Joint resolution; disapproving in whole certain subject matter standards.
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 20 is a legislative disapproval of the Oklahoma State Board of Education’s newly approved social studies and science subject matter standards. The resolution states that the standards were adopted after a very short review window for newly sworn-in board members, raising concerns about transparency and the adequacy of the process used to consider the standards.
The resolution also emphasizes the expected cost of implementation, estimating about $33 million for new curriculum development and textbook purchases. It notes that the Governor and the three newly appointed board members asked for the standards to be returned for further review, and the Legislature responds by rejecting the standards in whole rather than modifying them.
Impact
If adopted, the resolution would not itself create new education standards; instead, it would nullify the State Board of Education’s February 27, 2025 approval of the social studies and science standards and require the standards to be reconsidered. Its practical effect would be to delay or prevent implementation of the revised standards in Oklahoma public schools, affecting the State Department of Education, local school districts, curriculum developers, textbook publishers, and educators who would otherwise have to align instruction and materials to the new standards. It also reinforces the Legislature’s oversight role under Oklahoma law for subject matter standards adopted by the State Board of Education.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill text is skeptical and corrective rather than supportive of the board’s action. The resolution frames the standards adoption as rushed, insufficiently transparent, and potentially costly, and it aligns with the Governor and newly appointed board members who requested further review. No opposing committee testimony or vote history is provided, but the measure clearly signals legislative concern about both process and fiscal impact.
Contention
The main points of contention are the speed and transparency of the State Board of Education’s adoption process and the substance of the social studies and science standards themselves. Supporters of the resolution appear to be concerned that newly sworn-in board members had too little time to review the standards before the vote and that implementation would impose significant costs on schools. The underlying board action is the likely point of disagreement, with critics of the resolution presumably favoring the standards or the board’s authority to adopt them without legislative rejection.