Oklahoma requires teachers from blue states to pass ideological test

In Oklahoma, a new requirement was introduced for teachers relocating from New York and California to pass an assessment designed to evaluate their alignment with the state’s educational values. This decision was made by Ryan Walters, the state’s superintendent of public instruction, and was implemented shortly before the upcoming school year. The test consists of about 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics like gender, U.S. government, and constitutional rights. It aims to prevent what Walters terms 'woke indoctrination' in classrooms, particularly influenced by education standards prevalent in the two blue states. The implementation of this test follows a broader trend in several U.S. states where education policies are shifting towards conservative ideologies, especially in regard to issues related to gender and identity. Walters collaborated with the conservative organization PragerU to develop the assessment, which reflects a growing concern among Oklahoma officials about the perceived influence of liberal ideologies in education. Sample questions that have been reported include queries regarding biological sex determination and the significance of religious freedom in American identity. Opponents of this initiative, including various teachers' unions and Democratic leaders, have criticized it as a loyalty test that undermines the integrity of the teaching profession. They argue that such a measure could exacerbate Oklahoma’s existing teacher shortage, which is a pressing concern given the state’s low rankings in public education and the increasing difficulties schools face in attracting qualified educators. Critics view this assessment as part of a larger effort to impose conservative beliefs within the education system, which some argue could hinder diverse perspectives and comprehensive education for students. The controversy surrounding the test has gained national attention, highlighting the divisive politics in education and the varying approaches to teaching essential subjects like history and civics across different states. As the test is rolled out, many are concerned it will lead to less qualified teachers and a less robust educational experience for students in Oklahoma.