As a testament to Oklahoma's ever-improving educational system, Oklahoma students are making above-average scores on the SAT college entrance exam and Oklahoma now ranks eleventh nationally in average score. High school seniors graduating in Oklahoma this year scored an average of 569 in verbal and 566 in math for a total average score of 1,135. National averages are 508 in verbal, 518 in math and a total average of 1,026. Although only 7 percent of Oklahoma students take the SAT, state officials say that the positive scores show higher education standards are improving education.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Education, sde.state.ok.us, all graduates must complete the following coursework in order to graduate:
- Four Language Arts units (One unit from Grammar and Composition and three units from the following: English, American, and World Literature, Advanced English, or other comparable English courses)
- Three Mathematics units (Must consist of one unit from Algebra I or comparable and two units from, but not limited to: Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math Analysis, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics/Probability; Computer Science I and II; Mathematics of Finance, or Intermediate Algebra)
- Three Science units (One unit from Biology I or comparable and two units in the areas of life, physical, or earth science or technology)
- Three Social Studies units (One unit from U.S. History, half to one unit from U.S. Government, half a unit from Oklahoma History, and half to one unit from the following: Geography, Economics, World History, Anthropology, or other social studies courses with content comparable to or about United States History, United States Government, and Oklahoma History)
- Two Arts units (Two units may include, but are not limited to, courses in Visual Arts and General Music)
- Eight Electives
If you meet or exceed these requirements, congratulations! You're qualified to graduate and are well on your way!
