Oklahoma Bill Proposes Adding Math Credit to Graduation Requirements? What Does This Mean? A fourth math credit will be required for high school graduation in Oklahoma, according to both houses of the legislature. However, some are upset that this may cut into kids’ time for foreign language studies.
Following a 73–14 vote on Thursday, the California House of Representatives approved Senate modifications to House Bill 3278, putting the bill on the verge of reaching the governor’s desk.
In addition to requiring a fourth math credit for graduation, it also requires students to take six units that are relevant to their post-high school plans, be it continuing their education or entering the workforce.
According to oklahomavoice, The six credits have a lot of potential uses, including general education requirements (e.g., English, math, science, or history), electives, the arts, college-level coursework taken concurrently, or an internship.
For the six “route units,”” studying a language other than English is one of the choices.
Concerned that students wouldn’t be forced to take a world language class, Democratic lawmakers, educators of foreign languages, and native nations responded with alarm. At the present time, students are required by law to take either two computer science courses or two non-English language units.
Under HB 3278, students would be strongly encouraged to take world language lessons, but they would not be required to do so. For arithmetic, computer science might suffice. According to the rules, the first graduating class would be the class of 2030 from high school.
Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) Nation leaders have voiced their opposition to the plan, citing worries that it may lead to a decline in the popularity of indigenous language classes offered in public schools across Oklahoma.
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According to Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., the organization has poured more resources into language revitalization now than in the past. This is due to the fact that the Cherokee language is fundamental to Cherokee culture and way of life. Keeping a global language requirement in place helps promote diversity in the classroom and is especially helpful for students learning Native American languages.
Opposition to the measure was also voiced by the Oklahoma Foreign Language Teachers Association. The organization shared an example email with its members that they can send to politicians, arguing that doing away with foreign language requirements will lead to a less comprehensive education and may make our students less competitive in the global job market.
College admissions and scholarship criteria would still take world language credits into account.
Rep. Rhonda Baker (R-Yukon), who authored the bill, assured children that schools will keep offering world language classes if they desire or require them.
She explained that the law makes math classes more challenging in the hopes that fewer students will require remediation in college. According to state statistics, math is the most frequently taken remedial course in Oklahoma’s university system.
According to Baker, it also motivates kids to enroll in classes that are relevant to their goals for after high school.
During House floor discussion, she spoke about how great the bill is because it gives them some leeway and isn’t 100% focused on making them take a certain class. They have the freedom to select what matters most to them. In this post, we have given information about “Oklahoma Bill Proposes Adding Math Credit to Graduation Requirements? What Does This Mean?”
Natalie Clydesdale is a journalist at oklahomansdecide.org, where she covers crucial local and state news with a focus on accuracy and depth. Her extensive experience in investigative reporting ensures readers receive clear and reliable information. Follow her latest updates on Instagram.