HB-2963 removes the ACT as an entrance criteria for Oklahoma higher education. Homeschool Oklahoma is not fully opposed to this bill; we do have concerns about its impact on homeschooling families.
The ACT itself has become a problematic test over the past few years. While historically it measured student aptitude, the rigor and independence of this test has degraded over the years. Nevertheless, the ACT remains a common tool by which all students regardless of background and education method can be evaluated. While scoring standards vary greatly between schools and even individual teachers, the ACT can be used as a common (if now increasingly flawed) measuring stick for incoming students.
If HB-2963 passes, it is possible that higher education organizations will find other standardized means of determining student qualification and standing. Some colleges already have placement exams which can be used. Nonetheless, we think that banning a test which is commonly used as a standardized measuring stick does not help homeschoolers in the long run.
