Oklahoma Bill Aims to Tie Student Grades Solely to Academic Performance

Proposed legislation would prohibit colleges from considering factors beyond academic merit in grading.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Oklahoma lawmakers are considering a bill that would require state colleges and universities to implement a policy requiring students' grades be based solely on academic performance, without factoring in other elements like attendance, participation, or behavior.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is part of a broader debate around grading policies and whether factors beyond academic achievement should influence a student's final grade. Supporters argue this change would ensure fairness and meritocracy, while critics contend it could disadvantage certain students and fail to recognize the full scope of student development.

The details

The bill would mandate that colleges and universities in Oklahoma adopt a grading system that evaluates students based only on their academic work, tests, and mastery of course material. This would prohibit instructors from incorporating elements like attendance, class participation, or behavioral conduct into a student's final grade.

  • The bill was introduced in the Oklahoma state legislature in February 2026.

The players

Oklahoma State Legislature

The governing body responsible for considering and passing legislation in the state of Oklahoma.

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What’s next

The bill will next be considered by the Oklahoma state Senate, where it will need to pass before being signed into law by the governor.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing debate around grading policies and the role non-academic factors should play in evaluating student performance in higher education.