A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "2016 Workforce Oklahoma Academic High School Diploma Recognition Act".

B. Beginning with the 2020-2021 high school graduating class, a school district may implement graduation recognitions for students who have met the curricular requirements set forth in Section 11-103.6d of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes and who have participated in an approved program of study leading to a recognized career and/or postsecondary education pathway. Such students may be eligible for the following graduation recognitions on their standard diploma:

1. "Recognition of highest academic distinction" for students who achieve a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all coursework performed in their career pathway of choice, along with meeting state-recognized college entrance requirements at the time of graduation;

2. "Recognition of academic honors" for students who achieve a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all coursework performed in their career pathway of choice, along with meeting state-recognized college entrance requirements at the time of graduation; and

3. "Recognition of academic merit" for students who achieve a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all coursework performed in their career pathway of choice, along with meeting state-recognized college entrance requirements at the time of graduation.

C. A graduation recognition awarded pursuant to this section may be indicated upon the diploma and high school transcript of those students who qualify for such status.

D. For the purposes of this section "approved programs of study" shall mean those programs of study identified by the local school district that shall include an identified sequence of courses leading to career entry and/or postsecondary education. Approved course sequences shall include at least six (6) credits within a career pathway and shall include advanced placement courses, career and technical science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses, concurrent enrollment college courses or a combination of such courses that best prepare students for work or further study in a career pathway of their choice.

E. The State Board of Education and the State Board of Career and Technology Education shall promulgate rules necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2016, c. 371, § 1.