Oklahoma’s top education official, Ryan Walters, has announced a new ideological test for teacher applicants from New York and California. The move is intended to “safeguard” Oklahoma classrooms from what Walters calls “radical leftist ideology.” The 50-question test was developed in partnership with PragerU, a conservative non-profit known for its educational videos, and will cover topics like U.S. history, civics, and gender.
The new test has been met with both support and strong criticism. While supporters say the test will ensure teachers align with “traditional American values,” opponents, including major teachers’ unions, have condemned it as a “MAGA loyalty test” and a political stunt. Critics argue the exam will not only fail to attract quality teachers but will also worsen Oklahoma’s existing teacher shortage by discouraging qualified educators from applying.
The policy highlights a growing cultural and political divide in U.S. education. While states like Oklahoma are pushing for more conservative curriculum standards, others are moving in a different direction. This decision follows previous controversial moves by Walters, including mandating the teaching of “discrepancies” in the 2020 election and an effort to place Bibles in public school classrooms.