to the Legislature

proposed fees for all of such institutions, and any such fees shall

be effective only within the limits prescribed by the Legislature,

after taking due cognizance of expressed legislative intent.

(f) It shall allocate funds to each institution according to

its needs and functions from appropriations made by the Legislature.

(g) It may coordinate private, denominational and other

institutions of higher learning with the State System under

regulations set forth by the State Regents.

Among other powers and duties, the State Regents shall:

(h) Prescribe standards for admission to, retention in, and

graduation from state educational institutions.

(i) Accept federal funds and grants and use the same in

accordance with federal requirements; and accept and disburse

grants, gifts, devises, bequests and other monies and property from

foundations, corporations and individuals; and establish, award and

disburse scholarships and scholarship funds and rewards for merit

from any funds available for such purpose.

(j) Allocate revolving and other non-state-appropriated

educational and general funds.

(k) Transfer from one institution to another any property

belonging to such institution when no longer needed by it and when

needed by another institution to accomplish its functions.

(l) Prepare and publish annually a report to the Governor, the

Legislature, and institutions, setting forth the progress, needs,

and recommendations of state educational institutions and of the

State Regents; conduct studies, surveys and research projects to

gather information about the needs of state educational institutions

and make such additional reports and recommendations as it deems

necessary or as the Governor or the Legislature may direct, and

publish such information obtained as may be considered worthy of

dissemination.

(m) Any monies which it is authorized to invest shall be

invested with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the

circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in a like

capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of

an enterprise of a like character and with like aims.

(n) Issue, on behalf of institutions within The Oklahoma State

System of Higher Education, other than the University of Oklahoma

and Oklahoma State University, and with the powers enumerated by

this act, its obligations for purposes of such capital projects as

the Regents may deem to be proper for the benefit of such

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1417

institutions. The obligations issued pursuant to the authority of

this paragraph shall be part of a comprehensive program for capital

maintenance of such institutions and the obligations shall be

special and limited obligations of the Oklahoma State Regents for

Higher Education and shall not constitute general obligations of the

State of Oklahoma.

(o) Exercise all powers necessary or convenient to accomplish

the purposes and objectives of Article XIII-A of the Constitution of

Oklahoma.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-6-200 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-6-200
Professional development institutes
Status: in_force

A. Subject to the availability of funds, the State Board of

Education shall have authority to develop and administer training

for residency committees and training for professional development

through professional development institutes. Included in the

professional development institute training shall be technology

training. “Professional development institutes” shall be defined as

continuing education experiences which consist of a minimum of

thirty (30) clock hours. The institutes shall be competency-based,

emphasize effective learning practices, require collaboration among

participants, and require each participant to prepare a work product

which can be utilized in the classroom by the participant. Any

state professional development institutes administered by the Board

shall be chosen through a competitive bid process and, if funds are

available, subject to peer review. The Board, prior to offering any

professional development institute, shall promulgate rules related

to administering state professional development institutes.

B. The State Board of Education shall develop, offer, and

administer professional development institutes to train elementary

school teachers in reading education and, if funds are available,

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 463

which may include, but not be limited to, grant, foundation, or

other funds, to train middle school teachers in reading education.

Funds appropriated for this purpose shall be used for the cost of

developing, administering, and contracting for the professional

development institutes. When possible, certified reading

specialists shall be included as consultants. All costs of the

institutes shall be included in the contract price, and no tuition

or registration fee shall be collected from teachers attending the

institutes. The institutes shall be offered by or through the

Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability. Working in

conjunction with the State Department of Education, the Commission

shall develop a state plan for administration of such institutes and

shall report electronically on or before November 1 of each year to

the Governor and the Legislature on the format of and participation

in the institutes. The State Department of Education shall

cooperate with and provide any information requested, including data

available through the state student record system, to the State

Board of Education as is necessary to carry out the provisions of

this section.

C. Subject to the availability of funds, the State Board of

Education shall:

1. Contract for an independent evaluation of the reading

professional development institutes. The evaluation shall determine

adherence to program requirements as provided in this section and

the program’s effectiveness in increasing teacher knowledge and

student achievement; and

2. Provide continued support of the reading professional

development institutes through ongoing teacher development at

individual school sites. Funds may be used for the cost of mentor

training, payment for substitute teachers, on-site facilitation, and

any other costs necessary to ensure improved reading by students.

