OK HB1502

School boards may develop and implement comprehensive character education programs in any grade from prekindergarten through twelfth grade, focusing on development of character traits and including voluntary recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

State Department of Education shall develop and provide through an internet website technical assistance, approved research-based character education programs and materials, a character education honor roll recognizing successful district-wide programs, and a character education reading list.

State Board of Education may award grants of $1,000 each to ten school districts for pilot projects that align character education with state curriculum in reading, mathematics, science, or social studies and demonstrate how character education teaches career readiness skills.

Grant funding may cover costs of purchasing curriculum, materials, or training teachers, with the Board establishing pilot project criteria and determining selection process on a statewide competitive basis.

Act becomes effective November 1, 2015.