Oklahoma’s “America First” Teacher Test
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
Support African Elements at patreon.com/africanelements and hear recent news in a single playlist. Additionally, you can gain early access to ad-free video content.
Oklahoma’s Ideological Teacher Test
Oklahoma is implementing an “America First” certification test for teachers, particularly those relocating from states with “progressive education policies” like California and New York. This move is spearheaded by Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who stated the test is to ensure teachers are “great teachers” and to prevent “woke, indoctrinating social justice warriors in the classroom” (time.com). He specifically cited the teaching of gender identity in other states as a motivation for the test (time.com).
Key Focus Areas of Oklahoma's Teacher Certification Test
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) partnered with PragerU to develop this assessment (koco.com). Walters stated that Oklahoma schools will not be a “haven for woke agendas pushed in places like California and New York,” and that teachers must “know the Constitution, respect what makes America great and understand basic biology” (news9.com).
Protecting Students from “Divisive Ideologies”
The new assessment is intended to protect students from “divisive ideologies” and “leftist propaganda.” Walters emphasized that the state aims to raise “a generation of patriots, not activists” (news9.com). He also stated that the test is a clear message that Oklahoma’s schools will not be a “haven for woke agendas pushed in places like California and New York” (news9.com).
The “America First” certification test, developed in partnership with PragerU, is designed to assess ideological alignment for teachers relocating to Oklahoma from states with “progressive education policies.” The test will evaluate educators on their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, their understanding of “American exceptionalism,” and their grasp of “fundamental biological differences between boys and girls” (metroweekly.com; durantdemocrat.com). Superintendent Ryan Walters stated the test material would be “very straight forward, very matter-of-fact, very common sense” (snopes.com). The test aims to ensure that teachers align with Oklahoma’s commitment to “truth, patriotism, and core values” and prevent schools from becoming a “haven for woke agendas” (durantdemocrat.com).
Defining “Progressive Education Policies”
While “progressive education policies” and “radical leftist ideology” are not explicitly defined, the context of the “America First” certification test suggests they encompass concepts that Oklahoma’s Superintendent Ryan Walters labels as “woke agendas.” These include ideologies pushed in states like California and New York, which are seen as contrary to Oklahoma’s “truth, patriotism, and core values” (metroweekly.com; durantdemocrat.com). The test aims to prevent the teaching of “divisive ideologies” and ensure classrooms remain places of learning, not “indoctrination” (durantdemocrat.com).
Implementation Timeline of Oklahoma's Teacher Test
The phrase “woke, indoctrinating social justice warriors” is used by Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters to characterize the type of educators and ideologies the “America First” certification test aims to exclude from Oklahoma schools. While not explicitly defined, the context suggests it refers to teachers who promote “woke agendas” or “divisive ideologies” that are seen as contrary to Oklahoma’s “truth, patriotism, and core values” (durantdemocrat.com). The test is a direct response to what Walters perceives as “woke agendas pushed in places like California and New York” (metroweekly.com; durantdemocrat.com).
PragerU’s Role in Test Development
PragerU, a conservative media organization, has partnered with the Oklahoma State Department of Education to develop the “America First” certification test (durantdemocrat.com). PragerU is known for creating educational content from a conservative viewpoint, often focusing on topics like American exceptionalism and traditional values. This partnership suggests that the test content will reflect PragerU’s ideological stance, aligning with Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters’ goal of combating “woke agendas” and promoting an “America First” education (durantdemocrat.com).
The “America First” certification test will include an assessment of teachers’ understanding of “fundamental biological differences between boys and girls” (metroweekly.com; durantdemocrat.com). This emphasis suggests a rejection of gender identity concepts that deviate from a binary understanding of sex. Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters has explicitly stated that the test will include “a refusal to recognize transgender identity as valid,” indicating that “basic biology” in this context refers to a traditional, sex-assigned-at-birth understanding, and that gender identity education will be excluded or challenged (metroweekly.com).
The test’s focus on “fundamental biological differences” and its explicit rejection of transgender identity align with a broader conservative agenda to limit discussions of gender and sexuality in schools. This approach could significantly impact LGBTQ+ students and educators, potentially creating an unwelcoming environment. Furthermore, it raises questions about the breadth of scientific understanding promoted, as modern biology recognizes the complexity of sex and gender beyond a simple binary.
Legal and Procedural Concerns
The implementation of this test has raised concerns and criticisms. Heather Peske, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality, suggested that such a test “could be a deterrent for some teachers moving to Oklahoma who don’t want to get embroiled in politics” (edweek.org). The state education agency did not clarify how states other than California and New York would be chosen to fall under the new requirements, beyond those with “progressive education policies” or “radical Leftist ideology” (edweek.org).
