OK SB1298

State Board of Education must issue a request for proposals to select at least three alternative assessments for students in grades 9-12 that comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and may measure readiness for both college and postsecondary career training

Students in grades 9-12 may opt out of the standard statewide assessment with written parental consent if they take an approved alternative assessment that aligns with their postsecondary goals, determined collaboratively by the student, parent, and school staff

School districts must have access to at least three alternative assessments beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, and public school districts may recommend assessments for Board consideration

All students must still take either the standard statewide assessment or an approved alternative assessment prior to graduation to receive a standard diploma, unless otherwise exempt by law

Effective date is July 1, 2026, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage