Oklahoma public schools open next week, but one new policy is already stirring national debate. The state is preparing to require an “America First” certification test for prospective teachers moving in from out-of-state, particularly from Democratic-leaning regions.
Who would take the test?
State Superintendent Ryan Walters told Fox News the test would apply to teachers moving to Oklahoma from so-called “blue states.” He says the goal is to ensure educators align with Oklahoma’s standards — and keep what he calls “woke indoctrination” out of the classroom.
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The schools are developing the test in partnership with PragerU, a conservative media and education organization. Walters said the exam would focus on American history, civics and “common sense.”
Targeted states named
Walters specifically called out California, Maine and New York, claiming their educational standards are completely opposite of Oklahoma’s.
“One of the things that we wanted to do is, first of all, make sure that they’re great teachers, right? And number two, make sure we’re not getting these woke indoctrinating social justice warriors in the classroom,“ he told Fox News.
Hot-button issues highlighted
Among the topics Walters says he wants to keep out of Oklahoma classrooms: gender ideology, sexual orientation and LGBTQ-related content.
“When we see Maine take the extraordinary steps to fight President Trump … every county in Oklahoma voted for President Trump,“ Walters said.
PragerU response
PragerU backed Walters’ approach, with a spokesperson telling Fox News, “We strongly encourage the adoption of our wholesome, patriotic content as a constructive alternative.“
Jill Simonian, a PragerU spokesperson, also told KOCO News in Oklahoma City, “Superintendent Walters is trying to reinstate objective truth in the education system to make sure potential Oklahoma teachers are, in fact, unified with these basic foundational tenets so that they can properly educate kids with knowledge instead of politicized activism.”
Pushback on the proposal
Not everyone agrees with the plan.
State board member Chris Van Denhendle questioned whether the test is even necessary, pointing out that teaching contracts already require educators to follow Oklahoma standards.
Democratic state Rep. John Waldron of Tulsa also raised concerns about the test’s enforceability and whether targeting teachers based on their state of origin is appropriate. That’s “why we should be asking some sharp questions and challenging him [Walters] about whether this is really appropriate,“ he said.
So far, the state has not announced when the new certification test will go into effect or what the official requirements will be.
