Oklahoma Senate Bill SB695

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

Schools; providing procedures relating to graduation rates. Emergency.

Impact

The implications of SB695 on state laws include the requirement for the State Board of Education to adopt the new graduation rate metrics, which involve a more comprehensive approach to tracking student outcomes. This includes adjusting for factors such as students transferring in and out of schools and ensuring that the reported rates are reliable and reflective of actual performance. This shift is expected to impact state-level accountability measures, providing clearer insights into educational achievements and challenges.

Summary

Senate Bill 695 (SB695) introduces amendments to existing laws regarding the calculation of high school graduation rates in Oklahoma. The bill aims to establish a unified definition of the graduation rate applicable to not only traditional public schools but also charter schools. By implementing both a four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate and an extended-year adjusted cohort graduation rate, SB695 seeks to provide clarity and consistency in how graduation statistics are reported across different types of educational institutions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB695 may involve how the amendments could affect charter schools' accountability compared to traditional public schools. Critics may argue that the new reporting requirements could present challenges, particularly for schools with high mobility rates among students. Additionally, there may be concerns about the accuracy and reliability of data collected under the updated provisions, especially regarding the confirmation of student transfers and the protocols prescribed for reporting these changes.