Oklahoma Board of Education Approves New Science and Social Studies Standards, Emphasizing Tribal Sovereignty and Civics

The Oklahoma State Board of Education opened its meeting with a discussion on the impact of former President Donald Trump's executive order on federal programs in schools. Board leadership also addressed whether a special meeting could be called to reverse a prior board action.

The meeting is ongoing, and currently in the public comment portion.

Board votes on district funding deadlines

The board reviewed district compliance with the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System, which requires schools to submit financial reports by statutory deadlines.

A list of districts that missed the Sept. 1 deadline was presented. Board members considered waiving penalties for schools that submitted their reports within a month. Walters noted that many affected districts are small, where administrators juggle multiple roles.

“There are cases where districts thought they had submitted on time, or where key personnel were unavailable due to illness,” Walters said. “Our goal is to ensure accountability while recognizing these challenges.”

Ultimately, Walters recommended waiving penalties for districts that complied within a reasonable timeframe. The board approved the recommendation with a motion and a second.

Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science and Social Studies- Approval Passed

State Superintendent Ryan Walters introduced a vote on revised social studies standards, emphasizing their role in providing students with a well-rounded education.

“These standards will ensure students understand American exceptionalism, civics, and constitutional principles,” Walters said. “They offer an accurate and comprehensive view of history while reinforcing the values that make our country great.”

A presentation was given to the board members. Here are some key points from that presentation:

Integration of Practice and Content Standards: The committee has combined the practice (skills) and content (subject matter) standards to provide a clearer, more cohesive approach for teachers.

Strengthened Tribal Sovereignty: There is a greater focus on tribal sovereignty throughout the standards, with an effort to introduce it at every grade level to help students better understand tribal governance.

Civics Education: Civics is now integrated into each grade level instead of being taught as a standalone course, and students are required to take a civics test in their senior year.

There was an initial motion to table the discussion until the next meeting to allow more time for understanding the proposed changes and for other board members to review the material. The motion was voted on, but it did not pass, with several members voting no.

Afterward, there was a discussion about whether to move the item forward on the agenda. Eventually, a new motion was made to approve the proposed Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science and Social Studies, which passed after further discussion.

Specific Grade-Level Revisions:

1. 2nd Grade: Students will learn about local, state, tribal, and national governments.
2. 6th Grade: The curriculum will explore various government systems in the Western Hemisphere, with an emphasis on limited government and individual rights.
3. Oklahoma History: Students will learn about how tribal governments operate similarly to other government systems, focusing on their role in governance and care for their communities.

Sharon Morgan, program director for the Office of Standards and Learning, outlined the revision process, which includes input from writing and review committees, focus groups, and public feedback. The updated standards clarify what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. A key change in the Science standards is the addition of headings to the disciplinary core ideas, which define the practices, core ideas, and cross-cutting concepts of science. The revised standards will be submitted to the board for approval before being sent to the legislature.

Walters responds to Trump administration comment

In response to a discussion on federal executive orders, Walters reaffirmed his support for former President Trump’s policies.

“I will always stand with President Trump and enforce his executive orders, especially when it comes to illegal immigration and its cost to our schools,” Walters said.