Bill > HB1393

This bill requires the State Board of Education to create a new, detailed parental consent form specifically for parents of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who are being considered for the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP). The form must be provided in the parent's native language and include an explanation of the benefits, risks, and legal implications of consenting or refusing consent for alternative assessment. The form must have clear "consent" and "do not consent" sections with signature lines. School districts cannot proceed with alternate assessments without parental consent, though they can document reasonable efforts to obtain consent or seek approval through a due process hearing. If a school wants to change a student's IEP regarding assessment, they must hold an IEP team meeting and provide at least five school days' notice to the parent. The bill specifies that if parents do not consent, their child will be assessed using regular district and state assessments with appropriate accommodations and taught to general education standards. The State Board of Education is authorized to develop rules for implementing these requirements, and the act will become effective on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause allowing immediate implementation upon passage.