Unveiling the 'America First' Teacher Assessment
Oklahoma's education landscape has been thrust into the national spotlight with the introduction of a new 'America First' certification test for teachers moving to the state, particularly targeting those from California and New York. Spearheaded by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, this 34-question exam, developed in collaboration with the conservative advocacy group PragerU, aims to filter out what Walters describes as 'woke agendas' in education. Announced earlier this year, the test became publicly available recently, igniting discussions about ideological bias in public schools.
Walters has been vocal about his intent to ensure that Oklahoma's classrooms prioritize patriotic values over activist ideologies. He stated, 'Oklahoma's schools will not be a haven for woke agendas. We are raising a generation of patriots, not activists.' The test covers topics such as the U.S. Constitution and historical perspectives, with the goal of aligning incoming educators with what Walters calls 'America First values.'
Criticism and Legal Concerns Surrounding the Test
The rollout of the 'America First' assessment has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the test represents an overreach of authority and may violate state law. A report from the Oklahoma State Department of Education suggested that implementing such an ideological screening could contradict existing legal frameworks, raising questions about its future viability.
Moreover, despite Walters's claims that the test will effectively screen out teachers with progressive biases, recent analyses have revealed that the exam is structured in a way that makes it nearly impossible to fail. This has led to accusations that the initiative is more of a political statement or marketing tool for PragerU's conservative content than a genuine barrier to entry. Posts found on social media platforms like X have echoed this sentiment, with some users calling it a publicity stunt rather than a substantive policy measure.
The partnership with PragerU has also drawn scrutiny, as the organization is known for promoting conservative viewpoints through educational materials. Critics worry that this collaboration could steer public education toward partisan indoctrination, contrary to the diversity of thought many believe schools should foster.
Broader Implications for Education in Oklahoma
The introduction of the 'America First' test comes at a time when Oklahoma's education system is already grappling with challenges such as teacher shortages, low salaries, and poor national rankings. Some observers argue that focusing on ideological screenings diverts attention and resources from addressing these systemic issues. The debate over the test has even permeated discussions in the state's gubernatorial race, with GOP figures like Charles McCall and Gentner Drummond criticizing Walters's approach while proposing alternative education reforms.
As this policy unfolds, its impact on teacher recruitment remains uncertain. While Walters claims that over 16,000 individuals have taken and passed the test, there is little clarity on how many of these participants are actively seeking employment in Oklahoma or will ultimately be hired. The long-term effects on the state's ability to attract qualified educators, especially amidst existing shortages, are yet to be seen, leaving many to wonder if this initiative will strengthen or further strain Oklahoma's public education system.