1. A. The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics shall solicit proposals and award grants for pilot projects that develop and establish model programs implementing advanced science and math curriculum at local vocational-technical school sites, local colleges or universities, or at local school sites via distance learning. At least two grants shall be awarded during the 1997-98 school year for implementation beginning the fall of 1997. The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics shall determine pilot project criteria. The pilot project proposals shall be considered on a statewide competitive basis.

2. B. A Selection Committee shall be established to assist the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in selecting sites for model programs. The Selection Committee shall consist of the following members:

   1. 1. The Director of the State Department of Vocational and Technical Education or a designee;
   2. 2. The Superintendent of Public Instruction or a designee; and
   3. 3. The Director of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics or a designee.

3. C. An Advisory Council shall be established to assist the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in development of the model programs. The Advisory Council shall establish eligibility criteria for student participation in the program. The Advisory Council shall have final approval of the curriculum and shall set academic standards for the program. The Advisory Council shall consist of the following members:

   1. 1. A superintendent of a participating local school district within the vocational-technical school district elected by the majority of the participating superintendents or a designee;
   2. 2. The superintendent of a vocational-technical school district participating in the program or a designee; and
   3. 3. The Director of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics or a designee.
4. D. The Advisory Council and participating area vocational-technical schools shall work with the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in determining advanced science and math curriculum needs for the area served by the program. A representative from the Advisory Council and participating area vocational-technical school or participating local school site shall work with a representative from the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in the recruitment and hiring of faculty for the program. Faculty positions shall be approved by a majority vote of the representatives from the Advisory Council, area vocational-technical school and the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics.
5. E. The participating area vocational-technical school district shall provide transportation for those students attending the program at the area vocational-technical school site. Local schools at their option may provide transportation for students attending at college or university sites.

Added by Laws 1997, SB 1, c. 352, § 1, emerg. eff. July 1, 1997.