Oklahoma’s New Teacher Loyalty Test Sparks Political Battle Over Education Standards
Oklahoma Teacher Loyalty Test: New Rule Targets Out-of-State Educators
A big new rule for teachers is causing a major fight in Oklahoma. The state’s top school official, Ryan Walters, has announced a plan to screen teachers moving from states like New York and California.
The goal, he says, is to stop “radical leftist ideology” from coming into Oklahoma’s classrooms.
The New Rule
The new rule says: If a teacher from California or New York wants to work in Oklahoma, they must pass a special test. This test is not from the government. It is made by a conservative group called PragerU.
Walters stated firmly, “As long as I am superintendent, Oklahoma classrooms will be safeguarded from the radical leftist ideology fostered in places like California and New York.”
Union Reaction
But teachers’ unions are furious. The president of a major teachers’ union, Randi Weingarten, called it a “MAGA loyalty test.” She says this will make it even harder for Oklahoma to find teachers, as the state already has a teacher shortage.
“This MAGA loyalty test will be yet another turnoff for teachers,” Weingarten said. She accused Walters of being more interested in getting attention from Donald Trump and his supporters than in actually educating kids.
What’s In The Test?
PragerU says its mission is to promote “American values.” But critics say their materials are very conservative.
Reports suggest the test will include questions about:
The biological differences between men and women.
Agreement with the state’s history standards, which include claims that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump.
PragerU has already helped Oklahoma create new history lessons. These lessons will tell students to investigate claims of voter fraud in the election.
It is important to note that no evidence of widespread voter fraud was ever found. Multiple courts and officials, including some from Trump’s own administration, dismissed these claims.
Final Thought
This new ‘loyalty test’ will make many people talk. They will talk about politics, school, and what kids should learn.