D. 1. For the purpose of implementing comprehensive reading

reform and systemic change, the State Board of Education shall award

one-year grants renewable for up to two (2) additional years to

public schools that serve students in kindergarten through third

grade. The grants shall provide for:

a. a five-day initial professional development institute

in elementary school reading for teachers of

kindergarten through third grade, instructional

leaders, and principals,

b. a three-day follow-up professional development

institute in elementary school reading for teachers of

kindergarten through third grade and instructional

leaders, and

c. continued support through ongoing teacher development

at school sites including four (4) days of

professional development for principals and literacy

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 464

resource specialists and six (6) days of on-site

visits by a program consultant.

2. In order to qualify for a grant pursuant to this subsection,

the following requirements shall be met:

a. at least eighty percent (80%) of the teachers of

kindergarten through third grade at the school shall

have demonstrated support for the training program

provided pursuant to this subsection,

b. the principal shall ensure that all members of the

leadership team and all teachers of kindergarten

through third grade will participate in all phases of

the training program,

c. the school district shall ensure that any new teacher

of kindergarten through third grade or principal at

the school will participate in all phases of the

training program, and

d. the school district shall employ a literacy resource

specialist for at least two (2) years after completion

of the training provided in this subsection. One or

more districts may share a literacy resource

specialist upon approval of the Board.

3. Any school which has been determined by the State Board of

Education to be a school in need of improvement shall be given

priority for receipt of a grant. Grants to school districts may be

awarded based on the amount of funds allocated to the State Board of

Education for the purposes of this section. Funds may be used for

payment for substitute teachers, program consultants, on-site

facilitation, and literacy resource specialists.

4. For program evaluation purposes, each school awarded a grant

pursuant to this subsection shall provide to the Commission for

Educational Quality and Accountability student-level data and

results of the reading assessments administered pursuant to the

Oklahoma School Testing Program Act for the year prior to the grant

award, for each year a grant is received by the school, and for

three (3) years after completion of the program. If funds are not

sufficient to award grants to all eligible applicants, schools may

be placed on a waiting list for priority consideration for the

following year’s round of grant awards which shall be superior to

the priority given to schools as provided in paragraph 3 of this

subsection, if the school provides student data for the current year

to the Board as provided in this paragraph.

5. The professional development institutes in elementary

reading provided pursuant to this section shall incorporate the

requirements of the Strong Readers Act.

E. As additional funds become available for such purpose, the

Board shall develop and offer professional development institutes

in:

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 465

1. Mathematics for teachers in grades kindergarten through nine

which incorporate the requirements of Sections 2 through 8 of this

act;

2. The use of technology in the classroom;

3. Training of residency committee members in teacher

mentoring; and

4. Hands-on inquiry-based science for elementary teachers.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-695.7 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-695.7
Application deadlines — Disbursal of funds — Interest —
Status: in_force

Default.

A. The Authority may fix deadlines for the receipt of

applications relative to each academic term.

B. The Authority may disburse to each of the participating

institutions funds sufficient only to enable payments to those

participating students whose loans have been approved. Any funds

not so disbursed shall be returned to the Authority by the

participating institution. The Authority may also disburse loan

funds directly to participating students and through institutional

officials.

C. The Authority shall collect interest payments and interest

subsidies paid on behalf of the qualified person by the United

States and shall also collect all interest and principal payments

made by the student under the terms of his obligation to the Student

Loan Fund. When any person who has received a loan fails to make

payments due in accordance with an executed note, the Authority may

declare the full amount of remaining principal and interest due and

payable immediately. In the event of default of payment, the

Authority shall undertake collection and, in the event of failure to

collect on a guaranteed loan after such reasonable efforts as are

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1078

prescribed by federal regulations, shall file a claim for payment

under the terms of the federal insurance.

