SB 1338 Summary

• Authorizes Oklahoma independent school districts to offer elective courses on the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament to students in grade 9 and above, beginning with the 2011-12 school year.

• Courses must teach biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives as foundational to understanding contemporary society, culture, literature, art, music, and public policy.

• Requires courses to use materials from the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools and maintain religious neutrality without endorsing, favoring, or promoting any particular religion or faith perspective.

• Allows students to use alternative Bible translations rather than being limited to a single translation chosen by the district or teacher.

• Became effective November 1, 2010.