Journalist: Gabby Burke (OSU)
On Thursday morning, the House of Representatives heard the “Oklahoma Forward Act,”
introduced by Rep. McCall (ECU). The bill proposes modifications to current homeschooling
standards and requirements for both parents and students. Currently in Oklahoma, there is no
minimum educational requirement for parents who intend to homeschool their child, and there is
limited oversight of academic standards.
This bill seeks to establish a minimum level of education for parents who choose to homeschool,
requiring them to hold either a GED (General Education Diploma) or a high school diploma. It
also mandates that families log 160 days of schooling, maintain a portfolio of completed student
work, and provide instruction in core subjects such as math, science, social studies, and language
arts. Additionally, students in grades three through eight would be required to take a state
standardized exam. Children who fall behind for two consecutive years would be subject to
increased academic oversight.
According to a study conducted by the Johns Hopkins School of Education, homeschooling
regulations do not have a direct correlation with improved educational outcomes. The study also
found that the education level of parents administering homeschool curriculum is not necessarily
related to student success. When presenting the bill, the author stated, “Thirty percent of students
that received homeschooled education in Oklahoma have no curriculum. This can cause many
students to fall behind.” Research from the University of Colorado Boulder supports this
concern, noting that students taught without a structured curriculum are more likely to fall
behind and be underprepared for higher education.
During her presentation, McCall described the bill as focusing on “oversight, not overreach.”
However, there was vocal concern regarding families’ willingness to comply with these new
requirements. According to the Boston College Law Review, stricter legal regulations on
homeschooling can lead to an increase in families refusing to submit required information.
The Oklahoma Forward Act was ultimately tabled after spirited discussion during Thursday
morning’s session.