D. The Authority may promulgate such rules and regulations as

shall be deemed necessary and proper to carry out the duties imposed

upon the Authority and any institutional representative under the

provisions of the Oklahoma Student Loan Act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-2127 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-2127
Southern Regional Education Compact
Status: in_force

The Southern Regional Educational Compact is hereby entered into

by this state with all other states legally joining therein in

accordance with its terms in the form substantially as follows:

THE REGIONAL COMPACT

(As amended)

WHEREAS, the states who are parties hereto have during the past

several years conducted careful investigation looking toward the

establishment and maintenance of jointly owned and operated regional

educational institutions in the Southern States in the professional,

technological, scientific, literary and other fields, so as to

provide greater educational advantages and facilities for the

citizens of the several states who reside within such region; and

WHEREAS, Meharry Medical College of Nashville, Tennessee, has

proposed that its lands, buildings, equipment, and the net income

from its endowment be turned over to the Southern States, or to an

agency acting in their behalf, to be operated as a regional

institution for medical, dental and nursing education upon terms and

conditions to be hereafter agreed upon between the Southern States

and Meharry Medical College, which proposal, because of the present

financial condition of the institution, has been approved by the

said states who are parties hereto; and

WHEREAS, the said states desire to enter into a compact with

each other providing for the planning and establishment of regional

educational facilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements,

covenants and obligations assumed by the respective states who are

parties hereto (hereinafter referred to as "states"), the said

several states do hereby form a geographical district or region

consisting of the areas lying within the boundaries of the

contracting states which, for the purposes of this compact, shall

constitute an area for regional education supported by public funds

derived from taxation by the constituent states and derived from

other sources for the establishment, acquisition, operation and

maintenance of regional educational schools and institutions for the

benefit of citizens of the respective states residing within the

region so established as may be determined from time to time in

accordance with the terms and provisions of this compact.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1346

The states do further hereby establish and create a joint agency

which shall be known as the Board of Control for Southern Regional

Education (hereinafter referred to as the "Board"), the members of

which Board shall consist of the Governor of each state, ex officio,

and three (3) additional citizens of each state to be appointed by

the Governor thereof, at least one (1) of whom shall be selected

from the field of education. The Governor shall continue as a

member of the Board during his tenure of office as Governor of the

State, but the members of the Board appointed by the Governor shall

hold office for a period of four (4) years except that in the

original appointments one (1) Board member so appointed by the

Governor shall be designated at the time of his appointment to serve

an initial term of two (2) years, one (1) Board member to serve an

initial term of three (3) years, and the remaining Board member to

serve the full term of four (4) years, but thereafter the successor

of each appointed Board member shall serve the full term of four (4)

years. Vacancies on the Board caused by death, resignation, refusal

or inability to serve, shall be filled by appointment by the

Governor for the unexpired portion of the term. The officers of the

Board shall be a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a Secretary, a

Treasurer, and such additional officers as may be created by the

Board from time to time. The Board shall meet annually and officers

shall be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting. The

Board shall have the right to formulate and establish by-laws not

inconsistent with the provisions of this compact to govern its own

actions in the performance of the duties delegated to it including

the right to create and appoint an Executive Committee and a Finance

Committee with such powers and authority as the Board may delegate

to them from time to time. The Board may, within its discretion,

elect as its Chairman a person who is not a member of the Board,

provided such person resides within a signatory state, and upon such

election such person shall become a member of the Board with all the

rights and privileges of such membership.

It shall be the duty of the Board to submit plans and

recommendations to the states from time to time for their approval

and adoption by appropriate legislative action for the development,

establishment, acquisition, operation and maintenance of educational

schools and institutions within the geographical limits of the

regional area of the state, of such character and type and for such

educational purposes, professional, technological, scientific,

literary, or otherwise, as they may deem and determine to be proper,

necessary or advisable. Title to all such educational institutions

when so established by appropriate legislative actions of the states

and to all properties and facilities used in connection therewith

shall be vested in said Board as the agency of and for the use and

benefit of the said states and the citizens thereof, and all such

educational institutions shall be operated, maintained and financed

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1347

in the manner herein set out, subject to any provisions or

limitations which may be contained in the legislative acts of the

states authorizing the creation, establishment and operation of such

educational institutions.

In addition to the power and authority heretofore granted, the

Board shall have the power to enter into such agreements or

arrangements with any of the states and with educational

institutions or agencies, as may be required in the judgment of the

Board, to provide adequate services and facilities for the graduate,

professional, and technical education for the benefit of the

citizens of the respective states residing within the region, and

such additional and general power and authority as may be vested in

the Board from time to time by legislative enactment of the said

states.

Any two (2) or more states who are parties of this compact shall

have the right to enter into supplemental agreements providing for

the establishment, financing and operation of regional educational

institutions for the benefit of citizens residing within an area

which constitutes a portion of the general region herein created,

such institutions to be financed exclusively by such states and to

be controlled exclusively by the members of the Board representing

such states provided such agreement is submitted to and approved by

the Board prior to the establishment of such institutions.

Each state agrees that, when authorized by the Legislature, it

will from time to time make available and pay over to said Board

such funds as may be required for the establishment, acquisition,

operation and maintenance of such regional educational institutions

as may be authorized by the states under the terms of this compact,

the contribution of each state at all times to be in the proportion

that its population bears to the total combined population of the

states who are parties hereto as shown from time to time by the most

recent official published report of the Bureau of the Census of the

United States of America; or upon such other basis as may be agreed

upon.

This compact shall not take effect or be binding upon any state

unless and until it shall be approved by proper legislative action

of as many as six (6) or more of the states whose Governors have

subscribed hereto within a period of eighteen (18) months from the

date hereof. When and if six (6) or more states shall have given

legislative approval to this compact within said eighteen (18)

months' period, it shall be and become binding upon such six (6) or

more states sixty (60) days after the date of legislative approval

by the sixth state and the Governors of such six (6) or more states

shall forthwith name the members of the Board from their states as

hereinabove set out, and the Board shall then meet on call of the

Governor of any state approving this compact, at which time the

Board shall elect officers, adopt by-laws, appoint committees and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools Page 1348

otherwise fully organize. Other states whose names are subscribed

hereto shall thereafter become parties hereto upon approval of this

compact by legislative action within two (2) years from the date

hereof, upon such conditions as may be agreed upon at the time.

Provided, however, that with respect to any state whose constitution

may require amendment in order to permit legislative approval of the

compact, such state or states shall become parties hereto upon

approval of this compact by legislative action within seven (7)

years from the date hereof, upon such conditions as may be agreed

upon at the time.

After becoming effective this compact shall thereafter continue

without limitation of time; provided, however, that it may be

terminated at any time by unanimous action of the states and

provided further that any state may withdraw from this compact if

such withdrawal is approved by its Legislature, such withdrawal to

become effective two (2) years after written notice thereof to the

Board accompanied by a certified copy of the requisite legislative

action, but such withdrawal shall not relieve the withdrawing state

from its obligations hereunder accruing up to the effective date of

such withdrawal. Any state so withdrawing shall ipso facto cease to

have any claim to or ownership of any of the property held or vested

in the Board or to any of the funds of the Board held under the

terms of this compact.

If any state shall at any time become in default in the

performance of any of its obligations assumed herein or with respect

to any obligation imposed upon said state as authorized by and in

compliance with the terms and provisions of this compact, all

rights, privileges and benefits of such defaulting state, its

members on the Board and its citizens shall ipso facto be and become

suspended from and after the date of such default. Unless such

default shall be remedied and made good within a period of one (1)

year immediately following the date of such default this compact may

be terminated with respect to such defaulting state by an

affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the members of the Board

(exclusive of the members representing the state in default), from

and after which time such state shall cease to be a party to this

compact and shall have no further claim to or ownership of any of

the property held by or vested in the Board or to any of the funds

of the Board held under the terms of this compact, but such

termination shall in no manner release such defaulting state from

any accrued obligation or otherwise affect this compact or the

rights, duties, privileges or obligations of the remaining states

thereunder.
Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 70-18-125 — OK Code / Title 70 / Section 70-18-125
Incentive grants for small school district to fund
Status: in_force

cooperative programs.

Recognizing the needs small school districts have to meet

increased high school graduation and college admission requirements,

and the difficulty such districts may experience in offering the

necessary academic courses, the Legislature hereby states its intent

to assist such districts through the creation of incentive grants to

fund cooperative programs. Such grants shall be allocated by the

State Board of Education on a competitive basis to school districts

with an average daily attendance of eight hundred (800) or less, or

to any school district participating in the East Central Educational

Support Center, to enter into an agreement with one or more

districts of any size or an accredited institution of higher

education to provide classes in mathematics, science, a foreign

language, computer education, visual arts or music to elementary or

secondary students. In allocating incentive grants to fund

cooperative programs, the State Department of Education shall give

priority to those programs that emphasize classes required for high

school graduation and college admission. Funding provided in the

grants shall be expended for instruction-related personnel,

equipment, transportation, materials and telecommunications,

including but not limited to telecommunication equipment,

instruction and other materials. Funding provided for grants for

telecommunication shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the funds

provided for all grants specified in this section. No funds

provided shall be used for construction of buildings.