There is uncertainty about whether the finalized test needed to be brought before the state board, with one board member asking for legal documentation on the matter (snopes.com). While the specific legal framework and approval process for the “America First” certification test are not fully detailed, it has been reported that several of Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters’ fellow board members raised questions about the test (snopes.com). The test is specifically aimed at teachers relocating from states with “progressive education policies,” such as California and New York, implying these states are targeted due to their perceived “woke agendas” (durantdemocrat.com). The test is being rolled out by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, led by Superintendent Ryan Walters (metroweekly.com).
Key Criticisms of Oklahoma's Teacher Certification Test
- Potential to deter teachers from moving to Oklahoma, especially from targeted states.
- Unclear criteria for selecting “progressive” states beyond California and New York.
- Uncertainty regarding the need for state board approval for the test.
- Concerns that the test targets LGBTQ+ educators and progressive values.
- Potential to exacerbate existing teacher shortages in Oklahoma.
Impact on Teacher Recruitment
Concerns have been raised that the “America First” certification test could deter teachers from moving to Oklahoma, especially from states with “progressive education policies.” This is particularly relevant given Oklahoma’s existing statewide teacher shortage (metroweekly.com). Critics suggest the test targets LGBTQ+ educators and progressive values, which could further marginalize queer youth and educators and potentially exacerbate teacher recruitment challenges (audacy.com).
The test is expected to be in place by the start of the 2025-26 school year (edweek.org). However, the department did not clarify whether out-of-state educators hired for the 2025-26 school year will have to pass the new requirement before starting this fall (edweek.org). The “America First” certification test was reportedly ready to be rolled out “within the next two weeks or so” in early August 2025 (snopes.com). The test is set to roll out before the 2025 school year (audacy.com). However, Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters did not provide exact information about who would be required to take the test or specific enforcement procedures (snopes.com).
African American History and Social Justice
The “America First” certification test emphasizes “American exceptionalism” and aims to protect students from “divisive ideologies” and “woke agendas.” While not explicitly detailing its stance on African American history, systemic racism, or social justice topics, the test’s stated goals suggest a potential impact on how these subjects are taught. The focus on “truth, patriotism, and core values” as defined by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and PragerU could lead to a curriculum that de-emphasizes or reframes discussions on these topics, aligning with a conservative interpretation of history and societal issues.
This approach raises significant concerns for African American communities and those who advocate for a comprehensive understanding of history. The omission of specific guidelines on teaching topics like the Civil Rights Movement, slavery, or systemic inequalities could result in a whitewashed curriculum that ignores critical aspects of American history and the ongoing struggles for justice. Such a test could effectively silence discussions on racial injustice, limiting students’ ability to critically engage with complex societal issues and understand the diverse experiences that shape the nation.
Potential for Bias and Limited Perspectives
The partnership with PragerU, a conservative media organization, inherently introduces a specific ideological bias into the teacher certification process. PragerU’s content often presents a particular viewpoint on historical events and social issues, which may not align with diverse academic perspectives or the experiences of various cultural groups. This collaboration could lead to a test that prioritizes a narrow interpretation of American history and values, potentially marginalizing educators who hold different viewpoints or specialize in areas like critical race theory or multicultural education.
Furthermore, the emphasis on “American exceptionalism” and a rejection of “woke agendas” could discourage teachers from exploring nuanced or critical analyses of American history, including its flaws and challenges. This could limit the intellectual freedom of educators and restrict the range of perspectives presented to students, hindering their ability to develop critical thinking skills and a comprehensive understanding of the world. The test’s design appears to favor ideological conformity over academic rigor and intellectual diversity.
The Broader Educational Context
Oklahoma’s decision to implement this “America First” test comes at a time when the state faces significant educational challenges. Despite a statewide teacher shortage, the focus appears to be on ideological vetting rather than addressing fundamental issues like teacher retention, funding, or student outcomes. Critics argue that prioritizing a “MAGA loyalty test” over practical educational needs distracts from the real work of improving schools and supporting students.
The potential for this test to deter qualified teachers, especially those from states with different educational philosophies, could exacerbate existing shortages and further impact the quality of education in Oklahoma. Instead of attracting a diverse pool of talent, the state risks alienating educators who value intellectual freedom, inclusivity, and a comprehensive approach to learning. Ultimately, the students of Oklahoma may bear the brunt of these politically motivated policies, potentially receiving an education that is ideologically constrained rather than intellectually expansive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
