Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 645 - Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 645 — Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM)
📘 Overview
Title 645 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code governs the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM), a state-funded, tuition-free, residential public high school. OSSM provides an intensive, advanced curriculum for academically gifted 11th and 12th grade students in the fields of science, mathematics, and related disciplines.
The OSSM was created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1983 (codified in Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes) as a response to the state’s growing need for highly skilled STEM professionals. Title 645 outlines the administrative rules, policies, and governance that regulate the school’s operations, curriculum standards, student life, faculty qualifications, and partnerships.
🎯 Purpose of OSSM
To serve as a statewide center of excellence in science and mathematics education.
To identify and nurture gifted students with exceptional abilities in STEM fields.
To offer a challenging academic environment that prepares students for careers in research, medicine, engineering, and other high-level professions.
To advance STEM education in Oklahoma through outreach and collaborative programs with local schools.
📚 Key Provisions of Title 645
1. Governance and Administrative Structure (OAC 645:10)
OSSM is governed by a Board of Trustees, appointed by the Governor, with representation from higher education, industry, and science/math professionals.
The President of OSSM serves as the chief executive officer, overseeing daily operations.
Administrative rules ensure compliance with state policies on budgeting, personnel, and procurement.
🔹 Notable Rules:
Board meetings must comply with the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act.
The President must submit annual reports on academic outcomes, budget, and student demographics.
2. Admissions Policy (OAC 645:15)
Admission is merit-based, focusing on academic performance, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and interviews.
Students must typically be in 10th grade at the time of application.
The admissions process is competitive and statewide, seeking geographic and demographic diversity.
🔹 Key Provisions:
There are no tuition or boarding fees for admitted students.
Outreach efforts aim to identify talented students in rural and underserved areas.
3. Curriculum and Instruction (OAC 645:20)
The curriculum is modeled on college-level rigor, with required courses in:
Calculus
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Computer Science
Electives may include advanced topics like linear algebra, biotechnology, quantum physics, and more.
🔹 Instructional Standards:
All faculty must hold at least a master’s degree, with many possessing doctorates.
The school maintains academic partnerships with universities, research labs, and professionals in STEM industries.
4. Student Life and Code of Conduct (OAC 645:25)
Students live in on-campus residential facilities, with rules covering curfews, behavior, and academic integrity.
A Student Code of Conduct outlines expectations for ethical behavior, dress code, and disciplinary procedures.
🔹 Disciplinary Process:
Students accused of violations are entitled to a hearing before a disciplinary panel.
Appeals may be submitted to the President and, in some cases, the Board of Trustees.
5. Partnerships and Outreach (OAC 645:30)
OSSM operates Regional Centers across Oklahoma, offering part-time advanced STEM education to students who can’t attend the main campus.
Faculty participate in teacher training workshops, student summer academies, and research mentoring programs.
🔹 Public Service Mission:
OSSM supports public schools by sharing curriculum resources, assisting in teacher development, and promoting STEM careers.
⚖️ Illustrative Case Law Examples
Note: Actual published appellate cases involving OSSM are limited, so the following examples are hypothetical but legally realistic based on Oklahoma law and administrative procedures.
🧑⚖️ Case 1: Doe v. Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (2016)
Issue: Due process in student expulsion.
Facts:
A student was expelled after being caught cheating on a major exam. The family claimed the school did not provide adequate notice or a fair hearing.
Holding:
The court upheld the expulsion, noting that the student was given:
Written notice of the charges,
A hearing before a disciplinary panel, and
The right to appeal.
This satisfied procedural due process under both Title 645:25 and constitutional standards.
Significance:
Confirms that OSSM’s disciplinary procedures meet legal requirements for public institutions.
🧑⚖️ Case 2: Smith v. OSSM Board of Trustees (2020)
Issue: Alleged discrimination in admissions.
Facts:
An applicant from a rural county alleged that OSSM's admissions process discriminated based on geography and socioeconomic status.
Holding:
The court found no evidence of discrimination. OSSM demonstrated that:
Admissions were based on academic merit,
Regional diversity was encouraged, and
The applicant’s scores and recommendations fell below minimum thresholds.
Significance:
Validates the admissions procedures under OAC 645:15, confirming that geographic equity is addressed.
🧑⚖️ Case 3: Johnson v. Oklahoma Science & Math Faculty Association (2022)
Issue: Employment termination of a faculty member.
Facts:
A teacher was terminated for failure to comply with curriculum and conduct standards. They alleged wrongful termination and lack of due process.
Holding:
The court ruled OSSM followed state employment policies, provided performance evaluations, and offered a grievance hearing.
Significance:
Supports the school’s authority under OAC 645:10 and Oklahoma employment law to manage its specialized faculty.
✅ Summary Table
| Regulatory Area | Key Features | Relevant Case Example |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Board of Trustees, President, state reporting | Johnson v. OSSM (Employment oversight) |
| Admissions | Statewide, merit-based, outreach to underserved communities | Smith v. OSSM (Admissions fairness) |
| Curriculum | Advanced STEM coursework, university-level instruction | N/A (Academic policy) |
| Student Life & Conduct | Residential rules, discipline, appeals | Doe v. OSSM (Due process in expulsion) |
| Outreach & Public Mission | Regional centers, teacher support, STEM education leadership | N/A (Community engagement) |
🔍 Importance of Title 645
Supports gifted education in critical STEM fields statewide.
Promotes educational equity by identifying students from all backgrounds.
Maintains academic excellence with a strong regulatory foundation.
Provides clear rules for student conduct, faculty governance, and institutional accountability.
Helps Oklahoma develop a competitive STEM workforce.
🏁 Conclusion
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 645 provides the legal and administrative structure for the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, one of the most rigorous and respected public STEM schools in the country. The Code ensures high standards in governance, education, fairness in admissions, student life, and public service—all of which contribute to the school's mission to prepare Oklahoma’s most talented students for leadership in science and technology.
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