In a move stirring up controversy, Oklahoma has unveiled a new "America First" certification test for teachers migrating from states like California and New York. The 34-question exam, which Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters describes as a reflection of "American values," is a creation of the partnership between the state and PragerU—a conservative digital media organization known for its brief educational videos. As News9 reported, Walters offers the defense for the test that it aims to steer Oklahoma's youth clear from the "radical leftist ideology."
However, critics such as the American Federation of Teachers have argued that the test functions as more of a political loyalty test rather than an educational gauge. AFT President Randi Weingarten, in a statement obtained by News9, expressed concern that this "MAGA loyalty test" could exacerbate Oklahoma's already serious teacher shortage by pushing away potential candidates. According to the same report, Weingarten called the test "yet another turnoff for teachers."
PragerU has released the full suite of questions to the public, which spans topics from U.S. presidential history to gender identity—questions that some critics view as a nod to partisan ideals rather than objective knowledge. This unveiling comes as PragerU announces their own teacher qualification test, closely mirroring Oklahoma's exam. As KOCO reports, the test mainly targets historical knowledge, but also quizzes law and Supreme Court case understanding.
Walters, never shy of words, boldly claimed, "As long as I am superintendent, Oklahoma classrooms will be safeguarded from the radical leftist ideology fostered in places like California and New York." In a statement echoed by OKC FOX, he defiantly continued, "Any teacher coming from these states will be required to pass our new PragerU assessment before receiving certification, because we refuse to let Gavin Newsom’s woke, Marxist agenda turn Oklahoma into the same dumpster fire California has become." The test, as reported by the same source, is anticipated to be implemented soon.
